Dr. P or anyone
MTempleton0801 posted:
Hi Dr. P (and everyone),
I had a follow up with my Rheumatologist yesterday. When I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia almost a month ago he had started me on Gabapentin 300mg first 5 days, 600 next 5 days then 900 after that. I told him yesterday that I didn't feel Gabapentin was doing anything for me, I felt absolutely no different from the first day I was taking it to today...accept for this nagging dry mouth and my migraine headaches getting worse. He decided to stop the Gabapentin (told me to take one 300mg tab through Sunday then stop). Then to start on Effexor 37.5mg tabs twice daily. So here's my question:
I'm already taking Buspar 7.5mg tabs 2x daily and Lorazepam 1mg tab up to 4 times daily as needed. I didn't realize Effexor was another anti-depressant until I actually went now to go and pick it up from the pharmacy and started to read the fact sheet. It says in there that it could cause panic attacks, (which I have a history of and have gotten it pretty much under control), problems sleeping (which I don't have under control), mood swings and increased suicide thoughts (which I had in the past when I was having panic attacks but have gotten under control). Can you please tell me why he would prescribe another anti-depressant when in fact my anti-depressants are working fine, it's my pain that's not fine? Is this another doctor that has finally diagnosed me but feels some of it is in my head?? or has this medication actually been proven to help with Fibromyalgia? If it has can you please tell me where to find it on the web because I can't find anything.
I tried calling my doctor's office and he's gone on vacation all next week and I tried to talk to the pharmacist about this and they had no clue and didn't really think they wanted to talk to me because they seemed rushed.
I'm just looking for some incite on this because I don't want to go down the same path that I've been battling for over 5 years. Thank you so much for any input you may have in advance!
~Mindy
I had a follow up with my Rheumatologist yesterday. When I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia almost a month ago he had started me on Gabapentin 300mg first 5 days, 600 next 5 days then 900 after that. I told him yesterday that I didn't feel Gabapentin was doing anything for me, I felt absolutely no different from the first day I was taking it to today...accept for this nagging dry mouth and my migraine headaches getting worse. He decided to stop the Gabapentin (told me to take one 300mg tab through Sunday then stop). Then to start on Effexor 37.5mg tabs twice daily. So here's my question:
I'm already taking Buspar 7.5mg tabs 2x daily and Lorazepam 1mg tab up to 4 times daily as needed. I didn't realize Effexor was another anti-depressant until I actually went now to go and pick it up from the pharmacy and started to read the fact sheet. It says in there that it could cause panic attacks, (which I have a history of and have gotten it pretty much under control), problems sleeping (which I don't have under control), mood swings and increased suicide thoughts (which I had in the past when I was having panic attacks but have gotten under control). Can you please tell me why he would prescribe another anti-depressant when in fact my anti-depressants are working fine, it's my pain that's not fine? Is this another doctor that has finally diagnosed me but feels some of it is in my head?? or has this medication actually been proven to help with Fibromyalgia? If it has can you please tell me where to find it on the web because I can't find anything.
I tried calling my doctor's office and he's gone on vacation all next week and I tried to talk to the pharmacist about this and they had no clue and didn't really think they wanted to talk to me because they seemed rushed.
I'm just looking for some incite on this because I don't want to go down the same path that I've been battling for over 5 years. Thank you so much for any input you may have in advance!
