
Fibromyalgia Support Group
You're not alone in your pain. Fibromyalgia is a condition that can be difficult to diagnose and manage. If you're trying to cope with pain throughout your body, sleep problems, general fatigue, or other common fibromyalgia symptoms, you're in the right place. The community is here for you to talk about therapies and share your challenges.

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Hi Everyone,
I recently agreed to start taking Effexor. Though I am an optimist by nature and was in denial for a couple of months, I had slipped into a mild depression. Apparently, this is not uncommon for fibromyalgia patients. I was reluctant to start this med because it is after all, an antidepressant. I took it for two weeks at a mild dosage. Now I am on the fuller dosage of 75 mg. Not only has the depression let up but two other things have happened. 1) My terrible achiness has lessened somewhat and the fatigue has also let up to some extent. I feel better than I have for a long time. I know that this may be short lived but I will take any relief, even for a short time. While this drug hasn't had any good effect with my migraines, I am so grateful for the good that this drug is currently offering.
Has anyone else experienced the relief that Effexor or other antidepressant can offer? I would love to hear your experiences.
Cinders :-)
I recently agreed to start taking Effexor. Though I am an optimist by nature and was in denial for a couple of months, I had slipped into a mild depression. Apparently, this is not uncommon for fibromyalgia patients. I was reluctant to start this med because it is after all, an antidepressant. I took it for two weeks at a mild dosage. Now I am on the fuller dosage of 75 mg. Not only has the depression let up but two other things have happened. 1) My terrible achiness has lessened somewhat and the fatigue has also let up to some extent. I feel better than I have for a long time. I know that this may be short lived but I will take any relief, even for a short time. While this drug hasn't had any good effect with my migraines, I am so grateful for the good that this drug is currently offering.
Has anyone else experienced the relief that Effexor or other antidepressant can offer? I would love to hear your experiences.
Cinders :-)
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It was like taking off a heavy, wet, lead, cloak. I started to have energy again and less pain. I wasn't sleeping all the time. I wanted to leave the house.
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Sorry - just thought you should know going in that getting off it can be a real problem.
After suffering horrible withdrawal effects, I went to my DR. He said "what made you want to do this?"...."were you feeling too good?", lol. I got the message. I don't stop any medication without my doctor's guidance nowadays.
Glad you're feeling better. I hope you keep doing what works!
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I don't remember that I felt any better or worse, but I did feel a little blah and fake.
That was two anti-depressants before I came to the conclusion that I just wasn't cut out for this kind of drug.
Your doctor might tell you to keep taking it and that the headaches will disappear. You have to get used to the drug - it is a standardized dose and maybe just a little too much for you just yet.
Headaches are listed as one of the common side effects. Here's the list from their site:
Effexor
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome when using Effexor:
Anxiety; blurred vision; changes in taste; constipation; decreased sexual desire or ability; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; flushing; HEADACHE; increased sweating; loss of appetite; nausea; nervousness; stomach upset; trouble sleeping; vomiting; weakness; weight loss; yawning.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur when using Effexor:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bizarre behavior; blood in the stool; chest pain or discomfort; confusion; decreased concentration; decreased coordination; decreased urination; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; hallucinations; memory problems; new or worsening aggressiveness, agitation, hostility, impulsiveness, inability to sit still, irritability, panic attacks, or restlessness; persistent or severe ringing in the ears; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; severe or persistent anxiety, nervousness, or trouble sleeping; severe or persistent cough; severe or persistent headache, dizziness, stomach pain, or weakness; shortness of breath; significant weight loss; suicidal thoughts or attempts; tremor; trouble concentrating; unsteadiness or loss of coordination; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual or severe mental or mood changes; unusual weakness; vision problems; worsening of depression.
I Know someone who is on BOTH Effexor & Zoloft...this person Seems very Sedated...so am TRYING to Read up on it..
I have tried so many different types of anti depressions, and with each one I would end up with rash/hives.
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Well most days any way. lol
Gentle hugs, Sherrall