Posted by Sunnely on July 9, 2000, at 13:14:20
In reply to From Paxil to Effexor XR, posted by Mary H on July 8, 2000, at 22:18:19
Hi Mary,
Most probably withdrawal symptoms from Paxil. Ask your doctor to resume your former dose of Paxil then gradualy taper the dose down to the level with the least discomfort for you until it's completely discontinued. This may take a 2-4 weeks.
Effexor XR has a much shorter half-life than Paxil and therefore probably not adequately covering you against withdrawal symptoms from Paxil. Besides, 75 mg/day of Effexor XR is not "bioequivalent" to the 60 mg/day dose of Paxil. These 2 factors combined make those serotonin receptors continue to "thirst" for serotonin (brain chemical) but with the short supply created by the abrupt discontinuation of Paxil, you experience withdrawal symptoms. Technically speaking, these serotonin receptors are in an acute "hyposerotonergic" state.
**********************************************************************> For seven years I was on 60mg. of Paxil. Eleven days ago, I was taken off this, cold turkey, and put on Effexor XR, 75mg. I have experienced something like vertigo, and nausea, my head feels very stuffed up, and some sight problems. Is this the withdrawal from Paxil, or the beginning on Effexor XR? Any help would be much appreciated.
poster:Sunnely
thread:39846
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000708/msgs/39889.html