Effexor

I just have a quick question...Has anyone had any success taking Effexor for migraines?

Please let me know about your experience taking this drug...I think it may be time to find a new doctor. I just don't think he's getting it. It's so frustrating.

Thanks, Dawn

Well, I've just had an interesting time at the pharmacy. It turns out that my doctor, soon to be ex-doctor is trying to kill me. Come to find out whilst trying to fill my new prescription that Effexor has a high risk of having a potentially fatal interaction with two of my other meds that I'm on...(Deep breaths).

I am starting to think that I am a magnet for getting unqualified doctors to treat my migraines. What are they thinking!? Hmmmm....I guess if I'm dead I won't have the migraine pain anymore! I mean this is getting ridiculous. Geez...

On a positive note, I am definately sending my pharmacist a thank you card for saving my life LOL! At least he is on top of things...

Dawn

Yeah, I think it's time to find a new doctor. I had the same problem where the neuro would prescribe things and not check interactions then not believe me when I had one and would continue to use the med that interacted with other combos. Gee whiz - and we're just the patient. Thank goodness you have a wonderful pharmacist! I don't think pharmacists get the credit they deserve much of the time.

I've had the pharmacist catch interactions before too. Usually it was when a different Dr prescribed a med and then another would put me on something else. But, isn't that the reason you go through at every appointment what meds your on? Geez!

A good reason to always use the same pharmacy!

I am so sorry you're having to go through this. Pharmacists do deserve more credit I think. Are you going to tell your doctor about this situation? It would be interesing to see his reaction. (if he has one that is) Believe me I know how hard it is to have to go through all this stupidity when you're in pain.

I have so many drug issues, my doctor get her PDR out and looks up anything she is thinking of prescribing to make sure there are not issues. Very unusual as I have never had another doctor do this.

You need a better doctor.

Yeah, my hubby was infuriated when we found out about what would happen to me if I took this drug while on my other meds. We are in the process of shopping for another doctor. Hopefully this next one will do a better job!

Dawn

Any of us mig patients should be using Iguard. It's a website that monitors your meds you take and let you know all about them. It also keeps you up to date on FDA actions or problems meds.

Most of you will be shocked to find out how many meds you are taking together that are dangerous or multiply the side effects. In my case my pharmacy missed every one of them. Worse yet I have contacted my doc and relayed that info. The meds always get changed no questions asked. I know she probably looks it up anyway.

Doctors are not perfect and neither are pharmacists so we need a third check and balance in play. Each year in the US 180,000 people die from medical mistakes. Many of those are prescription drug interactions or wrong dosages. I really don't want to be one of them.

With IGuard even if your med combo is considered safe if new info comes out you are emailed a warning. It rates each of your meds on a 1-5 scale of danger. At one time 5 of the 7 meds I was on had 3 or higher warning.

All of the SSNRI drugs (Effexor) are loaded with interactions with so many other meds.

It's worth looking into.

https://www.iguard.org/

Brent thanks for posting that website. I signed up and thankfully wasn't surpised. I am thankful for a wonderful GP and neuro who are both extremely careful and consult with each other before prescribing me anything.

My pharmacy is great as well in always asking if doctor went over meds with me and if I have any more questions to call any time. They always check each time I fill med whether refill or new for any side effects. This is a national chain. Sorry that you all have not had a good experience.

Brent;

Thank you so much for posting about iGuard. It's nice to know that when another doctor gets the bright idea to try me on another dangerous drug, I can check on there to see if it would be safe to take with my other medications. Oh, and that Effexor that he wanted me to take...rating 5.

Thanks again for the info.

Dawn