Okay,.... think I need help with these %!@#&)) Hot Flashes
Anyway I digress, he suggests that I try Effexor and he is the second doctor who has suggested it. My answer is always the same and he said think about it and let me know.
I need help deciding on it. Can anyone share their story with me if you have ever tried it or are currently on it?
He says his patients who use it have had great results with the flashes. I know we are all different so no need to explain that but I would love to hear some stories.
Thanks so much pink sisters for anything you can share.
Hugs,
Wanda
Comments
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Wanda I dont get hot flashes
Wanda I dont get hot flashes or take effexor so cant help on that. I do take another med for depression and it took me a very long time to agree to it because Idont like to take meds period, but I must tell you I'm so happy I fnally after several years decided to do it. Maybe you should give effexor a try and if you dont like what it does then stop it. Just a suggestion and yes we are all so different and our bodies have such varied reactions to meds. Hugs0 -
Hot Flashesnatly15 said:Wanda I dont get hot flashes
Wanda I dont get hot flashes or take effexor so cant help on that. I do take another med for depression and it took me a very long time to agree to it because Idont like to take meds period, but I must tell you I'm so happy I fnally after several years decided to do it. Maybe you should give effexor a try and if you dont like what it does then stop it. Just a suggestion and yes we are all so different and our bodies have such varied reactions to meds. Hugs
Hi Wanda! I've been having Hot Flashes for almost 11 years. I tried Effexor but I had side effects from that so I stopped. I tried neurontin, and I had side effects with that. I tried Vit. E for a long time but it didn't work for me. SO..., I have hot flashes. I would rather have the flashes than the side effects from the meds. Not everybody has problems so I think it's worth trying them. I spoke to my GYN several times and she said I should try Remfemarin(not sure of the spelling- it's over the counter and has no estrogen/soy in it)She also told me that some ladies will always have flashes. I guess I'm one of them. Thank god they're not unbearable. Good luck with whatever you try! Remember, you might find something that works for you! I hope so!!! HUGS!!! Cathy0 -
Now rank my hot flashes as "nuclear"cruf said:Hot Flashes
Hi Wanda! I've been having Hot Flashes for almost 11 years. I tried Effexor but I had side effects from that so I stopped. I tried neurontin, and I had side effects with that. I tried Vit. E for a long time but it didn't work for me. SO..., I have hot flashes. I would rather have the flashes than the side effects from the meds. Not everybody has problems so I think it's worth trying them. I spoke to my GYN several times and she said I should try Remfemarin(not sure of the spelling- it's over the counter and has no estrogen/soy in it)She also told me that some ladies will always have flashes. I guess I'm one of them. Thank god they're not unbearable. Good luck with whatever you try! Remember, you might find something that works for you! I hope so!!! HUGS!!! Cathy
but for now am trying to tough it out as, like you, I don't want to add any more meds to the mix. That's my only SE to the Femara so I know I'm pretty lucky and don't want to deal with the other possible stuff that might come from adding another med. Oh well, that may change. My kittens think those flashes are wonderful! They love the heat.0 -
My MO mentioned "Eveningskipper54 said:Now rank my hot flashes as "nuclear"
but for now am trying to tough it out as, like you, I don't want to add any more meds to the mix. That's my only SE to the Femara so I know I'm pretty lucky and don't want to deal with the other possible stuff that might come from adding another med. Oh well, that may change. My kittens think those flashes are wonderful! They love the heat.
My MO mentioned "Evening Primrose" to me if I start getting them. You can find it in the vitamin isle at Walmart. Maybe try that first before something prescribed... what do you have to lose?
Good Luck,
Lorrie0 -
My Pastors wife buysbutterflylvr said:My MO mentioned "Evening
My MO mentioned "Evening Primrose" to me if I start getting them. You can find it in the vitamin isle at Walmart. Maybe try that first before something prescribed... what do you have to lose?
