No More Effexor ?!!?

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Bonnygg
Bonnygg Member Posts: 115
edited June 2014 in Life After Breast Cancer
I've been taking Effexor 37.5 for two years for the nasty night sweats. I just got a refill and my drug store (Walgreens) informed me that they can no longer fill my Rx because it is no longer mfgr'd!!!!

Has anyone heard of this?

I've tried the generic, but it doesn't help the night sweats.

I tried the Wyeth web site and no info there.

I know there is the Effexor XR, but I'm not on that one. I'm on the little peach pill that looks like a shield.

bonny
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  • CasinoGirl
    CasinoGirl Member Posts: 673
    edited August 2007
    I have been taking 75 mg Effexor for about 2 years, but haven't heard anything about it not being mfg anymore! Geez - I tried weening off of it a few months ago and it wasn't pretty! I was very anxious, moody etc.

    Thanks for sharing, I'll have to do some research.
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  • neva4
    neva4 Member Posts: 16
    edited August 2007

    I just renewed my prescription of Effexor on 7/28/07

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  • roseg
    roseg Member Posts: 3,133
    edited August 2007

    Maybe go someplace besides Walgreens?

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  • Dar1
    Dar1 Member Posts: 146
    edited August 2007

    We have a drug store here that will mix your prescription - I'm not sure exactly how that works, but perhaps you could find a pharmacist that would provide the smaller dosage? I started on Effexor in June and the dr. gave me a sample package to start that included the 37.5. And it's not only BC patients using the smaller dose for hot flashes - it's being prescribed for many menopausal women. In fact, I read an article in the Globe yesterday that the manufacturer is promoting it for hot flashes - seems odd that they'd quit making it. I'd explore further.

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  • wallan
    wallan Member Posts: 1,275
    edited August 2007
    Well I sure hope its being manufactured or I am in big trouble

    Wendy A
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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited August 2007

    Uh, I'd be very surprised if they stopped manufacturing it. It would have been all over the news if so. Call another pharmacy. I'm on the XR.

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  • roseg
    roseg Member Posts: 3,133
    edited August 2007
    I sent the "Angry Pharmacist" a question.

    He'll know if he's had a bunch of flashing gals showing up and complaining about their meds.
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  • Member_of_the_Club
    Member_of_the_Club Member Posts: 3,646
    edited August 2007

    Is there any reason why you don't want to take the effexor ER? I assume that stands for extended release and it may be replacing the original effexor because it is better.

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  • Poppy
    Poppy Member Posts: 405
    edited August 2007
    Yikes! I get my scrips filled at Walgreens too but I get the generic effexor.
    Hugs
    Erica
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  • Bonnygg
    Bonnygg Member Posts: 115
    edited August 2007
    I suspect that the plain Effexor is being replaced with the Effexor XR (aka extended release). But what a shocker.

    Thanks for the recommendations.

    bonny
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  • saluki
    saluki Member Posts: 2,287
    edited August 2007
    It doesn't really pay to keep producing it since they no longer have an exclusive patent---

    Whats worse is that many health plans are taking Effexor XR
    out of their formularies and saying they will only pay for generic Effexor----When there will not be a Generic Effexor XR
    available till 2010 when the patent will be up for that as well---

    Michael Moore is right.
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  • jbettie
    jbettie Member Posts: 19
    edited August 2007
    oh no no no. I will not let it go! Effexor XR for life!

    Had to actually increase my dosage from 75 mg to 150 mg of the xr just so that i could keep it together at work. I made that decision shortly after i jumped down my co-workers throat for having the audacity to ask me a question at 4:30 on a friday. it was simply not a pretty sight.

    Hot Flashes? HA! They're still here. But my mood is so much more stabilized, that i actually feel somewhat sane. What a relief! I don't know WHAT i would do without my friend, effexor!
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  • midoubi
    midoubi Member Posts: 16
    edited August 2007
    Is there really a difference between the generic and non-generic Effexor?
    I got my prescription but haven't gotten it filled yet.
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  • christineK
    christineK Member Posts: 1,265
    edited August 2007
    I started w/ the lo-dose for 2 wks only. Up to the 75XR and the pharm, told me I was lucky to have the XR, it is released more slowly, which I guess is a good thing. Hot flashes are rare for me now, unless I miss a day by mistake, which I know is weird, because it should still be in my system. I am grateful for the help it has given me.
    p.s. I go to Walgreens too, isn't there one on every corner!
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  • Paulette531
    Paulette531 Member Posts: 738
    edited August 2007
    Quote:

    I have been taking 75 mg Effexor for about 2 years, but haven't heard anything about it not being mfg anymore! Geez - I tried weening off of it a few months ago and it wasn't pretty! I was very anxious, moody etc.

    Thanks for sharing, I'll have to do some research.





