Effexor

[lvfrogs]

I went to a new primary today and she told me that she wanted me to consider taking Effexor - she said I should research it and let her know. I wanted to see if anyone on here knew about it.  Also, she thought that going to a Rhuematologist probably wouldn't help me with my CFS and I wanted to know your thoughts on that! Thank you!

[dai3symae]

I think you are wise not disrespectful.  I review my meds regularly to see what I really need and what I don't need to take anymore.

Good luck, I hope you get answers and relief.

Sandy

[lvfrogs]

I am with you there - I want the "I just want my life back disease".  I am currently seeing 6 specialists and besides the dermatologist, the other's still don't know what is wrong or keep taking the watch and see approach. I think if they felt like I did, they wouldn't be "watching and seeing". I have watched for 4 years now!  I am sorry to see that you have gone through so much also.

to Sandy:  I understand. If it comes to the point that I have to take an AD, I will. I mean no disrespect to anyone who takes one. I am just trying to hold off - I do that with all drugs. I try to take as little as possible. Thanks for your comments on the Wellbutrin. I have heard the same things from others, so I appreciate that!

and Phtartist - thank you also. You have confirmed what I seem to be hearing from everybody about Wellbutrin and Effexor.  It helps to know all of this and make an informed choice. Luckily, my doctor will be willing to listen. I finally found a primary that will!

Thanks everybody!

[Phtartist]

I was on Effexor for two years and Wellbutrin along with it.  Now that I'm off Effexor, the Wellbutrin alone is still working just fine.  
The HORROR of going off any Serotonin reuptake inhibitor is something to consider.
The action of the norepinephrine in Wellbutrin is the same as is in the Effexor minus the Serotonin.
I cannot use a serotonin drug.

Wellbutrin works on Dopamine for a lift and N for pain reduction. I say go for that.  It helps with obcessions and does not put on weight.
AND once I got off the darn Effexor my libido returned.

[dai3symae]

I don't take the wellbutrin for FM.  I have dysthymia, which is chronic low level depression.  My experience has been that wellbutrin didn't impact my sex drive and I haven't gained weight (didn't lose any either although some people do).  

For me, I have fewer migraines when I take wellbutrin and I haven't had a serious muscle spasm (from the FM) in several years so I think it helps with the FM also.

A note of caution if you consider taking wellbutrin....I only take the brand never the generic.  The generic (from Teva pharm) has serious problems with the time release of the drug which can cause serious problems.....check the FDA website.

I would rather not take any of the AD's but have finally accepted that in my situation it is necessary.  

Sandy

[kit8dog2]

I have to tell you these conditions are so questionable to doctors.  I've seen neuros, and been tested in different areas; infectious diseases, spinal cord problems, .   but would not cause this.  Some nerve conduction tests that are off, but would not cause this.  Even one time after a slew of MRIs that I had a bone spur at the cervical level...but after a few repeated MRI's not touching the cord.  Anyway, the best I've found so far, who actually follow along with you and try to help you every step of the way, rather then do nothing or just run more tests... is my Rhumtologists.   There diagnostic doctors.  They want to help you ease your pain.   I've also been told by John Hopkins (at the time I was diagnosed with Transverse Myletis..long story,) as I talked to them via email regarding the TM and was told I was in the recovery stages and the best doctor to see was a pain management doctor, not a neuro or a rhumatologist.   All of these conditions are so similiar...one thing off here, one thing off there can throw you into a whole new different diagnosis.  I was recentlry diagnosed with FM... You know what...I don't want this either, lol. I think I'd like something curable. So I opt to "Just give me my life back disease"  thats the condition I want!

[lvfrogs]

Thank you VaBreeze and Sandy.  I think at this point that I probably won't take any AD medication.  I wonder sometimes if all the side effects aren't worse than the condition you take the medicine for.  I don't have fibromyalgia (although I have had some weird painful sensations that I think might be connected) but my CFS is pretty bad.  Since i already haved the rheumatologist appt. I am still going to go see him, but thanks to this forum and you all, I am not going unprepared and I think that will be extremely helpful.

Sandy,
Do you feel the side effects of Wellbutrun outweigh the symptoms you have? Does it help the Fibromyalgia pain. What about fatigue? I know these are alot of questions. I just don't want to jump into anything and I don't like what I am reading, especially the low sex drive, lol. I just got married 4 months ago!

Thanks for all your help,
Colleen

[dai3symae]

Hi...I've never taken Effexor....but I've taken Elavil, Paxil, Zoloft, Cymbalta, and Wellbutrin so I know a little something about the benefits and side effects of AD's.

Most AD's will lower your sex drive to almost zero (except wellbutrin and I wonder about it sometimes) and cause weight gain.  When I took cymbalta I had extreme fatigue (slept the whole time I was on it) as well as constipation and dry mouth.  Sometimes an AD will work great in the beginning and then just quit or really strange side effects will begin.  For me...after taking zoloft successfully for 9 years it began to give me rage attacks.  

Getting off of an AD can be long and drawn out.  The AD effects your brain for a long time after you stop taking it, so you may get electric shock feelings in your head....it's not painful, just really strange.

On the positive side...for some effexor works great without too many negative side effects and it takes effect fairly quickly.

On a personal note....after much trial and error, I take wellbutrin.  I get the best relief of my symptoms with the least side effects.

I see my primary for everything (smart doc who listens).  I went to a rhuematologist years ago who misdiagnosed my fibromyalgia as osteoarthritis.  I took vioxx for several years for a condition I didn't have because the "specialist" didn't order the most basic of diagnostic tests.  So...I'm not the best person to advise on that subject.

Good Luck.....I hope you get relief soon
Sandy

[VaBreeze]

Hi -

I've taken Effexor previously and found I couldn't stay on it.  The only caution I can give you regarding this is, if you are currently taking any other type of pain medication, check with your pharmacist about potential interactions.  When I mixed Effexor with Ultram it caused seizure-like activity.  However, taken alone it may have done well.  

I'm not sure about the CFS and a rheumatologist.  You could contact a rheumy and inquire if he/she would treat it and then move on from there.  

Best of luck lvfrogs.  Take care.