SNRI's for pain Effexor

[Sandra]

Hi all have just gotten some answers about why so much pain sometimes. it is sjs and how it is affecting my muscles and nerves. The neuro said he didn't think there was damage yet but advised an SNRI would be a good idea, in fact effexor/venafaxine. had researched it prior to seeing him and according to fibromyalgia web and other antidepressant info sites this class of antidepressants work best for pain. along with tricyclics, amitriptyline which I take 10mg of at bedtime. But he told me the amitriptyline dose he recommends for this kind of problem is 50 mgs; for me the trying that amitriptilyne causes makes that not a good choice. So that leaves me with the SNRI, effexor. I am concerned as i have been told here on this forum that it is a drug that is very difficult to live with, and to come off of causing far more trouble than the original pain it is used for.
What do any of you know about effexor? i sure would like to give it a try if it would get me back into life. Thanks Sandra

[Scottietottie]

Hi Sandra 

I wish I could help but I don't know anything about Effexor.

I also take 10mg Amitripyline at night. Tried going up to 25mg but asked for it to be reduced again because of dryness issues. Tried going offit completely but went back on to 10mg because of pain.

Take care - Scottie 

[Pooh]

Sandra,
I'm not sure, but you might check with your neuro, but quite a few of us have been prescribed Neurontin for this type of pain.  I took it for a few months, then my rheumy took me off of it and upped my Tramadol.  The Tramadol seems to work better for methan the Neurontin, but it wouldn't hurt to inquire about both.  Especially if you are hesitant about the Effexor.

Pooh

[eyeamdry]

I've been on Effexor for about a year now.  I'm taking it for "off label" use as many do.  Last year, with the diagnosis of breast cancer, I had to stop HRT immediately.  Cold turkey after 20 years.  With the fright of having cancer, then being thrown into menopause again.......not a pretty picture.

Effexor happened to be something they use for menopausal symptoms for women who can't take HRT.  I believe it helps me and I can't say it causes any problems.  I'm on so many meds, though, sometimes you don't know.   I would not be hesitant about taking it.  I might be cautious and stop it if there are undesirable side effects.  Lucy