Good Luck,
Lorrie
My Pastors wife buys something in the supplement isle at Walmart, i will find out what it is, she loves it...dont wanna give you the wrong name. She also switched to soy milk and said thats helped.0 -
Thanks for the answers. Irenee616 said:My Pastors wife buys
My Pastors wife buys something in the supplement isle at Walmart, i will find out what it is, she loves it...dont wanna give you the wrong name. She also switched to soy milk and said thats helped.
Thanks for the answers. I can't have soy (or so my doctor says) or I would try the" R". one over the counter. Sorry can't see the name on your post once I hit reply.
I'm scared to try anything and I guess I'll just think about it long and hard.
Thanks Natly for the words of encouragement. What were your SE's from Effexor, if you don't mind me asking (sorry again can't see who posted that).
I love the nuclear reference because I soak the bed every night and am so sleep deprived. I feel like I could fry an egg on my body.
Hugs,
Wanda0 -
Wanda, funny you should ask.
Wanda, funny you should ask. I have been having HORRID hot flashes! So bad that at times they come every 30 minutes! It seems that whenever I "think" I get one. I went to my gyno this afternoon and asked her opinion about Effexor. She said it is a great medicine and should help me a LOT. First she had me call my surgeon who prescribed the tamoxifen in the first place for his thoughts and he agreed. I think that if this can help me cope better then it's worth it to do. I've been getting very depressed over everything lately and the hot flashes and no sleep do not help it. She said it would also help my mood since many woman in this position do have forms of depression. So, while I can't tell you how it's helped me or not, I'll be happy to try it with you
. I pick up my pills tomorrow. Fingers crossed they do the trick!
Angela0 -
Oh Angela, Thanks so much!robang13 said:Wanda, funny you should ask.
Wanda, funny you should ask. I have been having HORRID hot flashes! So bad that at times they come every 30 minutes! It seems that whenever I "think" I get one. I went to my gyno this afternoon and asked her opinion about Effexor. She said it is a great medicine and should help me a LOT. First she had me call my surgeon who prescribed the tamoxifen in the first place for his thoughts and he agreed. I think that if this can help me cope better then it's worth it to do. I've been getting very depressed over everything lately and the hot flashes and no sleep do not help it. She said it would also help my mood since many woman in this position do have forms of depression. So, while I can't tell you how it's helped me or not, I'll be happy to try it with you . I pick up my pills tomorrow. Fingers crossed they do the trick!
Angela
Oh Angela, Thanks so much! What timing huh. I have to call for the prescription because I didn't take it today. He said it's in my chart so I can call anytime.
If I get it tomorrow we will be starting together.
Thanks again and I'll keep you posted.
Not that I think misery loves company, but it is nice to know I'm not the only one that has these horrid flashes. Sometimes I ask people and I swear they think I'm exaggerating.
Hugs,
Wanda0 -
Let me know how this works for youLighthouse_7 said:Oh Angela, Thanks so much!
Oh Angela, Thanks so much! What timing huh. I have to call for the prescription because I didn't take it today. He said it's in my chart so I can call anytime.
If I get it tomorrow we will be starting together.
Thanks again and I'll keep you posted.
Not that I think misery loves company, but it is nice to know I'm not the only one that has these horrid flashes. Sometimes I ask people and I swear they think I'm exaggerating.
Hugs,
Wanda
I may change my mind about adding meds. I was also told no soy for those of us who are E+! Evening primrose huh? Will have to ask about that.0 -
I love my Effexor! The
I love my Effexor! The first time my onoc suggested it I too told him no, didn't want to add any more medicine. I was still taking Chemo and it was horrible. No sleep at all. I finally gave in and called him and within a few days I was better. Couldn't beleive I had suffered so long for no reason. Last month after my hysterecomy I called him again, hot flashes were geting worse agin. He upped the dosage and I am fine. Had overeys removed too, and no problems! I do not seem to be having any side effects from it. Hope that helps.0 -
Effexor
Wanda,
I tried effexor and it made me loopy and didn't really help the hot flashes. I had 2 docs recommend it too. The other thing the MO suggested is clonidine (sp). It's a blood pressure med that is also used for sleep and other things. It didn't really help me because I was nervous taking it as I have ridiculously low BP anyway.
