Effexor 75 rx

[lilspitfire]

I am an ovarian cancer survivor (yay me!).   At any rate... I was put into immediate, surgical menopause.  Meaningt I went to sleep pre-menopausal and woke up post.    Being I had cancer, my doctor will not treat me with hormone replacement.   I am fine with that, and was put on Effexor 75 rx.  When I first started taking it, I felt like a zombie, but convinced myself to continue longer, and hope the side effects would subside, as they did.    So, for a while, the hot flashes subsided and my moods seemed to be consistent.    However... it's been 2 months, and I talked with my doctor.   I told her that it seemed to be ok, but the hot flashes are starting back up, and I'm finding myself (quite the social butterfly) wanting to be home, alone, more than out with my friends.   I looked at my November calendar and I had cancelled most all my plans.  NOT ME!   She agreed, and said because of the short time I was on them, to just take it every other day, for a week, and then stop.  Well, I have these jolts going on, in my brain.   Like lil spasms, or electrical shortages, if you will.   The pharmacist did confirm that this is a side effect, but for how long???    Any advice on what to do to ease them?  My daughter, who is going to school for nursing suggested taking Advil just to see if it might interact with my brain waves.   Nope, no help.

[ettebette]

I'm SO GLAD to hear this.  I knew with time, you would feel better.  Hurray for you!  Keep up the good work!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Love and many blessings,

Ellen

[lilspitfire]

Thank you for your input.   I am doing MUCH better.  Thank goodness!!!

[therese83]

I gave it up different side effects lasted 3 weeks

good luck

[lilspitfire]

Thanks again!   I woke up this morning thinking.... "it's gone!!"    But alas.... it is not.  I don't think it is as severe... either that, or I am just getting used to it, hahaaa..   I have a follow up appt with my oncologist on January 7 (who prescribed this medication and agreed I should go off)... so I will see how I do until then.  

Thanks again!  
Marcia

[ettebette]

I'm really not qualified to give you a specific answer to your situation.  You really need to consult with your doctor.  I do think it WILL go away.  It won't last forever.  I just don't know how long it will last.  I'm sorry I can't be more specific.  I really would consult with your physician.  Again, good luck.

Love and many blessings,

Ellen

[lilspitfire]

Thank you for your input.   Do you know how long this lasts?  And at work I am fine, working at my desk.   It only bothers me when I get up to walk.   As long as I stay still I'm ok.  

[ettebette]

The side effects you're experiencing, although very annoying, are very typical of Effexor XR, and particularly Paxil.  It has to do with the Seritonin level decreasing in your body.  Once things stabilize, I think you'll notice these electrical shortage-type feelings will subside.  Some people call them "zip-zap" type feelings.  I used to feel them in my eyes and ears when I was withdrawing from a particular antidepressant.  Paxil was the worst.  Time is the best advice as far as easing them, and keeping busy.  Hang in there, and good luck.

Ellen