Effexor and kidney stones

Hello @wendyw,

Welcome to Connect. I couldn't find any discussions or published studies regarding a link between Effexor and kidney stones. Nor did I find anything significant on the FDA webpage.
The only mention of this link appears on an "eHealthMe" webpage, https://www.ehealthme.com/extended/ds/effexor/kidney-stones/
However, the website notes, "...This review analyzes which people have Kidney stones with Effexor. It is created by eHealthMe based on reports of 73,099 people who have side effects when taking Effexor from FDA and eHealthme!"
Unfortunately this webpage seems to be misleading, @wendyw. May I ask if you could share the FDA report? With the plethora of information on the internet, we may have overlooked something too.

Meanwhile, you may wish to view this ongoing discussion on Connect, about withdrawal symptoms and side effects of Effexor:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/tips-on-minimising-withdrawal-symptoms-from-effexor-aka-venlafaxine/

I'm also tagging @lcamino and Mentor @rosemarya, to see if they may have more insight?

Hi, @wendyw, I am sorry that your son has developed bothersome kidney stones. I have no experience with Effexor to share with you.

Have you consulted with a nephrologist about these? I ask this because, I have had an experience with kidney stone that was not noticed by my PCP. But the nephrologist in my kidney transplant department did notice because of the high degree of specialty. I simply offer that as a possibility for consideration.
Rosemary

Thank you Rosemary.
He has had 3 nephrologists, 2 surgeons and an endocrinologist, none connected the Effexor to the stones. We are in Australia and when I called Pfizer here they had no information.

thank you so much. I'm just a mum without medical training so I hope you can explain this to me more clearly. after his last lithrotripsy his surgeon suggest kidney transplant if it gets too much !!! I am sorry but as a new member I cant post links but it is the e med site with statistics about developing stones.

Hi @wendyw,

I sincerely believe that experience is a great teacher, and as a mum I'm sure you've worn many hats, including that of a doctor! I'm so glad you've joined this incredibly informative group. I thought you might wish to read about lithotripsy and kidney stone care at Mayo Clinic:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kidney-stones/care-at-mayo-clinic/mac-20355761

I also found this past discussion on Connect:
– Procedure for removing kidney stones https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/procedure-for-removing-kidney-stones/

@wendyw, may I ask whether your son's doctors have suggested that he gradually stop taking Effexor?

Thank you Kanaaz, I am reading all your suggested links. We are in Australia and there are no dedicated kidney centres here. Do you know if it's possible if he sent all his medical histories there it could be reviewed? He of course would pay for this. His new psychiatrist said he should stop it.

Hi @wendyw,

I'd encourage you to visit the Mayo Clinic webpage for International Services:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/international/appointments
You could send your request online, or call any of the numbers listed. Representatives from one of Mayo Clinic's international appointment offices will ask questions to help you in as efficient a manner as possible.

Here is a list of FAQs for international patients:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/international/appointments/faqs

You are a gem, thank you so much.

@wendyw - So sorry to hear about your son but know that you are being a great mom pursuing answers for him. I have PKD (Polycysitc Kidney Disease) and took Effexor for several years. All I can tell you is that I have never had a kidney stone. I do know drinking a lot helps keep kidney stones at bay and I never drank much (water I mean!) until the last two years and still I have never had a kidney stone. I am a female and you said the study referred to males so I'm afraid my experience is not much use to you and my medical knowledge in this area is negligible.

I wish you all the best and I am glad you turned to the Mayo Clinic because if they can help I know they will.

@wendyw - My assumption with Pfizer is that they would not admit to you a connection between kidney stones and Effexor unless it is in the detailed information sheet that comes with the prescription. Either they don't know, are investigating the possible connection themselves, or another option but for fear of a law suit they will probably not admit something like that to you unless it is in the detailed information sheet that comes from Pfizer with the script. I mean the paper with the impossible to read tiny writing and not the paper from the pharmacy, although reviewing the latter would be a good idea too.