Effexor for chemopause symptoms

Ddk
Ddk Member Posts: 8
in Breast Cancer #1

Has anyone else taken Effexor (anti-anxiety/anti-depression med) to help with the side effects of chemopause? I've been struggling with leg and joint pains from Femara and Zoladex shots for 2years. Looking for suggestions....I take yoga a couple times a week and go hiking regularly to try and help with the pain. (stage II with chemo and rads)

Comments

  • RozHopkins
    RozHopkins Member Posts: 578 Member
    #2
    Effexor

    Had only chemo, double masectomy 3 year ago.  I take Effexor for hot flashes.  Thought it wasn't doing much then after a few days of coming off realized oh yes it was indeed keeping them back.  Pre meno so now on three monthly injections to help, kill off ovaries.  I also do Yoga.  Some days I feel I cannot move, stiff, sore with treatment and a mixture of normal issues such as tennis elbow and arthritis, I am 56 and feel 80 some days.  I struggle wondering are the preventative meds worth it, my weight on the tummy is gross.  But, there is no easy answer.  Seems to me a lot of ladies who are savvy to good diet and exercise and take meds as they are told to  seem to get reoccurence.  Very confusing..............

  • Ddk
    Ddk Member Posts: 8
    #3
    RozHopkins said:

    Effexor

    Had only chemo, double masectomy 3 year ago.  I take Effexor for hot flashes.  Thought it wasn't doing much then after a few days of coming off realized oh yes it was indeed keeping them back.  Pre meno so now on three monthly injections to help, kill off ovaries.  I also do Yoga.  Some days I feel I cannot move, stiff, sore with treatment and a mixture of normal issues such as tennis elbow and arthritis, I am 56 and feel 80 some days.  I struggle wondering are the preventative meds worth it, my weight on the tummy is gross.  But, there is no easy answer.  Seems to me a lot of ladies who are savvy to good diet and exercise and take meds as they are told to  seem to get reoccurence.  Very confusing..............

    Effexor

    Cool

    It is reassuring to know I am not alone in my confusion/frustration with these treatments. My kids tease me that my 82year old mother walks better than I do.    I am 52 years old and am not full menopausal yet.  I pride myself in having a positive attitude...but some days it's difficult. I may try the Effexor...but that seems to come with its own set of side effects.  Be Well

  • Ddk
    Ddk Member Posts: 8
    #4
    RozHopkins said:

    Effexor

    Had only chemo, double masectomy 3 year ago.  I take Effexor for hot flashes.  Thought it wasn't doing much then after a few days of coming off realized oh yes it was indeed keeping them back.  Pre meno so now on three monthly injections to help, kill off ovaries.  I also do Yoga.  Some days I feel I cannot move, stiff, sore with treatment and a mixture of normal issues such as tennis elbow and arthritis, I am 56 and feel 80 some days.  I struggle wondering are the preventative meds worth it, my weight on the tummy is gross.  But, there is no easy answer.  Seems to me a lot of ladies who are savvy to good diet and exercise and take meds as they are told to  seem to get reoccurence.  Very confusing..............

    Effexor

    Cool

    It is reassuring to know I am not alone in my confusion/frustration with these treatments. My kids tease me that my 82year old mother walks better than I do.    I am 52 years old and am not full menopausal yet.  I pride myself in having a positive attitude...but some days it's difficult. I may try the Effexor...but that seems to come with its own set of side effects.  Be Well

  • debi.18
    debi.18 Member Posts: 850 Member
    #5
    Ddk said:

    Effexor

    Cool

    It is reassuring to know I am not alone in my confusion/frustration with these treatments. My kids tease me that my 82year old mother walks better than I do.    I am 52 years old and am not full menopausal yet.  I pride myself in having a positive attitude...but some days it's difficult. I may try the Effexor...but that seems to come with its own set of side effects.  Be Well

    Effexor

    My onc put me on 35 mg effexor and it worked great for the 1st month.  Then it stopped working all together.  Onc upped the dosage to 75 mg and it helps quite a bit.  I still get hot very easy, but the flashes have diminished quite a bit.

  • RozHopkins
    RozHopkins Member Posts: 578 Member
    #6
    PS.        Yes, 75 milligrams

    PS.        Yes, 75 milligrams here too.  

  • Ddk
    Ddk Member Posts: 8
    #7
    RozHopkins said:

    PS.        Yes, 75 milligrams

    PS.        Yes, 75 milligrams here too.  

    Effexor

    Did you find that it helped with the muscle/joint pain?

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