Effexor & stomach problems, cancer?

Guest · Guest

Hi- I took effexor for last 4 months and apart from being broke Laughing

I noticed almost immediate bubbling stomach issues (apart from sleep distrurbance, night sweating). Not so much diarrhea but gas, belching. I felt crappy for the most part and had liver and gallbladder area pain that cannot be substantiated, had all the basic tests- blood levels, stool, urine, even ultrasound (all they found was a kidney cyst). Took antacid pills to combat suspected GERD.

Extreme fears of cancer due to unexplained weight loss brought all this and my anxiety on in the first place (started last spring), now I think I really DO have stomach cancer ......from taking this blasted effexor....I know, sounds like another phobia but this time I have no anxiety associated with it or panic attack, just feeling at the mercy of the medical system, will find out more soon, taking a barium test tomorrow.

Dr.s continued to stall me from getting an abdominal MRI (9 months later) and now I wonder if I left it too long. Once again I am so afraid to leave my three kids by dying off like a dog. Anyone else have stomach pain, especially reflux like pain just below their rib cage on right side? Now I am almost hoping it is drug related, been off the stuff for 4 weeks now. It was discomfort, bubbling for first 2 months, a dull pain for a month, now suddenly for the last week it's burning, searing and I can't even sleep unless I sit up. Maalox etc. doesn't even touch it, only bananas work ...for a while at least. Spending nights in the Emerg just so someone might agree to send me for an Endoscopy finally. I'd be thrilled to just have an ulcer or something....

Anyone else have similar stuff going on?? Confused

jadie2007 · Newbie Joined: 10 Apr 2007 Posts: 1

Thanks God you posted this. I have the same problem and have been trying to search to see if anyone else was experiencing the same thing. I told my Dr. and he said it wasn't the meds, but that is when it started. I never had this before. I have gas, bloating and burning in my stomach. My Medical doc thinks I have acid reflux-so I am taking nexium for that, but I think it's the effexor. I am coming off it now and trying another drug. Is there anyone else there with this issue? I thought I was crazy or had an ulcer.
Thanks for your post.

Guest · Guest

I was just searching the web for the same stuff. I was having these major pains like PMS cramping and feeling nausea and couldn't stay out of bed for more than a few hours. This was only for a couple of days then I was ok. I thought I was just sick or something. When I went from 150 to 225mg I was so sick. My back was in pain and my stomach I felt like I was going to get sick or have diarrhea of course nothing happened just pain. I thought I was drinking too much coffee. I went back down to 150 for five days and nothing changed so today I took nothing. By dinnertime ( I usually take the meds in the morning). I was feeling off balance and like I was flying off the wall. I took 75mgs and tomorrow I"m going back to the dr for something else. This is crazy. I cannot function with such bad pain. I have three kids to look after.

Fausto · Newbie Joined: 23 May 2007 Posts: 1

Hey dudes- I came across your posting in regards to your stomach issues... sounds like they're MOST likely caused by S T R E S S as opposed to a drug reaction. In fact, going by the tone of your post alone, I have to ask if you've considered that you're BIpolar, and not just uni-polar depressed?

I was actually treated for a suspected ulcer before I got on Effexor...

Try Zantac for your stomach (stay away from calcium antacids!!!!!), avoid smoking, specifically avoid grapefruit juice (as it can increase the availability of the drug in your system), and ask your doctor about solutions for excessive anxiety...

OH!! Though I should definitely mention that I was having SUCH interactions with my EffexXR and my birth control (ortho-tri and then alesse, I think...) that I actually ended up dumping the birth control in favor of the antidepressant. Constant bleeding and cramps and pain from hell... actually, I wouldn't be surprised at all if that was contributing to your misery... My husband and I just have to use other contraceptive methods now...

GOOD LUCK!!!!!! We all need it in this crazy game!!!

Guest · Guest

I had the stomach problems start the day after I started taking it...

dianem5985 · Newbie Joined: 24 Aug 2007 Posts: 3

I also had the pains after taking effexor 150mg, stomach, back, nausea, vomitting, and just felt totally crappy. I'm only 22 yrs. old I complained to my doctor and they said oh it's nothing just take these pills for indigestion. Continued to feel like crap went to the gastroentranologist they ran mant tests, endoscopy, MRI's, blood tests, all that good stuff. still nothing, finally then did a test for the gallbladder. It turned out my galllbladder was not working right not cause by stones just crapping out. Long story short I had my gallbladder removed annd feel much better. I haven't taken effexor for a couple months now.
I still wonder if the effexor caused my problem. Anyone know???? Please help thanks

portia17 · Silver Member Joined: 02 Aug 2007 Posts: 276

Nausea
Dizziness
Sleepiness
Abnormal ejaculation
Sweating
Dry mouth
Gas
Abnormal vision
Nervousness
Insomnia
Loss of appetite
Constipation
Confusion/agitation
Tremor
Yawning
Palpitation

Above is the side effects of effecor

If you are still not feeling well you should go to a specialist a gastroenterologist

Good luck
Portia

dianem5985 · Newbie Joined: 24 Aug 2007 Posts: 3

my concern is effector creates stomach problems could that been why I needed to have my gallbladder removed. Thanks

dianem5985 · Newbie Joined: 24 Aug 2007 Posts: 3

I just want to know if effexor causing stomach problems is the reason why i had my gallbladder removed. someone please help me

Guest · Guest

I take depakote and it burns my stomach too and wow I hate the bubbling reactions I get from it.

I take two pills - I forget the strength in the morning and two at night.

I sleep with clonazepam - wow do I get sleep - I feel like a zombie but I do get more rest - I take depakote for a light version of bipolar

Effexor & stomach problems, cancer?

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