A Conundrum

So, while I was visiting with my onc the other day, I mentioned to him that these hot flashes were really a pain. They wake me up in the middle of the night several times a night, I'm covered in sweat, blablabla. Just uncomfortable. So I asked him if there was anything I could do to counteract them, and he gave me an rx for Effexor XR, a mild anti-depressant, which he said was the best thing for them.

So, fine. DH goes to the pharmacy to get the pills, and then I look at the fine print.

Ahem. And here are the potential side effects of Effexor XR.

1. constipation
2. dizziness
3. dry mouth
4. insomnia
5. loss of appetite
6. nausea
7. nervousness
8. sexual side effects
9. sleepiness
10. sweating
11. weakness
12. agitation
13. confusion
14. hallucination
15. fever
16. diarrhea
17. flushing
18. headache
19. vomiting
20. flushing

Also, I am to contact my dr if I experience bizarre behavior, chest pain, confusion, anxiety, panic attacks, irritability, aggression, hostility, seizures, or suicidal thoughts or attempts.

You may notice that some of these potential SEs I ALREADY HAVE due to the chemo. And I know that I wouldn't experience all of those, or maybe any of them, but still.

Let's recap, shall we?

Hot Flashes
1. sweating
2. flushing

Efflexor XR
1. sweating
2. flushing
3. dry mouth
4. insomnia
5. loss of appetite
6. nausea
7. nervousness
8. sexual side effects
9. sleepiness
10. constipation
11. weakness
12. agitation
13. confusion
14. hallucination
15. fever
16. diarrhea
17. flushing
18. headache
19. vomiting
20. dizziness
21. potential aggression, hostility or suicidal attempts

Needless to say, this is one of those instances when the cure might prove to be worse than the disease..... so, I am just going to stick with my nice, comfortable hot flashes, and let Efflexor XR gather dust in the medicine cabinet.