Posted by Jannbeau on July 1, 2002, at 17:51:10
In reply to Effexor and chronic pain, posted by cary 111 on June 29, 2002, at 21:32:59
>Hi, I AM NOT A DOCTOR NOR AM I AN EXPERT on any of the subjects upon which I expound below, but it sounds as if you could use a gastrointestinal specialist (gastroenterologist, GI specialist) before you do anything else. Some research seems to support a reduction in some types of pain with changes in diet. Example 1: gouty arthritis is relieved when one stops eating red meat. However, gouty arthritis is a genetic problem in which the body builds up uric acid in the blood from an amino acid that isn't metabolized properly. Uric acid deposited in the joints causes pain in those joints. The classic joint is that of the big toe, but others are probably affected, also.
Example 2. Some people are intolerant of lactose due to a deficiency of lactase, again a genetic problem. You can use "Lactaid" or some other source of the enzyme to replace the lactase that your body doesn't make.
Example 3: Some people are intolerant of gluten, a protein found in most, if not all wheat, products. ONE of the symptoms of gluten intolerance may be cognitive and memory dysfunction. To my knowledge, the only way to absolutely eliminate the effects of gluten intolerance is to avoid gluten. Some people have reduced their symptoms with the help of a med called "Gastrocrom" a form of cromyln sodium (I think), the same medication used to treat nasal allergies.
A gastroenterologist can tell you if you have any of these disorders. However, you should not stop your intake of wheat-containing products before seeing the GI specialist, as the effects of gluten intolerance are on the lining of the small intestine and the doctor needs to look at the intestine, check some enzymes, etc to diagnose the illness, if I am up to date (I probably am not, however).
But, with changes to diet, your pain hasn't diminished. Thoughts: (1) time- you may need to give the diet changes more time (2) you have cut out too many different foods at once. You won't know which is the culprit unless you cut out one at a time (3)Symptoms (e.g., pain)of each food-related illness may manifest at different times after eating the food and may disappear at different rates.
Finally, I had great success with Effexor-XR for pain, in conjunction with minimal doses of opiod pain relievers (I am allergic to aspirin, ibuprofen, Celebrex, etc). This effect is not, I don't believe, an antidepressant effect because it started sooner than the antidepressant effects are supposed to occur. When I stopped the Effexor, my pain meds no longer worked as well--the pain returned with a vengeance within days of stopping the medication and I am not depressed, but am fast going that way from the return of the pain.
BUT, Effexor is a really strange drug, not one to play about with. Some people have had problems discontinuing Effexor. I had no such difficulty, tapering over about 1 month. I did not like the insomnia followed by somnolence that I experienced with Effexor. Also, Effexor seems to have reduced my ability to control my emotions and my big mouth. Also lost all interest in sex and most in interacting with other people. Finally, I quit taking it. During discontinuation, I experienced dizziness and "brain shivers" but they weren't too bad.
Cheers,
jannbeauI have had chronic soft tissue pain in my feet for several years. I also have an arthritic hip joint. I was prescribed Effexor, starting at 37,5 and then up in a week to 75mg. Has anyone out there had an experience with effexor for the treatment of anxiety and depression, in connection with chronic pain?
> As a side note: I met someone a few days ago who recommended I try a wheat, sugar, meat, and dairy free diet for my pain problems. Because I've tried almost everything, I figured I'd give it a shot. Wow!!! do I feel mentally clear and relaxed in comparison to just two days ago. However my pain is no better, although I do seem less overwhelmed because I feel so much better mentally. Now I'm wondering if I should even begin the Effexor.
> Also, I have tried Serzone, and Nortriptyline, and began with Prozac (made me very anxious) a few years ago.
> Anyone with suggestions, please respond!
> Thank you in advance
poster:Jannbeau
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020628/msgs/111151.html