I know some people have success with both so I am probably just the odd duck. I have been putting clary sage oil on my pillow at night and I have a fan on all the time. Those seem to help.
Good luck and let me know if you find something else that works,
Cindy0 -
Wanda looks like you aremamolady said:Effexor
Wanda,
I tried effexor and it made me loopy and didn't really help the hot flashes. I had 2 docs recommend it too. The other thing the MO suggested is clonidine (sp). It's a blood pressure med that is also used for sleep and other things. It didn't really help me because I was nervous taking it as I have ridiculously low BP anyway.
I know some people have success with both so I am probably just the odd duck. I have been putting clary sage oil on my pillow at night and I have a fan on all the time. Those seem to help.
Good luck and let me know if you find something else that works,
Cindy
Wanda looks like you are filling the RX. Give it a litle time and let us know how it works and how you are feeling. Best wishes.0 -
Hi Wanda, I'm right with ya,
Hi Wanda, I'm right with ya, my hot flashes get REALLY bad, and of course the night sweats are horrid. My Onc. prescribed "Gabapentin" and it does help. I used to take it during the day but I'm tired of all the meds so I only take it before bed and it has my night sweats under control. Praying you get some "cool" relief soon!
Hugs,
Kari0 -
Wanda
I have suffered from severe hot flashes for almost 15 years (~age 47-62). I have tried everything mentioned above. Nothing has helped at all and I didn't like side effects of some. My onc and gyn have collaborated to see what might work. My onc said I'm better off if I don't take anything. I told him I'll tolerate my hot flashes but sometimes I wonder if that was an accurate thought. I have 2 kinds any time of the day - beet red face, ears and neck or drenching wet. I had no reconstruction after my bilateral mastectomy and I have to keep washing my special bras and airing out "my girls". Oh, how I wish they would just stop! My gyn says I'm one of the 1% who has significant hot flashes late in my life. Gee thanks.....
Char0 -
Sorry if this is long.....cahjah75 said:Wanda
I have suffered from severe hot flashes for almost 15 years (~age 47-62). I have tried everything mentioned above. Nothing has helped at all and I didn't like side effects of some. My onc and gyn have collaborated to see what might work. My onc said I'm better off if I don't take anything. I told him I'll tolerate my hot flashes but sometimes I wonder if that was an accurate thought. I have 2 kinds any time of the day - beet red face, ears and neck or drenching wet. I had no reconstruction after my bilateral mastectomy and I have to keep washing my special bras and airing out "my girls". Oh, how I wish they would just stop! My gyn says I'm one of the 1% who has significant hot flashes late in my life. Gee thanks.....
Char
But I just have to answer some posts because I am very thankful. I wrote down who wrote what so I could remember.
Nana C: thanks so much and I'm so glad it works for you.
Char: It sounds like I'm right in that 1% with ya. I too started at 47 and now I'm 57 and going strong. I saw a lady in the supermarket one day who was in her late 70's and had the nerve to tell me she still gets them on occasion! LOL....shoot me.
Kari, THANK YOU! I'm going to get Garapentin. You actually said your night sweats are under control. That is one of my wishes and the other is a good nights sleep. Love You!
Natly: I did a bad thing and watched a few videos on line about Effexor withdrawal. Now, I know I might not have these reactions but now I've gone and scared myself into not getting it. I am the worst when i comes to meds. I swear I'll "get" a side effect even if I really don't.
Don't feel like looking up psyco symatic........LOL
You are all awesome and thanks to each and every one of you who answered.
Hugs,
Wanda0 -
Probably shouldn't tell you thisLighthouse_7 said:Sorry if this is long.....
But I just have to answer some posts because I am very thankful. I wrote down who wrote what so I could remember.
Nana C: thanks so much and I'm so glad it works for you.
Char: It sounds like I'm right in that 1% with ya. I too started at 47 and now I'm 57 and going strong. I saw a lady in the supermarket one day who was in her late 70's and had the nerve to tell me she still gets them on occasion! LOL....shoot me.
