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Hi Beth,
I'm brand new to the forum. I take Effexor ER, too. I take it for depression, but once it got into my system it does help somewhat with my sleep, unless I'm in a flare. It keeps me calmer. I have had depression for at least 15 years. At least thats when it was finally diagnosed. My Doc just prescribed Ultram for me last Friday after I tried to explain to him how painful my flare is this time. He was just suggesting Motrin , but that doesn't work at all! I also take .5 mg 2x a day of xanax for anxiety. It really helps during the flares. Keeps me calm and relaxed. The Ultram is wonderful, so far. It really eases my pain a lot! I even went on a long motorcycle ride with my significant other on Sunday. Of course I hurt when I got back, but took 2 Ultram and went to bed. I felt ok the next morning. I'm still in flare mode, but it has helped me alot. I, too have changed jobs a lot since I was diagnosed 5 years ago with Fibro. I went from a full-time Graphic Designer to waitressing 3 days a week. It's about the only thing I can do that doesn't require I sit behind a desk all day. That was killing me, I had more pain back then witha flare. Some days it's very hard to put one foot in front of the other only working 3 days a week, but I make myself do it. Talk to your Doc about the Ultram along with the Effexor and see if that doesn't help. Take care!
Laur

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Hi there Bethy614. I am also on Effexor XR and find that it does absolutely nothing for me in regards to managing my pain. I am on it for depression and have been for the last 2 years. I take 4 75mg capsules a day and nothing. I am looking for better pain management. Good luck

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Bethy,
I think we all know how you feel. I currently am unemployed because I could not work because of the fibro pain. My question to you is...do you see a psychiatrist for the effexor? The reason I ask is because they are so much more knowledgeable about antidepressants. They can add a combination of meds to help you or adjust doses. There is so much as non-medical people that we just aren't aware of. My psychiatrist put me on cymbalta for depression and pain. It works too. It doesn't completely get rid of the pain but it definitely takes the edge off. I find that my other doctors are not nearly as aware of the proper dosages for antidepressants as he is . I also started to take lyrica and that also has worked quite well. Both drugs for me take away what I call the "all the time " pain. I still have pain after doing normal household chores but it seems to be somewhat less severe. I also recently started water therapy, which I would highly recommend. I was hesitant at first because I wanted to exercise on my own. The water therapy has really helped my mobility and stamina. I grew up with a Mother who was a nurse and we never questioned Doctors ,but I learned when I was diagnosed with FM that you have to be your best advocate.Do some internet research on credible sites like the Arthritis Foundation or the National Fibromyalgia association. Go in to your Doctor appointments armed with information. While he/she is the doctor you get a say in your own health care. I wish you the best.

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