    A few times I missed some doses and I went stark raving mad. I don't know how people come off it. I think it has changed my body chemistry. When I say stark raving mad, I am not kidding!
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  • lam
    lam Member Posts: 202
    edited August 2007
    I am considering effexor for my horrible night sweats. I am just terrified of the side effects. I am trying not to throw any more drugs into my body. However my sleep is really being impacted by the restless nights. Is anyone aware of something other than effexor? Thanks ladies!

    Hugs,
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  • iodine
    iodine Member Posts: 4,289
    edited August 2007

    I had no side effects from it except to take away hot flashes and night sweats.

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  • lam
    lam Member Posts: 202
    edited August 2007
    How long did you take it for Iodine? Do you still take it. I have read that you have to wean yourself off of the drug and that some women have a horrible time with this. Thanks for you input, always appreciate your support.

    Hugs,
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  • LiveForToday
    LiveForToday Member Posts: 311
    edited August 2007
    Question....what time of the day do you girls take the Effexor? I just started taking it and I have been taking it in the morning but am having lots of restlessness and sleeplessness at night. Is this a side effect and does it get better??

    Sherry
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  • LiveForToday
    LiveForToday Member Posts: 311
    edited August 2007

    bumping up girls, I need an answer!

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  • HildaROTB
    HildaROTB Member Posts: 13
    edited August 2007
    I felt the same way you did but just can not take the hot flashes and night sweats....so started taking it 3 weeks ago. I am now at 75 and doing well. The hot flashes and night sweats are getting better. Don't seem to have any side effects so far.
    I take it in the AM. I sleep better then I did before starting.
    Take care,
    Hilda
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  • tflowers
    tflowers Member Posts: 442
    edited August 2007

    I have been taking it for over a year now. I take it 2x a day. I take XR 75mg. Maybe in the next year I can start to get off, but who knows.

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  • stacey2930
    stacey2930 Member Posts: 210
    edited August 2007

    Les-Ann I am like you I am scared of the side effects!

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  • lam
    lam Member Posts: 202
    edited August 2007
    Hi Stacey,
    I guess you have also heard of some of the scary side effects that can occur. I have decided to live with the hot flashes - my body has gone through enough damage and I don't want to put anymore drugs into it. However for the women who do choose to use it I'm really happy it's out there for them
    Hugs,
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  • nycmom
    nycmom Member Posts: 61
    edited August 2007
    I take 75 also in the morning. I have read about scary SE when going off--I think one has to go off slowly and taper under medical supervision, not just stop cold turkey.

    PS If you can get 37.5 and 37.5 that would equal 75, right?
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  • CasinoGirl
    CasinoGirl Member Posts: 673
    edited August 2007
    I take 75mg in the morning. I don't know if it interrupts my sleep or not, because I was already a part-time insomniac.

    I still have hot flashes out the wazoo. It's embarrassing to be in a meeting and feel a bead of sweat (or 2) running down the side of your face. I can't even imagine what they might be like without Effexor.
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  • iodine
    iodine Member Posts: 4,289
    edited August 2007
    I am off it and have been for a long time. I took in the AM, it will keep you awake. If its the XR, it's to last all day and should be taken in the AM<.
    When you go off it, it should be weaned and you should be fine. Only a few have had major problems. I didn't even wean and had no problems.
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  • midoubi
    midoubi Member Posts: 16
    edited August 2007
    Hi Dotti,

    Sorry this might have been asked and I did some google but still can't really understand. What is the real difference between the regular and the XR? I know XR stands for extended release, so it releases to the body slower right? Does that mean it would have less side effects?

    I got my prescription and tried one a few night ago. I took it before bed. Oh my, I was tossed and turned the whole night and had nightmares. I barely had any sleep and felt very groggy. The next day I went to work, I could not stay awake. I fell asleep in my cube so many times!!! So I am a bit scared and I haven't taken it again.

    I got the generic regular Effexor 75 mg.
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  • iodine
    iodine Member Posts: 4,289
    edited August 2007
    Hi, XR is, as you say extended release: meaning over 24 hours so you take only one time per day. That means the blood levels remain the same over a 24 hour period. The regular med is meant to be taken twice a day so it peaks at about hour 6 and the curve then goes down to nothing at hour 12 when you take another dose. Then the curve of the blood level starts going up again to hour 6 when it peaks again and then stars going down again. (is that about as clear as mud??? LOL) With the XR, you don't have the peaks and valleys or curves. It really doesn't change side effects, I dont' think.??Just a smoother release.
    The major thing is with an antidepressant: take it in the morning: very important! It will keep you awake. The other most important think is to gradually increase the dose: start very small and then go to the therapeutic dose for YOU. It varies with each person.
    Most people start with about half the dose you took for several day or a week or two and then 75 for a week or so and then 150. Then they feel real results of no flashes or sweats. Your body has to adjust to the med.
    If this isn't clear, don't hesitate to ask more questions, I'm here for you!
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