~Mindy
10 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Dr. P or anyoneHi Dr. P (and everyone), <br /><br />I had a follow up with my Rheumatologist yesterday. When I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia almost a month ago he had started me on Gabapentin 300mg first 5 days, 600 next 5 days then 900 after that. I told him yesterday that I didn't feel Gabapentin was doing anything for me, I felt absolutely no different from the first day I was taking it to today...accept for this nagging dry mouth and my migraine headaches getting worse. He decided to stop the Gabapentin (told me to take one 300mg tab through Sunday then stop). Then to start on Effexor 37.5mg tabs twice daily. So here's my question:<br /><br /><br />I'm already taking Buspar 7.5mg tabs 2x daily and Lorazepam 1mg tab up to 4 times daily as needed. I didn't realize Effexor was another anti-depressant until I actually went now to go and pick it up from the pharmacy and started to read the fact sheet. It says in there that it could cause panic attacks, (which I have a history of and have gotten it pretty much under control), problems sleeping (which I don't have under control), mood swings and increased suicide thoughts (which I had in the past when I was having panic attacks but have gotten under control). Can you please tell me why he would prescribe another anti-depressant when in fact my anti-depressants are working fine, it's my pain that's not fine? Is this another doctor that has finally diagnosed me but feels some of it is in my head?? or has this medication actually been proven to help with Fibromyalgia? If it has can you please tell me where to find it on the web because I can't find anything.<br /><br /><br />I tried calling my doctor's office and he's gone on vacation all next week and I tried to talk to the pharmacist about this and they had no clue and didn't really think they wanted to talk to me because they seemed rushed.<br /><br /><br />I'm just looking for some incite on this because I don't want to go down the same path that I've been battling for over 5 years. Thank you so much for any input you may have in advance!<br /><br /><br />~Mindy
MTempleton0801 responded:
Oh and he doesn't want to see me back for 2 months...really 2 months?? Anyway, thank you :)
~Mindy
~Mindy
Report This| Share this:Dr. P or anyoneOh and he doesn't want to see me back for 2 months...really 2 months?? Anyway, thank you :)<br /><br />~Mindy
annette030 responded:
Buspar and Lorazepam are anti-anxiety drugs according to my nursing hand book for drugs, not antidepressants.
Effexor is a drug approved for depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and social anxiety disorder. It is used off label for several other things including pain management
Effexor works in a completely different way than your drugs do. I looked up the side effects that you are concerned about. According to my book it causes anxiety in 6% of patients using it, and agitation in about 2% of users. It also actually caused somnolence in 23% of users and insomnia in only 18%, so you may get lucky and be one of the people it makes sleepy. I took it years ago and it gave me no side effects at all except a bit of constipation. No suicidal thinking either.
The warning about suicidal thoughts in my book says they usually happen when the drug is first started or when dose is increased. Since you have had them before, call your doctor immediately if they occur, and be sure and let another adult know you are starting it, and that this is a side effect if you decide to take it.
Effexor is an SNRI, it increases two neurotransmitters called norepinaphrine and serotonin. These neurotransmitters are involved in carrying both mood and pain signals to the brain. it is thought that by increasing the amount of these neurotransmitters, your pain levels may go down.
Often with antidepressants the dose for chronic pain management is much lower than that for depression. Because of this the side effects one gets may also be less. The percentages I quoted earlier in this post may actually be far less for folks on low dose therapy for chronic pain.
The dosing for depression is as high as 225-375 mg. per day. I never went higher than 150 mg. per day in two doses of 75 mg. each morning and night.
If you feel strongly about not taking this, don't take it. It is up to you. There are other choices. But, I am willing to try most things once and cautiously.
Antidepressants don't work for me, I tried most of them, the side effects of most were not worth the little benefit for me. I take antiseizure meds instead. But we are all different, and what works for me, may not work for you.
Take care, Annette
Effexor is a drug approved for depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and social anxiety disorder. It is used off label for several other things including pain management
Effexor works in a completely different way than your drugs do. I looked up the side effects that you are concerned about. According to my book it causes anxiety in 6% of patients using it, and agitation in about 2% of users. It also actually caused somnolence in 23% of users and insomnia in only 18%, so you may get lucky and be one of the people it makes sleepy. I took it years ago and it gave me no side effects at all except a bit of constipation. No suicidal thinking either.
The warning about suicidal thoughts in my book says they usually happen when the drug is first started or when dose is increased. Since you have had them before, call your doctor immediately if they occur, and be sure and let another adult know you are starting it, and that this is a side effect if you decide to take it.
Effexor is an SNRI, it increases two neurotransmitters called norepinaphrine and serotonin. These neurotransmitters are involved in carrying both mood and pain signals to the brain. it is thought that by increasing the amount of these neurotransmitters, your pain levels may go down.
Often with antidepressants the dose for chronic pain management is much lower than that for depression. Because of this the side effects one gets may also be less. The percentages I quoted earlier in this post may actually be far less for folks on low dose therapy for chronic pain.
The dosing for depression is as high as 225-375 mg. per day. I never went higher than 150 mg. per day in two doses of 75 mg. each morning and night.
If you feel strongly about not taking this, don't take it. It is up to you. There are other choices. But, I am willing to try most things once and cautiously.
