Posted by jujube on December 22, 2004, at 8:18:31
In reply to doctor pressure to use effexor xr, posted by learner on December 22, 2004, at 7:24:53
Based on my own 6 month experience with Effexor, I am not sure that it is really all the effective for hot flashes. During the time that I used Effexor, I actually developed severe night sweats and irregular periods. My doctor actually thought I was in perimenopause because of this. Once I stopped the Effexor, the night sweats and other problem went away. I have a friend that has been using Effexor for hot flashes, and is planning to stop because it has not helped at all, and she has said they have actually gotten worse while she has been on it. If you are not depressed and anxious, I don't think you should be allowing yourself to be pressured into using Effexor. It is a powerful drug, and the withdrawal when you chose to stop using it can be brutal for some.
There are more appropriate solutions for dealing with hot flashes. Perhaps you need to get a second opinion, or do some research on the web for alternate, natural solutions. I recently started using Vitex (Chasteberry), which is supposed to be a very good hormone balancer. If I am remembering correctly, I think it may also be somewhat effective for relieving menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes.
Good luck to you. I know from my friend what a pain the hot flashes can be. Hang in there.
Tamara
> My doctor is pressuring me to use Effexor xr for hot flashes. She says one of the side effects is that it relieves symptoms of menopause. I have mild anxiety but I'm highly functional and told her I'm reluctant to get on some drug for life or to suffer withdrawal.
>
> Someone posted suggesting that EFF can cause a person to drink more alcohol. I'm interested in any experiences members have had with this. Also, where do I find confirmation and data on liver damage that more than one of you has experienced and that you attribute to Eff? From all the testimony here, I'm just at a loss as to how this drug is out there.
>
> After reading the problems posters have had with this drug, I've made up my mind not to take it. Thanks you so much for your sharing your experiences
poster:jujube
thread:432780
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041217/msgs/432789.html