Gabapentin after Venlafaxine

[inthefight]

I have been on Effexor (Venlafaxine) 37.5 to help with my hot flashes which has helped me to a certain extent. My Dr. recommended to double the strength to see if it would take care of more of the hot flashes. After two months of using it I have come to the conclusion that it has not helped me, rather my hot flashes are more severe, which could be a coincidence.

He suggested to try maybe Gabapentin next but I would have to come off the Effexor first.

Has anybody done the switch and what has been your experience?

Thank you for your input in advance.

[Cactus297]

A female friend was taking the anti depressant Effexor and her blood pressure went up. She does not have the tendency towards high blood pressure and when she stopped it her blood pressure went back down. But beyond that I don’t know anything about Effexor except it can raise blood pressure.

[inthefight in reply to Cactus297]

It has not effected my blood pressure. I know we are all different. I am hesitant to go thru possible withdrawal symptoms just to find out that the Gabapentin might not help after all.

[Cactus297 in reply to inthefight]

I don’t blame you for being concerned. I hope things work out for the best.

[Springvale23 in reply to inthefight]

I came gradually off venlafaxine. I had been on 225 mg. I used the capsules that had small tablets inside. 12 in the 150 mg and 6 in the 75mg. I reduced by removing 2tablets from my dose (18 mini tablets) per day for 2weeks. Then a further 2 reduction for 2 weeks. I ended up at 75 mg (6mini tablets). Once I started to reduce further the dr stepped in and cut me down to a standard 37.5 mg ( not extended relief) for one week and a straight transfer to sertraline. That’s 10 days ago. I haven’t had the best of days , although early days. Re Gabapentin , I was never on it. I was on a similar drug pregabalin. I have read this is a stronger drug than Gabapentin. After few years I had to come off it. Found side effects too severe.

Don’t have same issues as you. I have depression , anxiety and cyclothymia.

It’s a struggle at times

[inthefight in reply to Springvale23]

My doctor first suggested to space the intervals but that did not work at all. I just recently started taking the little pills out of the capsule one by one and it looks like it is working. I wait a few days to see if anything changes before I remove the next one from the dose.

[jmurgia]

Try an Embr device.

[LongevityAT]

I started taking Gabapentin a week ago for hot flashes, didn't take anything else before that. I have seen a reduction in the total number of flashes and the intensity of them. But again, it has only been a week.

[inthefight in reply to LongevityAT]

I forgot to take the Effexor once and did not feel at all ok that day. Not looking forward to that feeling while weaning off it just to try the Gabapentin. Still undecided.

[fish7days]

Gabapentin is a horrible drug IMO. You could end up feeling like a zombie. I would suggest 20mg Megace daily. Worked wonders.

[inthefight in reply to fish7days]

I prefer not to take a hormone at this time. But thanks for the suggestion.

[tsim]

Didn't really seem to do much of anything for me and I got the wild eye movement side effect.

[inthefight in reply to tsim]

I forgot my Effexor one time and felt way off during the day. Was not a good experience.

[Joeym1040]

I tried gaberpentin first. Made me dizzy and did not help the hot flashes. Moved to

Venlafaxine 75mg and it did help with the hot flashes, but decided to stop. Be very careful

when/if you stop Venlafaxinel Must ween youurself off slowly and carefully. Now i am using estradoil patch. which works pretty well, but i think the hot flashes were diminisighin on the own after 12 years on intermittent lupron. Good luck.

[inthefight in reply to Joeym1040]

Thanks for sharing your own experience. I am thinking to stop the Venlafaxine to see if there is any change in the hot flashes. Maybe my body has adjusted to them over the past two years on ADT. Not a big fan of taking meds if I don't have to.

[Joeym1040 in reply to inthefight]

I agree. Sometimes you think a drug is helping somewhat. You stop taking it and notice you feel no different. Just take your time getting off the Venlafaxine. Best of luck.