Kari, THANK YOU! I'm going to get Garapentin. You actually said your night sweats are under control. That is one of my wishes and the other is a good nights sleep. Love You!
Natly: I did a bad thing and watched a few videos on line about Effexor withdrawal. Now, I know I might not have these reactions but now I've gone and scared myself into not getting it. I am the worst when i comes to meds. I swear I'll "get" a side effect even if I really don't.
Don't feel like looking up psyco symatic........LOL
You are all awesome and thanks to each and every one of you who answered.
Hugs,
Wanda
but just so you know you're not alone I know a lady who died in her early 90s of a brain tumor and she was still having hot flashes. Something we can maybe all look forward
to
Of course I'll take the hot flashes to 95 if that's all there is and I can make it that long. 0 -
Well said Skipper!skipper54 said:Probably shouldn't tell you this
but just so you know you're not alone I know a lady who died in her early 90s of a brain tumor and she was still having hot flashes. Something we can maybe all look forward
to Of course I'll take the hot flashes to 95 if that's all there is and I can make it that long.
Well said Skipper! 0 -
Wanda,Lighthouse_7 said:Oh Angela, Thanks so much!
Oh Angela, Thanks so much! What timing huh. I have to call for the prescription because I didn't take it today. He said it's in my chart so I can call anytime.
If I get it tomorrow we will be starting together.
Thanks again and I'll keep you posted.
Not that I think misery loves company, but it is nice to know I'm not the only one that has these horrid flashes. Sometimes I ask people and I swear they think I'm exaggerating.
Hugs,
Wanda
I took my first pill
Wanda,
I took my first pill today~ She has me on a low dose for 2 weeks and then a higher dose after that. I'm hoping that it helps. Withdrawal?Right now I can't worry about that. If I'm going to be on tamoxifen for 5 years and have these horrid flashes for that long then I need relief now and will worry about getting off them down the road. As with any medication that you take all the time there is withdrawal. As long as you cut back slowly, it shouldn't be too difficult. I have been on vicoden for 7 years now and every now and again I decide I can live with my chronic back pain and stop the meds. As long as I do it gradually, it isn't that bad. Right now I need relief and I hope you get over your fears soon so you can be helped too. It took me 5 weeks to get up the nerve to ask for these. Keep in touch and let me know what you decide~~
Angela0 -
I will keep you postedrobang13 said:Wanda,
I took my first pill
Wanda,
I took my first pill today~ She has me on a low dose for 2 weeks and then a higher dose after that. I'm hoping that it helps. Withdrawal?Right now I can't worry about that. If I'm going to be on tamoxifen for 5 years and have these horrid flashes for that long then I need relief now and will worry about getting off them down the road. As with any medication that you take all the time there is withdrawal. As long as you cut back slowly, it shouldn't be too difficult. I have been on vicoden for 7 years now and every now and again I decide I can live with my chronic back pain and stop the meds. As long as I do it gradually, it isn't that bad. Right now I need relief and I hope you get over your fears soon so you can be helped too. It took me 5 weeks to get up the nerve to ask for these. Keep in touch and let me know what you decide~~
Angela
I will keep you posted Angela, thanks. You're right about the meds and coming off. I have had Ativan for a year and a half and I always skip few days just to prove I can do it. I do feel withdrawals when I do. I guess the benefits out way the SE's.
Please keep me posted too.
Hugs,
Wanda0 -
vitamin e !!!
Hi Wands
I have battled depression on and off for 15 years. I was on Effexor for that many years ago, and for me, it didn't work out. I got worsening of my depression and terrible anxiety attacks from it. But, I have heard from many others who take effexor that it works well.
As far as the hot flashes go, I asked my oncologist about them, I've had them since chemo, and I'm 10 months out of treatment. She recommended vitamin E, i can't remember the exact amount, but it's just 1 standard Vitamin E capsule I take daily, and after a few days, I really started to notice that it was working! They're not completely gone, but the frequency and severity of them has gone down considerably. I would ask your onc about trying the vitamin E, and that way you won't have to worry about side effects
*hugs*
Heather0
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