Posted by Philip Burke on November 17, 2007, at 15:40:18
In reply to Effexor and pain management, posted by pdub on December 8, 2005, at 11:47:11
> Have been on Effexor XR 75mg. for 40 days for Fibromyalgia pain symptoms. I do notice a definite decrease in pain, but after reading many of the postings am now worried about the side effects. Found out the hard way not to stop it suddenly. After 2 days of not taking it (without discussing with my doctor) got violently ill. Thought it was just the flu until I read the site postings.
>
> Would like to hear some positive feedback, if any, from people taking it specifically for pain. I have taken antidepressants for years, off and on, but never Effexor.
>I have chronic pain due to "failed back surgery syndrome" which includes a variety of painful sensations in my legs, e.g. burning, "pins and needles", aching, numbness and sharp "sciatica" pain. I've had these symptoms for almost 10 years and have been treated with various antidepressants, from Elavil to Cymbalta, to help alleviate the pain. I have suffered from depression (premorbid re: "failed back") for over 30 years. I was told Effexor was an option to consider for both pain management and depresseion, but that only dosages of 150 mg. or greater would be effective. I took Effexor before they made the XR type many years ago, but ended up going back on Elavil, the antidepressant that I feel, despite its side effects, works better on pain than any other antidepressant. I have taken probably over a dozen different antidepressants in the last 30 years. Currently, I am on this odd combination of 2 antidepressants that help. I take 30 mg. of Remeron at bedtime and 100 mg. of Zoloft in the morning. I am considering Effexor since I tried Cymbalta twice (60 mgs. daily for over 6 weeks), but could not tolerate the side effects of it. It seems as though practically EVERY doctor I have seen immediately wants to put me on Cymbalta as if it is some wonder drug. I hated the way it made me feel. It was as though I was experiencing my life seperate from, or outside of my body - as if I was watching a movie of my life, instead of being in it (extreme DEPERSONALIZATION). I do not recall any intolerable side effects from Effexor. Like with ANY antidepressant, if it is stopped abruptly, you will feel extremely bad, both physically and mentally. Effexor has a short half-life. That is why the drug is used most widely in its "XR" form (Extended Release) so that it is slowly released in your digestive tract over 8 to 12 hours, instead of 3 to 4. You will suffer a lot from stopping this drug abruptly. Effexor should always be increased or decreased VERY SLOWLY.
poster:Philip Burke
thread:586892
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/newbs/20061013/msgs/795585.html