Posted by stjames on March 29, 2001, at 23:47:56
In reply to How is Effexor different from Tricyclics?, posted by Fred Potter on March 28, 2001, at 16:09:43
Effexor is the most powerful SSRI, like 200x more than Prozac. At higher doses, 150-300 (in myself)
it is a more powerful SNRI than any TCA. All TCA's are sedating (from mild to major), cause anticolernergic side effects (Dryness, uninary retention) antihistamine effects (dryness, ect;
Effexor has none of these side effects. Take a months supply of a TCA (depending on dose) and you can kill yourself but the same is not true with Effexor. You will sweat like crazy, though !Most get sexual side effects and weight gain with TCA's; with Effexor these side effects are much less. Some do not get them at all on Effexor.
While Effexor has a better side effect profile (or at least does not have the common side effects
that all TCA's have) it is very powerful and short acting (unlike the TCA's) so coming off it can be a bitch as can missed doses. Those who are sensitive to AD's in general seem to really have a ruff time with Effexor and I also think it is too strong for some.If you want to try Effexor keep this in mind 1) Don't miss doses 2) Plan on a slow taper if you want to stop it. If you don't follow these warnings you may have some problems (I have few in this respect, some have horrible side effects if doses are missed or they stop to quickly) At the very least you will have to deal with me saying "I told you so " !
James
poster:stjames
thread:57819
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010327/msgs/58017.html