Antidepressants don't work for me, I tried most of them, the side effects of most were not worth the little benefit for me. I take antiseizure meds instead. But we are all different, and what works for me, may not work for you.
Take care, Annette
Report This| Share this:Dr. P or anyoneBuspar and Lorazepam are anti-anxiety drugs according to my nursing hand book for drugs, not antidepressants.<br /><br />Effexor is a drug approved for depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and social anxiety disorder. It is used off label for several other things including pain management<br /><br />Effexor works in a completely different way than your drugs do. I looked up the side effects that you are concerned about. According to my book it causes anxiety in 6% of patients using it, and agitation in about 2% of users. It also actually caused somnolence in 23% of users and insomnia in only 18%, so you may get lucky and be one of the people it makes sleepy. I took it years ago and it gave me no side effects at all except a bit of constipation. No suicidal thinking either.<br /><br />The warning about suicidal thoughts in my book says they usually happen when the drug is first started or when dose is increased. Since you have had them before, call your doctor immediately if they occur, and be sure and let another adult know you are starting it, and that this is a side effect if you decide to take it.<br /><br />Effexor is an SNRI, it increases two neurotransmitters called norepinaphrine and serotonin. These neurotransmitters are involved in carrying both mood and pain signals to the brain. it is thought that by increasing the amount of these neurotransmitters, your pain levels may go down. <br /><br />Often with antidepressants the dose for chronic pain management is much lower than that for depression. Because of this the side effects one gets may also be less. The percentages I quoted earlier in this post may actually be far less for folks on low dose therapy for chronic pain.<br /><br />The dosing for depression is as high as 225-375 mg. per day. I never went higher than 150 mg. per day in two doses of 75 mg. each morning and night.<br /><br />If you feel strongly about not taking this, don't take it. It is up to you. There are other choices. But, I am willing to try most things once and cautiously.<br /><br />Antidepressants don't work for me, I tried most of them, the side effects of most were not worth the little benefit for me. I take antiseizure meds instead. But we are all different, and what works for me, may not work for you.<br /><br />Take care, Annette
debw216 responded:
Hi Mindy! About 10 years ago, I also began taking Ativan. (lorazepam) I took 1 mg at bedtime for about 2 years. I found that if I didn't take it, I felt very weird. So I asked my Doc if I could go off of it. Well....it is extremely habit forming. And I was hooked!
My Dr suggested that I go off of it slowly....very slowly. So, to start off with....I broke the pills into quarters. And the first 2 weeks, I took 3/4 of a pill. Then the next 2 weeks, I took 1/2 of a pill. The next 2 weeks I only took a 1/4 of a pill.
But I was still having problems. I literally felt that I was have a nervous break down. Could not sleep to save my life. Finally, I went to the drug store and bought some Benedryl. And that was how I finally was able to get off of this med.
Horrible...just a horrible experience for me. So, I just wanted to let you know what I went through. I don't know how long you have been taking this drug.... Just take heed, sweetie....just be careful.
Hope this helps.
DebW
My Dr suggested that I go off of it slowly....very slowly. So, to start off with....I broke the pills into quarters. And the first 2 weeks, I took 3/4 of a pill. Then the next 2 weeks, I took 1/2 of a pill. The next 2 weeks I only took a 1/4 of a pill.
But I was still having problems. I literally felt that I was have a nervous break down. Could not sleep to save my life. Finally, I went to the drug store and bought some Benedryl. And that was how I finally was able to get off of this med.
Horrible...just a horrible experience for me. So, I just wanted to let you know what I went through. I don't know how long you have been taking this drug.... Just take heed, sweetie....just be careful.
Hope this helps.
DebW
Report This| Share this:Dr. P or anyoneHi Mindy! About 10 years ago, I also began taking Ativan. (lorazepam) I took 1 mg at bedtime for about 2 years. I found that if I didn't take it, I felt very weird. So I asked my Doc if I could go off of it. Well....it is extremely habit forming. And I was hooked!<br /> <br />My Dr suggested that I go off of it slowly....very slowly. So, to start off with....I broke the pills into quarters. And the first 2 weeks, I took 3/4 of a pill. Then the next 2 weeks, I took 1/2 of a pill. The next 2 weeks I only took a 1/4 of a pill.<br /> <br />But I was still having problems. I literally felt that I was have a nervous break down. Could not sleep to save my life. Finally, I went to the drug store and bought some Benedryl. And that was how I finally was able to get off of this med.<br /> <br />Horrible...just a horrible experience for me. So, I just wanted to let you know what I went through. I don't know how long you have been taking this drug.... Just take heed, sweetie....just be careful.<br /> <br />Hope this helps.<br />DebW
annette030 replied to debw216's response:
This is a fairly typical experience with benzodiazepines, lorazepam is only one of many drugs in this family. Valium, Xanax, Klonopin, Restoril, etc. are some of the others.
