Effexor vestibular migraine

[1567]

I have been researching Effexor for use in vestibular migraine, it appears to work well however i have seen alot of information that says it is a very hard drug to come off of? Has anyone successfully come off this and your vestibular migraine treated?

[tieaknot]

I am currently using it for vestibular migraine which generalized to frequent vertigo and balance issues even without migraine (but related). I only use the smallest dose of 37.5 which seems to work well and is easier to come off if needed. I’ve tried stopping a couple of times just because I hate taking medicine and the only problem was the original vertigo returning within a few days. I will take it forever if it keeps the spinning and balance issues and related misery away. Good luck to you.

added: unfortunately it doesn’t help my other migraine symptoms, just the vertigo/balance.

[1567 in reply to tieaknot]

Thank you for your reply, i agree it is worth taking something forever if it keeps you functioning. I am just weighing up wether to trial something else first before effexor. Have you tried any other medication if you don’t mind me asking?

[tieaknot in reply to 1567]

I feel like I have tried most things for the migraines minus the propranolol (I have very low blood pressure already) and CGRP injections/infusions (I don’t tolerate most meds and tend to have horrible side effects so being stuck with something in my body for weeks or months isn’t a good option for me).

My migraines only occasionally were the vestibular type and I just rode them out and used Nurtec (which only helped the headache part of it) but 6 months ago it generalized to where the vertigo and balance issues were near-constant for weeks/months, especially when driving (which I stopped soon after it began) and I was dizzy and off balance and vomiting frequently until my Neuro and I decided to try the Effexor. (We repeated my MRI to make sure it wasn’t something else).

[1567 in reply to tieaknot]

Thank you, i seem to be stuck on a mix of pizotifen and propanolol but have also tried nortriptyline, gabapentin and been recommended candersarten but im reluctant to try as i fear it will not work. Effexor seems to be the only drug that everyone i have come across with vestibular migraine works for. I am glad it is working for you another success story with Effexor!

You have really helped put things in perspective thank you! Let’s face it i am probably going to be on medication for life with this condition so i might as well be on something that actually works and not a cocktail!

[tieaknot in reply to 1567]

Hang in there and never give up. They're finding new things all the time. It’s all we can do…just keep chugging on! Wishing you best of success with whatever you try!

[01Jacqui]

After putting up with chronic migraine (pretty much daily) for a number of years I'm currently taking Effexor XR and have found it quite helpful - not a cure but a reduction in number of migraine and level of pain/discomfort. It's definitely worth a try - I wouldn't pay attention to all of the negative info on withdrawal - as migraine sufferers, what's a bit of brain zapping? I reduced the amount recently from 150mg to 75mg and have had episodes of brain zapping (common when coming off of any anti-depressant) but that's it. Reducing the dose hasn't impacted me in any other way.