severe leg pain

[ronilee]

I have been on Effexor XR since 1999, or there about. The last year or so I have been experiencing severe leg pain at nite. Burning from hips, shooting down. Effexor has been a very good drug for me. Never any other side effects. Wondering if anyone has been on it as long as I have...and if the leg pain can be a side effect. The pain has gotten more severe, in the last year.

[whodunnit]

Certainly doesn't sound like a med issue given no fluid retention noted. I've had a pain on my left side for some years that docs either cannot or will not diagnose. It's not regular, appears sometimes but is awful. Stretches from my fingertips to my toes, right down my body but only left side. Docs say if it was both sides they'd be able to diagnose it but it isn't.

Is yours something similar? I'm guessing discs and nerves being squashed somewhere. It seems to be position related which suggests nerve pinching etc.

[tweekie]

Sounds like you have neuropathy of some sort. Does it only happen at night? Only when your legs are still. Restless leg syndrome, Maybe pressure on the sciatic nerve, Why don't you run it by your PMD and see if you can get a referal to a neurologist. Do you have any weakness in your legs, trembling?, or is it just sensations? numbness? What makes it better what makes it worse? I don't know if this is necessarily from effexor.

[ronilee]

Thanks guys. No fluid retention, ever. No nerve problems. I do have trigger points, I frequently have worked on. My mother is a Myotherapist, certified by Bonnie Prudden, so I am able do seek immediate help. But now am getting at wits end as to the cause of this leg pain and why its getting worse.  I am very active, my job is not a sit down job, I swim and stretch daily. Use to be the stretching and swimming held me good for 2 to 3 days without pain. Go figure.

[mammo]

I don't think this is a medication problem, but rather a nerve problem.  When you lie down at night, have you tried to see if different positions ease the pain?  Any disc problems?  See your doctor, and put you mind at ease.

[whodunnit]

Hi,

Do you suffer from fluid retention by any chance?

Many a/d's have it as a side effect and mostly we don't notice it until the pain begins. Signs are discoloured feet, spots etc. If you press your thumb into your calf for a few seconds and remove do you see an indent? Either of these indicates fluid retention and although that sounds mild the pain can be devastating.

Of course the other thing is degenerative joints and muscles due to a depressive, sedentary lifestyle.

Just some thoughts and not indicating they are part of your problem, just could be's.

Do doctors find it impossible to diagnose? Have you had any other meds during that time?