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caya · 07-24-2012, 07:35 PM

Mary Jo

I have been on Effexor XR 75 mg. (generic) for 5 years now - My onc. started me on it when I went on Tamoxifen as I was having major depression/anxiety issues as well as major hot flashes. I cannot begin to tell you how it basically changed my life- my hot flashes went from practically all day and night - nights were especially bad, we are talking dripping nighties and soaking sheets. My general mood and demeanor was much calmer - not a zombie, just a more level-headed, not sobbing, me.

I have read about the bad side effects of coming off this drug, but quite frankly, if you need it, why not try it and see if your hot flashes improve. 37.5 mg. is such a low dose - and if it works, great. If you decide to go off it eventually, it will have to be under your doc's supervision of course. I have talked to my GP about this, and since I just went off Femara a week ago, I am going to let my body "settle down" for a couple of months, and then I may try to go off Effexor. Or I may not.

all the best
caya

07-24-2012, 07:35 PM	#4
caya Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Thornhill, Ontario Canada Posts: 2,320	Re: Effexor Question Mary Jo I have been on Effexor XR 75 mg. (generic) for 5 years now - My onc. started me on it when I went on Tamoxifen as I was having major depression/anxiety issues as well as major hot flashes. I cannot begin to tell you how it basically changed my life- my hot flashes went from practically all day and night - nights were especially bad, we are talking dripping nighties and soaking sheets. My general mood and demeanor was much calmer - not a zombie, just a more level-headed, not sobbing, me. I have read about the bad side effects of coming off this drug, but quite frankly, if you need it, why not try it and see if your hot flashes improve. 37.5 mg. is such a low dose - and if it works, great. If you decide to go off it eventually, it will have to be under your doc's supervision of course. I have talked to my GP about this, and since I just went off Femara a week ago, I am going to let my body "settle down" for a couple of months, and then I may try to go off Effexor. Or I may not. all the best caya __________________ ER90%+/PR 50%+/HER 2+ 1.7 cm and 1.0 cm. Stage 1, grade 2, Node Negative (16 nodes tested) MRM Dec.18/06 3 x FEC, 3 x Taxotere Herceptin - every 3 weeks for a year, finished May 8/08 Tamoxifen - 2 1/2 years Femara - Jan. 1, 2010 - July 18, 2012 BRCA1/BRCA2 Negative Dignosed 10/16/06, age 48 , premenopausal Mild lymphedema diagnosed June 2009 - breast surgeon and lymph. therapist think it's completely reversible - hope so. Reclast infusion January 2012 Oopherectomy October 2013 15 Years NED!!