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The Use of Effexor in Neuropathy Pain

Neuropathy pain is a burning, stabbing or an electric shock feeling that occurs due to nerve damage caused by a variety of conditions like diabetes or shingles or can be the result of treatments like chemotherapy. Approximately 60 to 70 percent of patients receive relief from neuropathic pain through the use of antidepressant medications, one of which is Effexor.

  1. Background

    • Typically, tricyclic antidepressants are used for neuropathy; however, doctors are beginning to prescribe other types of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for the relief of nerve pain. One such drug is Effexor or venlafaxine hydrochloride, which has been the subject of clinical trials for use in treating neuropathy.

    Function

    • Effexor works by preventing certain brain chemicals known as serotonin and norepinephrine from being broken down by your body. Doctors do not understand why, but the resulting increases in these chemicals helps lessen the severity of nerve pain.

    Time Frame

    • How long you will need to take Effexor for neuropathy depends upon the cause of your pain. For temporary causes of nerve pain like shingles, you may only need to take Effexor for a few weeks, while diabetic neuropathy or nerve damage due to chemotherapy, treatment may be needed for longer periods of time such as months or years.

    Risks

    • Side effects of Effexor include drowsiness, dizziness, insomnia, nervousness, dry mouth, nausea, delays in ejaculation or decreased ejaculate, headaches and weakness. Risks associated with Effexor include the development of suicidal thoughts, hypertension, hyperthermia or excessive dilation of the pupil.

    Considerations

    • Effexor is typically not prescribed for women who are pregnant or for patients who are also being treated with MAOI antidepressants. If you have a history of bipolar disorder, bleeding problems, glaucoma, seizures, heart attacks or failure, hyperthyroidism, mania or liver or kidney disease, it may not be safe for you to take Effexor for the treatment of neuropathy, warns the Mayo Clinic.

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