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Menopause (Expert Forum)
Antidepressants and irregular mentrual bleeding
Answered by
Machelle Seibel, MD - Women's Health, menopause, ReproductiveMedicine
University of Massachusetts Medical School
MA
Questions in the Menopause forum are answered by Dr. Machelle Seibel. Topics covered include menopause issues, depression, hormone replacement therapy, hot flashes, joint or muscle problems, memory problems, mood swings, osteoporosis, sexual problems, skin changes, sleeping problems, vaginal problems, and weight problems.
Antidepressants and irregular mentrual bleeding
by sal222, Sep 06, 2006 12:00AM
I've been taking Effexor XR for approx 6 months now. Over the past 3 months I've been having mid cycle bleeding and have gained a considerable amount of weight. Is it possible the medication could be causing these side effects? I'm waiting to get in to see my doctor.
Doctor's Answer
by Machelle Seibel, MD, Sep 08, 2006 12:00AM
, Sep 08, 2006 12:00AM
A. Common side effects of Effexor are drowsiness, blurred vision, lightheadedness, strange dreams, constipation, fever/chills, headache, increased or decreased appetite, tremor, dry mouth, nausea. In men it can effect ejaculation and in men and women can have an effect on orgasm. It is possible that Effexor can cause weight gain due to an increased appetite and midcycle bleeding could be due to increased weight gain. Some people who are depressed eat more and gain weight even if they are not on a medication. And as mentioned, weight gain can affect ones cycles.
Try to keep a log of what you eat. Mark it in a diary and show it to your doctor when you get in to see him or her. You may notice an increase in what you are eating or realize you are eating foods that contain a lot of calories. At your visit you will be more prepared to discuss this problem. If the weight gain is too great and your are feeling better, another drug might be in order.
Machelle M. Seibel, MD
Try to keep a log of what you eat. Mark it in a diary and show it to your doctor when you get in to see him or her. You may notice an increase in what you are eating or realize you are eating foods that contain a lot of calories. At your visit you will be more prepared to discuss this problem. If the weight gain is too great and your are feeling better, another drug might be in order.
Machelle M. Seibel, MD
I went for an ultra sound last month and they detected a small cyst on my right ovary. The ultrasound technician told me that these cysts are common and they won't remove it unless it becomes larger. Over the past few weeks I've been having sharp cramping in my lower right side pelvic area as well as increased bleeding. Could this cyst be the cause of the bleeding and cramping? I can't get in to see my doctor for a few more weeks and I've already visited walk-in clinics but have not been able to get any answers. They did prescribe projesterone pills, but they did not help the bleeding.
Any more info or advice would be appreciated. Thanks.