Posted by MicheleR on October 3, 2000, at 19:18:33
In reply to Re: effexor and prozac?? fatal combo? » MicheleR, posted by Cam W. on October 3, 2000, at 6:58:52
Thank you very much for the information you provided for me, it is very helpful. I learned alot that I can not often find just doing individualized searches for specific medication information. Thanks for taking the time to reply, its appreciated!
Michele> Michele - John is right about taking Effexor & Prozac together. I have seen it done a few times, with no problems. Outside of the serotonin syndrome that John mentioned, the combination actually has some merits for severe depression; especially at higher doses of Effexor. Like John says, add the Effexor at low doses and increase the dose slowly, to avoid serotonin syndrome (flu-like symptoms, excess dizziness, headache, sweats, etc.).
>
> Many researchers think that the way antidepressants work is to increase the neurotransmitters, serotonin and norepinephrine (and even dopamine) levels in the body. If this is true, using Prozac and low dose Effexor together may block serotonin reuptake in the synaptic gap. This could possibly enhance the antidepressant activity of both of these drugs, while decreasing most of the side effects (due to these drugs binding to other receptors like cholinergic, alpha-1-adrenergic, etc.). The serotonin-induced side effects may be enhanced (sweating, weight gain, etc), but probably not to any appreciable extent.
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> High dose Effexor (higher than 225mg/day) and Prozac would possibly act like a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) without all the drowsiness and heart problems. Both serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake pumps would be blocked; increasing levels of both of these neurotransmitters in the gap between nerver cells. Again, long term side effects of both of the drugs may be reduced.
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> It is worth a try. I don't like having to take more meds than I have to, but sometimes it is necessary.
> Hope this helps - Cam
poster:MicheleR
thread:45713
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000926/msgs/45758.html