I took Klonopin (clonazepam) for migraines, just at bedtime, in a low dose. After a single car rollover in the afternoon while I was driving and tried to avoid a rabbit in the road, I discussed it with my doctor and stopped taking it. I had taken no meds that day. I had severe withdrawals and required medical care to get past them. It took weeks to sleep and not twitch and shake. I won't take any benzos at all anymore.
I don't suggest anyone take them, but it is a decision between patients and their doctors.
Take care, Annette
I took Klonopin (clonazepam) for migraines, just at bedtime, in a low dose. After a single car rollover in the afternoon while I was driving and tried to avoid a rabbit in the road, I discussed it with my doctor and stopped taking it. I had taken no meds that day. I had severe withdrawals and required medical care to get past them. It took weeks to sleep and not twitch and shake. I won't take any benzos at all anymore.
I don't suggest anyone take them, but it is a decision between patients and their doctors.
Take care, Annette
Report This| Share this:Dr. P or anyoneThis is a fairly typical experience with benzodiazepines, lorazepam is only one of many drugs in this family. Valium, Xanax, Klonopin, Restoril, etc. are some of the others.<br /><br />I took Klonopin (clonazepam) for migraines, just at bedtime, in a low dose. After a single car rollover in the afternoon while I was driving and tried to avoid a rabbit in the road, I discussed it with my doctor and stopped taking it. I had taken no meds that day. I had severe withdrawals and required medical care to get past them. It took weeks to sleep and not twitch and shake. I won't take any benzos at all anymore.<br /><br />I don't suggest anyone take them, but it is a decision between patients and their doctors.<br /><br />Take care, Annette
MagPrincess responded:
Mindy
From what I have read Cymbalta and Effoxor are very similar and in the same class.
I can tell you that the Cymbalta really has helped my pain levels.
Basically I agree with everything Annette stated but from a personal experience point of view. Does that make sense?
I still have xanax to take for my anxiety and there are some days i need both.
I think what you are experiencing is more anxiety that you are going to react because you have had it in the past. I do that alot too and understand. try to take it one day at a time.
From what I have read Cymbalta and Effoxor are very similar and in the same class.
I can tell you that the Cymbalta really has helped my pain levels.
Basically I agree with everything Annette stated but from a personal experience point of view. Does that make sense?
I still have xanax to take for my anxiety and there are some days i need both.
I think what you are experiencing is more anxiety that you are going to react because you have had it in the past. I do that alot too and understand. try to take it one day at a time.
Report This| Share this:Dr. P or anyoneMindy<br /><br />From what I have read Cymbalta and Effoxor are very similar and in the same class.<br /><br />I can tell you that the Cymbalta really has helped my pain levels.<br /><br />Basically I agree with everything Annette stated but from a personal experience point of view. Does that make sense?<br /><br />I still have xanax to take for my anxiety and there are some days i need both. <br /><br />I think what you are experiencing is more anxiety that you are going to react because you have had it in the past. I do that alot too and understand. try to take it one day at a time.
MTempleton0801 replied to annette030's response:
Thank you so much Annette...this helps tremendously. I'm also winning to try anything but I was trying to understand on why in the world he would put me on a depression pill when I'm in need of something for my pain :)
I'm so glad you responded to this post, it put things into a new light for me!! :) Thanks again!
~Mindy
I'm so glad you responded to this post, it put things into a new light for me!! :) Thanks again!
~Mindy
Report This| Share this:Dr. P or anyoneThank you so much Annette...this helps tremendously. I'm also winning to try anything but I was trying to understand on why in the world he would put me on a depression pill when I'm in need of something for my pain :)<br /><br />I'm so glad you responded to this post, it put things into a new light for me!! :) Thanks again!<br /><br />~Mindy
MTempleton0801 replied to debw216's response:
Hi Deb!
