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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by zonebure on January 10, 2007, at 17:25:20
Hi, I am new to this forum and am looking forward to it.
I am a 55yo male have been on several meds for depression over the past 12 14 years. I am a combat war veteran and have had problems with flashbacks, images and all the other things that go with it.
A few months ago I went on Effexor and after a couple weeks it provided me with a whole new world of relaxation and focus that I didnt know was possible. Problem is it raises my blood pressure. I am on just 37 mg to start. My blood pressure went up to 150/93. Prior to that it was 120/72 for many years. I went off it and my pressure went back to 120/72 again. I talked to my psych doc and he said he would check to see If it would be worthwhile for me to go on bp meds as this is the only thing that has provided me relief. I went on it again last week and after 3 days bp was back up again. Am off now and bp back to normal. Has this happened to anyone, and is bp medication the way to go? I am also taking remeron 60mg in the pm and buspirone 5mg 3 times a day. Neurontin 400mg 3 times a day.
Posted by Phillipa on January 10, 2007, at 21:11:11
In reply to Effexor, posted by zonebure on January 10, 2007, at 17:25:20
I'm older too so at your age I'd opt for the BP meds too as this med is helping you. Welcome to babble and may many others add to your thread. There is also at the bottom of the page a place to google just effexor if you type it in and all the old effexor posts will come up. Good luck. Love Phillipa
Posted by yxibow on January 11, 2007, at 2:01:39
In reply to Effexor, posted by zonebure on January 10, 2007, at 17:25:20
> Hi, I am new to this forum and am looking forward to it.
> I am a 55yo male have been on several meds for depression over the past 12 14 years. I am a combat war veteran and have had problems with flashbacks, images and all the other things that go with it.
> A few months ago I went on Effexor and after a couple weeks it provided me with a whole new world of relaxation and focus that I didnt know was possible. Problem is it raises my blood pressure. I am on just 37 mg to start. My blood pressure went up to 150/93. Prior to that it was 120/72 for many years. I went off it and my pressure went back to 120/72 again. I talked to my psych doc and he said he would check to see If it would be worthwhile for me to go on bp meds as this is the only thing that has provided me relief. I went on it again last week and after 3 days bp was back up again. Am off now and bp back to normal. Has this happened to anyone, and is bp medication the way to go? I am also taking remeron 60mg in the pm and buspirone 5mg 3 times a day. Neurontin 400mg 3 times a day
Remeron can affect blood pressure as well and the combination with Effexor and BuSpar is a red flag warning because of Serotonin Syndrome. That alone makes me wonder about the blood pressure. I assume your doctor is using due diligence. Buspar in high enough doses which you aren't on can cause fainting, possibly due to low blood pressure. Neurontin is probably neutral in this regard.
Effexor is a very stimulating medication for some -- I assume you have already been through Cymbalta, which is a bit more gentle, at least for some people.
If you really want to combine a beta blocker and the above, I suppose metoprolol wouldn't be a bad choice. But it may be serious enough to warrant clonidine (alpha blocker), which, as with beta blockers, must definately be taken on schedule. Clonidine may have a side effect benefit of anxiolytic relief. It can cause angioedema, although that isn't among the most common effects. Nifedipine (a calcium channel blocker) is another choice.
-- tidingsJay
Posted by Quintal on January 11, 2007, at 10:03:26
In reply to Effexor, posted by zonebure on January 10, 2007, at 17:25:20
Hi zonebure,
I took Effexor, Buspirone and Neurontin a while ago to help with benzo withdrawal. It is safe but wasn't very effective for me. Yes, I did have *very* high blood pressure during that period but that was largely due to the benzo withdrawal, though Effexor does often raise blood pressure. If you've had a good response to that combo then it is wise to stick with it and take meds to control your blood pressure if necessary. Pindolol is a beta-blocker that is supposedly kinder to the serotonin system than most others. It is sometimes used to augment the effect of antidepressants.
Q
This is the end of the thread.
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