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Effexor XR for Migraine Preventative

I just started taking Effexor XR 3 wks ago and I was wondering if anyone has had a good experience with this med as a preventative?  If so, what is the appropriate dosage for migraine prevention?  I am on 75 mg once a day.  Also, I started taking taking 500mg of GABA and 200mg of l-theanine before bed to help me sleep.  I have been having trouble sleeping since December (break-up).  That is why I am taking the effexor.  The GABA/theanine combo has helped with the sleep greatly.  Has anyone else taken this combo with Effexor to help with the insomnia?  I am open to other suggestions for natural supplements to take with the effexor.  It seems to help with the migraines so far.  I had only 1 so far in the past 3 wks.  Before that, the dr. put me on Celexa and it caused 3 day migraines every week.
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Avatar universal
My previous doctor tried me in Effexor instead of estrogen for extreme menopausal symptoms and migraines because the clinic now refuses to prescribe estrogen to anyone.  I had been on low dose (.25 mg) estrogen every other day over 25 years since I had to have a hysterectomy when I was in my 30s.  On Effexor I could not even function.  I could only work for a few minutes at a time and then would feel exhausted and unable to concentrate so I had to lie down.  I cried all the time.  I felt feverish and just terrible on Effexor and it didn't stop any menopausal symptoms or the migraines.  I really (jokingly) felt like I could hurt someone and my doctor was on the top of the list.  I was very angry, hated the Effexor and resented the doctor who looked like she was 12 years old.  What does she know about menopause!!?? I think the possible dangers of Effexor far outweigh the extremely low dose of estrogen I was taking.  I found another doctor and now am back on track with my low-dose estrogen and beta blocker.  If any cancers rear their ugly heads in the future, then I'll of course have to rethink my estrogen use, but for now, it's what I need.    
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1288654 tn?1271969301
When I was 15 I went into a depressive anxiety because of post traumatic stress, I was issued Effexor when I was 16 and stayed on it for 6 months. Ever since I began taking them I have had the craziest migraines ever. They make me cry now where as before I could almost control the pain I felt.

The doctor also told me about Effexor before I started taking it saying that if you don't ween off it properly you can end up in a coma or die. I was upped my dose to something and I can't even recall what I was on anymore, but I also don't remember that year of my life. I can tell you however that it did help me look at the situations i was in without emotional responses, I was very neutral and able to make decisions instead of crying or freaking out and being destructive. I also was unable to feel happy and even now I think it ****** up my emotions for life. I also acquired a sleeping disorder. Now I am on the verge of schizophrenia but I don't know if that has anything to do with the fact that I took Effexor for six months. Also I would advise not to smoke pot or do drugs or drink while you are taking Effexor as it is a very strong drug dealing with your brain cell receptors.

I don't know if I would take Effexor with a sleeping drug. It's funny they say that about Effexor, but I guess I was on a much higher dose than you.
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Avatar universal
Thank you so much for your reply.  I will wait to see how it works for me as far as the dosage goes.  I had read on one website that 75mg of Effexor XR is a good dose as a migraine preventative, but then I read on another website that 150mg is a good dose.  But, like you stated, EVERYBODY is different and I will wait and see!  Thanks again.
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910419 tn?1289483727
I'm on 150mg of Effexor XR, but I'm not sure if that's as a preventative or for my secondary depression. I've been on various doses over the years, but FOR ME 150mg is the best. However, EVERYBODY is different, and what I take shouldn't be any reason for you to take that same dosage. Trust your doc, as they'll know better than we will.

It makes sense that Effexor XR could be used as a preventative as it effects the same chemicals in the brain that can trigger migraines, and I know of other anti-depressants that are used as preventatives.

Good luck,

~Dame
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