Expert: Eric Brandt - 7/4/2007

Question
I have been taking Effexor( 75 mg) for nearly a year now.  Recently, I also began taking Ultram once a day for about the last two weeks for a back injury.  I have not had a period in nearly 8 weeks and have taken several(7) pregnancy tests which all come back negative. I am working on my doctorate, which can be extremely stressful, so I thought perhaps that could be the issue, but my cycle is like clock work...always there. Could the Ultram be to blame?  What do you think is the problem?  Thank you for any advice you can lend.

Answer
Hi Lauren,
In placebo controlled trials, Effexor XR caused menstrual distrbances in 3% of test subjects compared to 2% of those who received the placebo. Ultram has no effect on menstrual cycle. There is a remote chance then that Effexor may be responsible. Stress and diet are more likely responsible. Make sure you eat well and relieve stress and have your hormone levels checked by your doctor.
Thank you for using Allexperts
Sincerely,
Eric Brandt, B.Sc. Pharm