Tamoxifen/Effexor

Before resorting to another drug, anyone taking 20mg. tablet of Tamox. should first ask for a script for the 10 mg. tablets and split the dosage into one in the morning and one in the late afternoon/early evening (not right before bed.)  This alone sometimes diminishes the flashes and night sweats.

I do take Effexor and Tamox.  I first tried gabapentin (Neurontin) because that drug has fewer interactions and the S/E's seemed slightly more tolerable AND it is easier to wean off of.  If anyone is considering Effexor, I would suggest that you give gabapentin a try first as it works for many.  I did not tolerate the gabapentin well, so my second choice was Effexor.  I take EffexorXR "off-label" for pain issues, not depresssion and only secondarily to reduce hot flashes.  This does work for me.  The flashes are fewer and milder.  I do think it levels off the high and low ends of my moods, which is o.k., but it is noticeable to me.  I lost a few pounds at the start of taking it.  The bad thing about Effexor is that it has a short half-life.  If you miss a dose, it can trigger a headache or some of the withdrawl feelings.  I am not really a fan of Effexor and dread ever having to wean off of it, as I am aware of the "brain zaps.".  Anyone considering Effexor for hot flashes should take the lowest possible dosage for this reason.

Effexor has been studied extensively.  Here is a list of the S/E's for easy reference, and the percentage of people affected:

• Nausea -- in up to 35 percent of people
• Insomnia -- up to 23 percent (see Effexor XR and Insomnia)
• Loss of appetite -- up to 20 percent (see Does Effexor XR Have Anorexia Effects?)
• Dizziness -- up to 20 percent
• Weakness -- up to 17 percent
• Drowsiness -- up to 17 percent
• Dry mouth -- up to 17 percent (see Effexor XR and Dry Mouth)
• Ejaculation problems -- up to 16 percent (see Sexual Side Effects From Effexor XR)
• Increased sweating -- up to 14 percent
• Nervousness -- up to 11 percent
• Constipation -- up to 10 percent
• Impotence -- up to 10 percent (see Effexor XR and Impotence)
• A decreased sex drive (libido) -- up to 9 percent
• Orgasm problems (in women) 8 percent
• Abnormal dreams -- up to 7 percent
• Weight loss -- up to 7 percent  (see Effexor XR and Weight Loss)
• Vision changes -- up to 6 percent
• Diarrhea -- up to 6 percent.
   

• Weight gain (see Effexor XR and Weight Gain)
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Vomiting
• Shakiness (tremors)
• Anxiety
• Flushing (redness of the skin, especially the face)
• Gas
• Agitation
• Abdominal pain (or stomach pain)
• Depression
• Abnormal sensations, such as tingling or pricking (paresthesias)

Finally, for those taking the Benadryl, check out the interaction for yourself at drugs.com.  The active ingredient to be avoided is diphenhydramine, which is in many allergy and cold preparations.  It competes for the liver enzyme used to metabolize Tamox.

Hmm, guess I'm really bad. I take 20mg of Tamox, effexor, ambien & gaba. I am also taking Loraz, which I am trying to get off if I ever quit having a reason to take it (OH, and the vicadon)