Posted by corafree on September 19, 2004, at 2:49:29
In reply to Re: Effexor and chronic pain » Starwatcher, posted by jannbeau on July 9, 2002, at 10:34:56
Cary11, Jannbaeu & Starwatcher, I really need your help. I take Endocet (generic Percocet) for chronic pain. I have C2-3, 3-4, and 5-6 extruded discs. I cannot afford surgery and surgeons say I'm not bad enough (I say to myself 'yeah..yet!'.) I am having extremely horrible breakthrough pain. Usually last 203 or 304 days. This is the second in a period of two weeks. My PCP doesn't prescribe a diff med, just allows me 10 extra Endocets per month. IT'S NOT ENOUGH!!! I cannot take morphine because it makes me crazy. I feel fortunate that my PCP gives me what he gives me, and am so afraid to tell him I need more. I lie on my ack w/ a rolled towel under my neck and just lie there and cry. I am working on myself, emotional illnesses, and other physical illnesses. I am so overwhelmed. My anxiety med is only Klonopin up to 4mg a day. Sometimes I think part of my suicidal ideation is my physical pain in my shoulder, neck, and whole head. I am open to any of your suggestions. I am trying to get a TENS, but was just at therapy FRIDAY, used it, and then had the breakthrough later in day. It was a very busy day, running here and there. Seems like I do so much better in a quiet, calm environment. Two men are calling me all the time and I'm crying over that...don't know what to do...need them, don't know if I want them, but too much pain to pick up phone. They cause me stress too. My focus right now is supposed to be on my DBT therapy, and there is so much interference, I don't know which way to turn. love cf
> >Star: I take 2 tablets of propoxyphene with acetaminophen at night with the 37.5 mg of Effexor. During the day, I take 1 to 2 5 mg tablets of hydrocodone, as necessary, for pain. There appears to be very little, if any, interaction between the propoxyphene and the Effexor or between Effexor and hydrocodone. This is NOT the case with ULTRAM, however. My pain specialist put me on Ultram, Topamax and Effexor all at the same time. The Ultram, which appears to have significant effects on serotonin receptors or NE or DA receptors, in conjunction with the Effexor caused me much grief. I stay completely away from Ultram as a result.
>
> Hope this information is helpful.
>
> Jannbeau
>
> Hi, jann. Thanks for your reply. I've really watched what I take in conjunction with Effexor, since it seems to be such a high powered med. I have taken 1 ea. #3 codeine before for relief, but I've never done so at the same time. I've only done it once or twice during the day when the Effexor wore off and it wasn't time to take that again yet, but I made sure and waited at least six hours before taking the Effexor. What very low dose opioids do you take at the same time?
> >
> > > > Starwatcher, I have had the very same experience. I take 37.5 mg at night, no antiinflammatory (I am allergic to aspirin-asthma-and other NSAIDs; no tagamet because no NSAIDs). The medication works very well-in conjunction with very low doses of opiod analgesics-to control my pain (arthritis and fibromyalgia). Similar side effects: fatigue; somnolence for part of the day.
> > >
> > > Cheers,
> > > jannbeau
> > >
> > > Hi, Cary 111. I take my 37.5 mg. about an hour or so or right before I go to bed, along with two other prescribed meds - Etodolac ( an anti-inflammatory) and a Tagamet for my stomach (this can increase Effexor's effects, and cause it to be eliminated from the system more slowly, so maybe that's why I can get by on the smallest dose). Since my condition that it is prescribed for is NOT depression, but chronic fibromyalgia pain - I felt and feel totally safe reducing the dosage down from 75 mg. to 37.5 mg. If a lesser dose will relieve the pain, and I have less side effects, why not? I am still finding that I'm sometimes still a little tired, loaded and fuzzy headed feeling for about an hour in the morning after I wake up, but it goes away - and I've been on it now for almost a month, with no missed doses. The pain stays gone until the evening.
> > > >
> > > > Starwatcher:
> > > > > Thanks for your message. What time of day do you take that 37.5mg? Was your tiredness greater when you first began taking the medication. Does it seem to be getting better as you adjust? I hope all continues to go well for you.
> > > > > Best, Cary 111
> > > > >
> > > > > > > I 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
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Hi, cary.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I've been on 37.5 mg. of Effexor for fibromyalgia for about three weeks, and this dose seems to be working continuously! My doctor prescribed 75 mg., and I tried that on a weekend - but it was too much - I couldn't function and basically slept around the clock - so I decreased the dosage myself. I will stay at this dose as long as it works, and I'm experiencing minimal side effects - a little diziness now and then, and a kinda sleepy loaded feeling for awhile when I wake up in the morning.
>
>
poster:corafree
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040915/msgs/392524.html