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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
Effexor Side Effects?
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.
Effexor Side Effects?
by seven7, Jul 12, 2004 12:00AM
My Oncologist prescribed Effexor 75 X a year ago when I told him how bad my hot spells were. (I had had a mastectomy, chemo and radiation and was on Tamoxifen 20.)
Now, a year later, I would like to, at least, reduce to 37.50, or just quit the drug altogether. I am very foggy headed and unsure on my feet. I fall easily and believe this all could be due to the effexor. (I do not need it for depression. ) I am doing fine two years after surgery. Tests showed no more cancer anywhere.
I might add that I am 70 years old, and still quite active in society. I have also had inner ear problems for over 20 years, which consisted of ear noises, fullness and my having dizzy spells, which was diagonosed as Meiners. But all this has gotten much worse since I started the Effexor.
Now, a year later, I would like to, at least, reduce to 37.50, or just quit the drug altogether. I am very foggy headed and unsure on my feet. I fall easily and believe this all could be due to the effexor. (I do not need it for depression. ) I am doing fine two years after surgery. Tests showed no more cancer anywhere.
I might add that I am 70 years old, and still quite active in society. I have also had inner ear problems for over 20 years, which consisted of ear noises, fullness and my having dizzy spells, which was diagonosed as Meiners. But all this has gotten much worse since I started the Effexor.
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-JS, Jul 12, 2004 12:00AM
Dear seven7, If the only use of the Effexor was to control the hot flashes, they are well controlled and other problems are happening due to the medication it makes sense to reevaluate the use of the Effexor. It is best to proceed with any type of tapering with your oncologists supervision. Also making sure that your oncologist is aware of these other symptoms you are experiencing to evaluate for other problems that may be contributing to your symptoms.
I've heard that the side effects of these drugs are a lot less than tamoxifen and work just as well if not better than tamoxifen, although hot flashes is still a side effect, they may be less.
Also, remember, you are the one in control. If you want to stop taking a drug it's your choice, of course, however, make sure you stop it in accordance with their doses, most medicines you have to ween yourself off of, especially if you have been on them a long time.