Thank you for your knowledge! :)
I do know the effects from it and I have been very careful about lorazepam. It worries me a great deal when the side effects are addiction. My husband actually has this locked up in a place that I have no knowledge of in case of panic attacks. If I have a panic attack he gives one to me.
Since I've gotten my anxiety somewhat under (even though it's hard to believe with my first post :) ) control I haven't needed this very often as of lately.
Thank you so much for replying to me and I'm sorry you had to go through this but I'm very grateful you have the knowledge you do to help others!!
~Mindy
Thank you for your knowledge! :)
I do know the effects from it and I have been very careful about lorazepam. It worries me a great deal when the side effects are addiction. My husband actually has this locked up in a place that I have no knowledge of in case of panic attacks. If I have a panic attack he gives one to me.
Since I've gotten my anxiety somewhat under (even though it's hard to believe with my first post :) ) control I haven't needed this very often as of lately.
Thank you so much for replying to me and I'm sorry you had to go through this but I'm very grateful you have the knowledge you do to help others!!
~Mindy
Report This| Share this:Dr. P or anyoneHi Deb!<br /><br />Thank you for your knowledge! :)<br /><br /> I do know the effects from it and I have been very careful about lorazepam. It worries me a great deal when the side effects are addiction. My husband actually has this locked up in a place that I have no knowledge of in case of panic attacks. If I have a panic attack he gives one to me. <br /><br />Since I've gotten my anxiety somewhat under (even though it's hard to believe with my first post :) ) control I haven't needed this very often as of lately.<br /><br />Thank you so much for replying to me and I'm sorry you had to go through this but I'm very grateful you have the knowledge you do to help others!!<br /><br />~Mindy
MTempleton0801 replied to annette030's response:
Oh my goodness Annette! I hope you were alright after the accident!
Report This| Share this:Dr. P or anyoneOh my goodness Annette! I hope you were alright after the accident!
MTempleton0801 replied to MagPrincess's response:
Hi MagPrincess!
Yes it does make sense! And yes, it is anxiety, not the depression :) I was trying not to sound too anxious when writing the post but I didn't do a very good job hiding it :)
It's so hard for me to take it one day at a time because I've always been the person to GO.GO.GO!! Sometimes I just need to hear it (or see it).
Thank you so much!! You guys are all so wonderful!!
~Mindy
Yes it does make sense! And yes, it is anxiety, not the depression :) I was trying not to sound too anxious when writing the post but I didn't do a very good job hiding it :)
It's so hard for me to take it one day at a time because I've always been the person to GO.GO.GO!! Sometimes I just need to hear it (or see it).
Thank you so much!! You guys are all so wonderful!!
~Mindy
Report This| Share this:Dr. P or anyoneHi MagPrincess!<br /><br />Yes it does make sense! And yes, it is anxiety, not the depression :) I was trying not to sound too anxious when writing the post but I didn't do a very good job hiding it :)<br /><br />It's so hard for me to take it one day at a time because I've always been the person to GO.GO.GO!! Sometimes I just need to hear it (or see it). <br /><br />Thank you so much!! You guys are all so wonderful!!<br /><br />~Mindy
annette030 replied to MTempleton0801's response:
Glad to be of help. A lot of folks think if the doctor gives them something that is an antidepressant, he must think it is all in their head. Not!!!!
I survived the accident just fine, thanks for asking in the other post. A mild concussion that caused migraines daily for a month or two was my only injury. But it totaled my Mercedes, a cherry 1977 with a sun roof that I loved. Oh well, no one seriously hurt, that is the important thing.
Take care, Annette
I survived the accident just fine, thanks for asking in the other post. A mild concussion that caused migraines daily for a month or two was my only injury. But it totaled my Mercedes, a cherry 1977 with a sun roof that I loved. Oh well, no one seriously hurt, that is the important thing.
Take care, Annette
Report This| Share this:Dr. P or anyoneGlad to be of help. A lot of folks think if the doctor gives them something that is an antidepressant, he must think it is all in their head. Not!!!!<br /><br />I survived the accident just fine, thanks for asking in the other post. A mild concussion that caused migraines daily for a month or two was my only injury. But it totaled my Mercedes, a cherry 1977 with a sun roof that I loved. Oh well, no one seriously hurt, that is the important thing.<br /><br />Take care, Annette
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