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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 12 of 12. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by ChessieLeigh on June 3, 2008, at 18:17:10
I've been on effexor xr for 8 years for major dep and panic. Aside from the weight gain, which I finally managed to lose, it skyrocketed my cholesterol. I tried zocor but I got muscle aches so I'm trying more fish oil, diet+exer, red yeast rice, etc., but my doctor told me that we'd have to talk about switching the effexor b/c of the cholesterol.
I know every drug is different for every person but I'm terrified to switch. The change in my life has been so positive that I'm scared to try anything different. Yet, with my cholesterol getting higher each year, I don't know what to do! Any suggestions/recommends/experience welcome.
THANK YOU!
Posted by Phillipa on June 3, 2008, at 23:12:58
In reply to effexor + cholesterol- options?, posted by ChessieLeigh on June 3, 2008, at 18:17:10
Well see you are new to babble let me welcome you. A lot of great knowlege here. I didn't know effexor affected cholesterol so you taught me something new. Thanks what causes it to rise? Phillipa
Posted by ChessieLeigh on June 3, 2008, at 23:34:26
In reply to Re: effexor + cholesterol- options? » ChessieLeigh, posted by Phillipa on June 3, 2008, at 23:12:58
I've seen it mentioned on here, and it's also in the PDF and the effexor insert ... and my own experience. Not sure if it's common with other SNRI's or not.
Posted by Polarbear206 on June 4, 2008, at 7:44:19
In reply to effexor + cholesterol- options?, posted by ChessieLeigh on June 3, 2008, at 18:17:10
> I've been on effexor xr for 8 years for major dep and panic. Aside from the weight gain, which I finally managed to lose, it skyrocketed my cholesterol. I tried zocor but I got muscle aches so I'm trying more fish oil, diet+exer, red yeast rice, etc., but my doctor told me that we'd have to talk about switching the effexor b/c of the cholesterol.
>
> I know every drug is different for every person but I'm terrified to switch. The change in my life has been so positive that I'm scared to try anything different. Yet, with my cholesterol getting higher each year, I don't know what to do! Any suggestions/recommends/experience welcome.
>
> THANK YOU!
How did you lose the weight? What dose are you on?Thanks
Posted by ChessieLeigh on June 4, 2008, at 12:18:50
In reply to Re: effexor + cholesterol- options?, posted by Polarbear206 on June 4, 2008, at 7:44:19
300 mg! I lost it the hard way: lots of exercise, weight watchers to help me get started, and eating healthy. It's a constant battle. I try to do at least 2 mi/day on the treadmill or elliptical. Ugh!
Posted by linkadge on June 4, 2008, at 13:21:03
In reply to Re: effexor + cholesterol- options?, posted by ChessieLeigh on June 4, 2008, at 12:18:50
Hmm you might be able to take a combination of medications. Could you say reduce the effexor and augment it with another AD (one less likely to elevate cholsterol?). You might then retain some benifit of the effexor.
Also at 300mg is your blood pressure ok? Effexor can elavate BP at higher doses. The combination of elevated cholesterol and BP might (unfortunately) be a reason to try and reduce the effexor.
Linkadge
Posted by ChessieLeigh on June 4, 2008, at 13:29:03
In reply to Re: effexor + cholesterol- options?, posted by linkadge on June 4, 2008, at 13:21:03
My bp is fine - it tends to be a bit low, so the effexor I think just brings it to normal. But yes, being on the max dose I'm sure is not good in the long term. Good suggestion for augmenting rather than a complete switch. The SNRI is really helpful b/c of the panic. I wonder if that's somehow connected to the cholest, though, because I think effexor is the only one that has the cholest-raising side-effect.
Posted by linkadge on June 4, 2008, at 21:10:39
In reply to Re: effexor + cholesterol- options?, posted by ChessieLeigh on June 4, 2008, at 13:29:03
Low cholesterol seems to be associated with depression (perhaps panic too).
Have you tried paroxetine? It can be good for panic disorder.
Linkadge
Posted by valleedoll on June 4, 2008, at 22:00:51
In reply to Re: effexor + cholesterol- options?, posted by linkadge on June 4, 2008, at 21:10:39
Low cholesterol = depression? That's really interesting!
Posted by linkadge on June 5, 2008, at 9:32:57
In reply to Re: effexor + cholesterol- options?, posted by valleedoll on June 4, 2008, at 22:00:51
I wouldn't say that low cholester = depression, but some studies have linked low cholesterol to depression. Cholesterol affects serotonin levels in some way.
It may or may not be the low cholesterol itself that is affecting depression. It may be that certain foods containing cholesterol have an impact on depression.
Linkadge
Posted by Zyprexa on June 7, 2008, at 21:47:26
In reply to effexor + cholesterol- options?, posted by ChessieLeigh on June 3, 2008, at 18:17:10
Try a different cholesterol med. Niaspan, Mevacor, etc.
Posted by ChessieLeigh on June 15, 2008, at 0:32:41
In reply to Re: effexor + cholesterol- options?, posted by Zyprexa on June 7, 2008, at 21:47:26
I'm transitioning over to celexa - slowly b/c we all know how brutal effexor withdrawal can be. We shall see. I'm wondering if just an SSRI is enough for my panic disorder as opposed to an SNRI, but we shall see. Doctor wants to retest my cholesterol in 3 months.
This is the end of the thread.
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