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Suggest Treatment For Severe Scalp Itching And Burning Sensation When On Venlafaxine

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Posted on Mon, 20 Jul 2015
Question: I just typed a question to a direct link to one of your doctors that helped me with a question about 2 days ago. Dr. XXXXXXX XXXXXXX He and I concluded that my 75 mg ER venlafaxine was causing severe scalp itching and burning and significant hair loss. I stopped the med immediately and the burning, itching resolved. Going to Dr. tomorrow to try lexapro. My question now is what is causing my current foot neuropathy? And, will this also resolve in time after stopping venlafaxine? I have needed to be on an antidepressant for the past 32 years. I am currently 62 and feeling much older than my age. Go to bed ok, wake up in a lot of pain and very tired. Help please.
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Answered by Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi (45 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
In my opinion the neuropathic pain is not due to Venlafaxine

Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

I can understand your concern. Venlafaxine is an SNRI drug and the drug is not associated with neuropathy as side effect. Instead it is used in neuropathic pain conditions so in my opinion the drug is not the cause of foot neuropathy you are having. Neuropathy in your case is most likely due to some other cause. Diabetes is one of common cause and this has been ruled out already. Low vitamin levels especially of Vitamin B12 are one of common causes of neuropathic pain. In my opinion you should get your B12 levels checked to rule out the deficiency. Start taking supplements containing Vitamin B12 and the neuropathic pain will decrease. Stopping venlafaxine should not effect then pain.

Medicines like Pregabalin and Gabapentin both are known to improve the neuropathic pain. These medicines will also supplement the actions of Lexapro and will relieve anxiety. You can discuss with your doctor for these medicines. Both of these medicines are very useful in foot neuropathy.

Thanks, I hope this helps you. Feel free to ask again for more doubts.

Take care
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 5192 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Severe Scalp Itching And Burning Sensation When On Venlafaxine

Brief Answer: In my opinion the neuropathic pain is not due to Venlafaxine Detailed Answer: Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries I can understand your concern. Venlafaxine is an SNRI drug and the drug is not associated with neuropathy as side effect. Instead it is used in neuropathic pain conditions so in my opinion the drug is not the cause of foot neuropathy you are having. Neuropathy in your case is most likely due to some other cause. Diabetes is one of common cause and this has been ruled out already. Low vitamin levels especially of Vitamin B12 are one of common causes of neuropathic pain. In my opinion you should get your B12 levels checked to rule out the deficiency. Start taking supplements containing Vitamin B12 and the neuropathic pain will decrease. Stopping venlafaxine should not effect then pain. Medicines like Pregabalin and Gabapentin both are known to improve the neuropathic pain. These medicines will also supplement the actions of Lexapro and will relieve anxiety. You can discuss with your doctor for these medicines. Both of these medicines are very useful in foot neuropathy. Thanks, I hope this helps you. Feel free to ask again for more doubts. Take care