Effexor-XR and high blood pressure

[red-rider]

Hello to all. My doc gave me some samples of EffexorXR to try~we agreed on a low start dose(37.5). Well I get home and read the package insert and it says it can increase your BP and heart rate It also mentioned thyroid problems. I happen to take Diovan for my BP and Synthroid for hypothyroidism. I take 1mg of ativan daily to help calm my BP and my anxiety. My goal was to take something that would "calm" me and lower my anxiety level. BUT~I am already very nervous at the thought of taking something that could INCREASE my BP and heart rate. Also I have no idea of what it could do to my thyroid? I dont want to rely on Ativan forever because we all know the benzo's work better "as needed" rather than taking it daily. My doctor knows I have BP spikes and that I take Synthroid~WHY would he give me this med that could add to my already existing problems. Thoughts-ideas-comments~Anyone?
THANX~RR

[hry33]

in general its best for anxiety sufferers to not read up about possible med side effects, all antidepressants tend to make our anxiety worse at first
however you could do some research to find an AD that isnt said to increase BP and goes OK with your other probelms
the ativan will help you get used to any antidepressant

[red-rider]

Thank you hry33~your post makes plenty of sense. I am one of those people that has to read up on anything I am taking. Sometimes I wish I didn't! If anyone else is taking this med and has had success OR has had BP problems~I am all ears
Thanks~RR

[redherring]

Originally Posted by red-rider

Hello to all. My doc gave me some samples of EffexorXR to try~we agreed on a low start dose(37.5). Well I get home and read the package insert and it says it can increase your BP and heart rate It also mentioned thyroid problems. I happen to take Diovan for my BP and Synthroid for hypothyroidism. I take 1mg of ativan daily to help calm my BP and my anxiety. My goal was to take something that would "calm" me and lower my anxiety level. BUT~I am already very nervous at the thought of taking something that could INCREASE my BP and heart rate. Also I have no idea of what it could do to my thyroid? I dont want to rely on Ativan forever because we all know the benzo's work better "as needed" rather than taking it daily. My doctor knows I have BP spikes and that I take Synthroid~WHY would he give me this med that could add to my already existing problems. Thoughts-ideas-comments~Anyone?
THANX~RR

Effexor is well known for increasing blood pressure. If you're having HBP problems to begin with, I'd contact your doctor for an alternative AD.

[red-rider]

Hello~I am bumping up my post to see if any Effexor XR users will see it. I called my doc back about the high BP issue and never heard back(2 days ago) so I have yet to try one pill If anyone has taken it and would like to comment~feel free!
and thanks~RR