Effexor?

[dharmakitten]

My doc put me on Effexor for fibromyalgia. I've been on it for two weeks and nothing yet, but she told me start on a small does and step up slowly so it's probably too soon to tell. Tomorrow I start the second level.

Has anyone else here taken Effexor for IC, fibromyalgia, or another related disease?

Did it help?

Did you have side effects? I couldn't hardly sleep for the first week - but I already had problems sleeping (just not as bad). I also had nausea and puked one night. Both side effects seemed to go away after the first week, though.

[mary124]

I've been taking it for almost a year for hot flashes (75 mg.) I haven't had any problems with it.

[tigger_gal]

I tried it and became deathly ill.. I take 2 or 3 10 mg of flexeril a day for my fibro.. I did start on 5 mg. hope you find relief soon..

[GevaCarol]

I've been on Effexor for 8 yrs now, but not for any of the reasons you mention. I really didn't have any problems with except dry mouth. The drug is originally meant for depression, and I have a major chemical imbalance, which is also called clinical depression. SO may this is why at 46 I still haven't really had any hot flashes. If so, then that's great. Stick with it, it does take time to get used to it. It was worth it for me.

[LeahLove]

I have been taking it for about 5-6 months for the two conditions you mentioned. At first it makes you feel weird and tweaky. You get used to it. It has helped me overall have more energy and be able to function as a normal human being. I'm up to 300mg and I use Klonipin and Soma for sleep. Go back to your Uro/Doc and tell them you need something for sleep.

Good luck!

[dharmakitten]

LeahLove,

Glad it's been helping you. Fortunately, I don't feel weird or tweaky. Right now, it's pretty much same old same old. Pretty sore and tired still. I just bumped up to 75mg a day. What's your dosage?

Definitely going to ask my doc for something to help me sleep. It takes forever for me to get to sleep - and then I don't sleep very deep at all.

[LeahLove]

I'm up to 300mg. I told my doctor that I had no energy so we kept bumping it up till we found the proper dosage for me. I would suggest communicating all of this with your doc or Uro. They will understand. It's all about getting to meds to the level that suits your body. After effexor XR, Prosed, vicodin, soma, klonopin I think I'm finally at a coping stage. Just ask. If your sleep is bad then it's hard to function and they understand that. It's all about telling them what you need.

Good luck. Let me know what happens

[saptree]

I have been on Effexor XL 75mg for 1.5 months. I also stepped up to that level. I'm on it for anxeity- most likely caused by IC. The main reason for going on was to help relax my muscles, as they are always tight and tense. Flexeral did nothing for them. The muscles are still tight, but my IC has calmed down a lot and I have been a more functional person. The side effects I have with it is slight dry mouth and bad nightmares every night. Some of the nightmares are so disturbing that I wake up crying. I sleep fine as I take Atarax 10mg at night for my bladder. I was told that it takes 6 weeks to kick in. I'm thinking of asking for a higher dose. Two weeks ago it was announced at work that the plant is closing and we are all going to be unemployed by the end of 2008. My stress level just went up 100 fold. But overall I'm still ok. I was the only one able to work and focus on the day of the big bomb. I was still smiling. I smile a lot more on Effexor. I think my IC is worse when I'm stressed, that is how it has helped my bladder.
Sherry

[ICB]

Hello:

I used Effexor for several months; my doctor told me to take it in the morning because it would keep me awake at night. Unfortunately, it killed my sex drive so I went off the drug. I now take Topamax for my IC & Fibromyalgia, it's worked very well for me at lower doses - at higher doses, it can cause your urine to become very acidic.

I run a support group and many of the patients in my group have been prescribed Cymbalta for IC and/or Fibromyalgia. It seems to be working very well for them; it works much faster than other drugs (within the first week).

I read on one of the postings that it could cause liver problems and to check on webmd for more information; which I did. The literature recommends that it not be used by patients with liver or kidney problems, however I could not find any literature that had the same level of warnings as Elmiron. If you are interested in taking this drug, check with your doctor and/or pharmacist to see what the risks are.

I suggest that you consult with your healthcare provider if you believe that the information above may be helpful; your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate treatment regimen for you.

The contents in this post are provided for informational purposes only. The contents are not intended in any way to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition.

Best wishes, ICB :)

[dharmakitten]

Good to know there are options out there if this doesn't work for me :)