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1100837 tn?1267668675

Provigil and Effexor XR

Hey all,
The Psychiatrist said he was willing to treat the symptoms that I'm experiencing from the RA and FMS with Provigil (for fatigue) and Effexor XR (for pain).  What do you all think?

Leila
4 Responses
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1100837 tn?1267668675
Yes.  My new dr gave me Plaquenil for RA.  I was on Methotrexate for several months and it did not have any positive effect on my pain.  It did however cause my hair to fall out (not unusal for chemo-like medis) and it caused my liver function and hepatic function blood values to become elevated and abnormal so the new dr took me off of it.  Prior to going on it, I was dx with reflux and a hiatal hernia.  Methotrexate is notorious on the digestive system according to the research.  I fought like heck for the previous dr to give me a different med before he ever prescribed it but he insisted I did not know what I was talking about.  After I got sick from it, I found a new Rheumy who would listen to me and take my feelings and knowledge of myself into account.  I just started Plaquenil a few weeks ago but she said we won't know if it works until January (takes about 6 - 8 wks to see results).  She also said if I'm not feel better by Jan, she will discontinue this one too.  Sometimes I have really weird dreams but nothing that scares me out of my mind so I can deal with it.  Being sensitive to the Spirit of God, I'm used to having dreams that are out of the ordinary.  This has been happening for years, these Plaquenil dreams just have more of a Sci-fy tone.  (I like Star-Trek - LOL).

Right now my pain is in my feet, ankles, knees, shoulders, wrists and fingers.  My head hurts a lot because of the pain in my neck.  X-rays do show arthritis in my cervical and lumbar spine too but I think it might be osteoarthritis, which hurts just as bad.  
The Plaquenil (400 mg./day) is not hurting my stomach at all so that's a plus.  It does make me very sleepy  so the dr told me I could take it at night.  I try to take it around 7 or 8pm becuase I have to get up at 4:30 am for work. It does mean, however, that I fall asleep around 8 pm, and miss all my good TV shows - lol - but what did they says years ago, "a girl's got to do what a girl's got to do". LOL

You have a blessed day.  Stay in touch.  I enjoy talking to someone who understands.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Provigil, ritalin and adderal are all central nervous system stiumlants.  Provigil acts similiar to other sympathomimetics, like amphetamines, but it doesn't mess with norepinephrine/dopamine to produce cns stiumlation.  The actual mechanism is unknown.  It is prescribed to promote wakefulness.  I am not sure about the attention issue.  Maybe being more awake in general will help you.  I am not sure if they use it for attention deficit like the others.  I would definitely start there.  I have heard people have great results with it and I would believe that it is safer than actual stiumlants.  

Unfortunately, I was started on Adderall and I think it might be one of the strongest stimulants.  It is a combination drug.  When I tried the two others, they just didn't give me enough wakefulness.  (I don't think Adderall is even prescribed in Canada because of side effects.)

Did the dr. start you out on Plaquenil for RA?  I was given Methotrexate.  I haven't been able to start it because I have an open sore on my finger.  I have been miserable lately and look forward to some relief.  

Helpful - 0
1100837 tn?1267668675
Thank you for the words of encouragement. What were your experiences with Ritalin, Provigil?  How is Adderall different? Should I just expect to not feel sleepy or is it also going to help me remain focused, for instance when I'm in a meeting and have to participate in the discussion?

The Savella 12.5mg made me sleepy from Day 1.  When I took ity with the Plaquenil, I felt more sleepy, nauseated and woozy (if that's a real word) LOL.

Thanks for sharing with me.  I see this dr on Dec 8th and I want to go in with enough amunition to make an educated decision regarding the medicines I can tolerate and the results I'm looking for.


Thank you again.  Trying to hang in there.  I'm only 51 and single.  No one here to take care of me if I don't work.

Until Later,
Leila
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Leila, so glad that you have found someone to help you out. I don't know how you still stay fully employed in the stressful job that you have.  I have been reading your posts and admire your strength.

Hopefully the combination works for you.  I take Adderall for the fatique and it works the best for me.  I have tried provigil and ritalin in the past.  

Savella is what I am using for the parathesia type pain.  It has worked extremly well for me without any side effects.  Which is wild because everything makes me sleepy and the Savella doesn't.  (I also have narcolepsy)

I am not tried Effexor for pain.  I know that other have suggested other meds.  The only other one I can recommend would be neurotin.  I know quite a few people that use it for pain with great success.  (just an option if effexor doesn't help).

It will take a good 6 weeks to find out if effexor will help, so hang in there.  I think you will find the provigil will help you out right away.

Good luck.  Hope all will help you quickly..
Karen
Helpful - 0
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