About Joshua Cappuccilli Expertise I can answer most questions involving medication use, side effects, adverse effects, interactions and how drugs relate to specific disease states. Noone can answer all questions; I will respond as such if I cannot provide an answer. I will provide resources / references for the information that I use to formulate the answer given.
Experience I am a PharmD with my degree from the University of FLorida - currently I am preparing to take the state boards in Florida.
Organizations California Phamacist Association
American Pharmacy Assocaition
Education/Credentials BA University of South Florida
PharmD University of Florida
Question "I have been prescribed this medication for anxiety. I had recently
had a c-1 NUCCA (National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association)
adjustment which instantly relieved my chronic back pain) and 6 weeks into
treatment I began to shake when I moved my upper body. It would only
happen when i was moving (I noticed it when i was doing dishes). I have
two young children and life is hectic. I admit that I have been anxious
in the past. My life was no more hectic than it was previous to the
shakes although I was concerned with my neck treatment. I somehow have
doubts that my problem is anxiety driven. I strongly feel that it has
to do with my neck muscles shifting to a "correct" postion after being
out of line for seven years (I think that the shaking is related to the
muscles trying to "fix" itself) I didn't become "anxious" until AFTER the shakes began.
So, my question really is this... Is it risky to take novo venlafaxine
if I'm not really anxious?
Since I've been on them I feel worse than before. I shake alot shortly
after taking the medication even when I'm not moving (more so than the
sublte shaking that I was experiencing in movement before). My joints
are all creaky and my knee seems to be out (there is a huge bruise
there too). I also have some bruising in my hand between my thumb and
forefinger. I couldn't sleep at all the first night after taking the med
that morning. Previous to this medication I was having no problems
sleeping.
Thanks
"
Answer That is a great question. First, let me say that anti depressants are not only used for depression. They are used for symptoms relating to many conditions including nerve pain (most commonly found in combination blockers but also limited evidence for regular SSRI's). I would caution you about "re-diagnosing" yourself - as long as you gave your doctor all of the facts then it is HIGHLY probable that he or she can make a better diagnosis than you or I; so do not discount the possability that this may be the correct drug for you.
That being said - you are at the same risk that anyone else would be for the use of venlafaxine.
I want you to go to drugs.com and read the interactions and side effects.
As far as the note you made that life is not any more stressfull now than before - your body and mind AGE - unless you maintain activities that keep you mentally and physically sharp (and if you do you are in the minority of Americans) then your body will gradually have less resources to call on when there are periods of stress and you may feel yourself reacting differently than you have in the past. There is some compelling data that exercise is helpfull for MANY conditions and unless there is a DARN GOOD REASON that you should not exercise than you should start (ask your doctor about a safe and healthy workout routine - some resistance ie weight training is excellent for osteoporosis and to decrease the risk of gait related falls).
In my opinion you are at risk (BUT SO IS EVERYONE) for the list side effects of the medication - this includes reports of withdrawal symptoms followqing discontinuation.
As long as you have discussed your condition completely, your symptoms completely and the treatment options completely with the doctor you have likely minimized the possibility of erronious use. YOU MUST TELL YOUR DOCTOR EVERYTHING THAT YOU EXPERIENCE THOUGH - AND ALL THE MEDICATIONS, SUPPLEMENTS AND ALL OTHER THINGS THAT YOU USE IN OR ON YOUR BODY so that he (or your local pharmacist) can take a look for potential interactions with existing drugs or foods.
Hope that helps!
KEEP THIS IN MIND: I believe in doctors - they are much more prepared to diagnose us that we are. As long as we give them all the information they almost always make the best available choice - if you don't trust your doctor change doctors!- beyond that there is always ALWAYS a risk of adverse effects with a medication - that is why we need to assess the risk and benefit for each medication.
