Posted by sundancer on October 17, 2004, at 22:03:57
Hi! I really appreciate this forum and all of you who write and share. I have a question regarding the efficiency of Effexor as a preventive medication for migraines.
I do not have a history of depression or panic attackes - Effexor was prescribed to me stricktly as a preventive medication for migraines. I take Imitrex and Frova (have tried Maxalt as well) and need to find a preventive medication as my headaches are frequent and perisitent. Imitrex works fine as a rescue med but I cannot take too much as my BP goes up. Anyway,
I was prescribed Effexor XR three months ago after failing to respond to Topamax (seizure medication) and Propanolol (beta blocker) as a
preventive med. I take daily doses of Megnesium and B-2 Vitamines in addition to 500 mg Naprosyn to discourage inflamation.
After to days on 37.5 mg Effexor I was completely unable to handle my day, my job, or to drive a car! When I spoke I felt removed from myself as if hearing my own voice from inside a tin can. It totally freaked me out. But my migraines went away and for about five days I was migraine free. I felt completely "stoned" but I was migraine free. Needless to say I got off Effexor (I could not function in my job)and my doctor shot me up with massive doses of Botox instead, which hasn't helped either.
So here I am three months later and having migraines every two to three days - and obviously using too much Imitrex (Frova does not work anymore).
So I am giving Effexor another try. I take 37.5 mg of Effexor XR in the morning when I wake up. It has only been five days today days and I am experiencing bad headaches (different from migraines) when I either go to bed or when I wake up. These HA seem to be from the Effexor - they are "all over headaches" - and sometimes they go away a few hours after taking another dose (usually 2-4 hours after). I am experiencing other side effects too such as nausea, sweating, dry mouth (I am constantly thirsty!) and I am loosing weight every day. I am withdrawn, quiet, intraverted and indiffent - very unlike myself. So my question is: Will these side effect go away with time? How long can I expect it to take? The headaches are defeating the purpose of taking Effexor for me but if it goes away perhaps it's worth it? I am suppose to stay on 37.5 mg for two weeks and to not increase the dose for now. Any feedback would be great as I am inexperienced and sort of lost with this. I am loosing my life to the migraines and sometimes I feel a sense of pure despair. I don't like to be this "medicated" but if it will help decrease the migraines maybe it's worth it.....
poster:sundancer
thread:404286
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041012/msgs/404286.html