Posted by lrc on October 18, 2001, at 17:27:38
In reply to Effexor vs. Effexor XR » Kattis, posted by Cam W. on October 18, 2001, at 8:52:04
> > WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE? I have just been prescribed regular Effexor but noticed all posts are about Effexor XR? HELP!!!
>
> Kattis - The biggest difference between Effexor™ and Effexor XR (besides some differences in side effects - generally more nausea and tiredness with the XR, during the 1st 2 weeks) is the half-life of each of these brand names of venlafaxine. The half-life (in general, the time it takes for half of the dose to leave the body) of Effexor is approx. 5 hours and for Effexor XR is approx. 15 hours.
>
> This means that you will probably have to take Effexor 3 times daily, but most people can get away with taking Effexor XR once daily (some people have to take it twice daily).
>
> There is a bigger issue, that deserves it's own paragraph; that being the incidence of withdrawl syndrome. The shorter the half-life, the more likely one may experience withdrawl symptoms. I have seen a couple (and read about several other people) sho experienced withdrawl from regular Effexor within 8 hours of a missed dose.
>
> The two people in whose case I was directly involved were two geriatrics, who coincidentally had the same doctor and used the same pharmacy. I was brought in because they were sweating and feeling sick every night. This was regardless of whether they had taken their evening meds or not. It didn't take long to discover (actually one phone call to the pharmacy) to find out what was going on. The were both taking 37.5mg of regular Effexor in the morning only. I called the pharmacy to make sure that it was the regular Effexor on the drug list, and not a typo.
>
> These two elderly people were going through mini-withdrawls every night. In each case I was able to call the doctor and have the prescription changed to Effexor XR.
>
> Could I ask you if it was a psychiatrist or family doctor (or some other doctor) that started you on regular Effexor? I would ask your doc if you could be switched to the XR version, if at all possible. There is no harm in taking the regular version, except that you will have to be more diligent and compliant. You do run a higher risk of accidental withdrawl symptoms with the regular Effexor than with Paxil™ (paroxetine). Luvox™ (fluvoxamine), Zoloft™ (sertraline), Celexa™ (citalopram), or Effexor XR.
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> Most people are able to switch from regular to XR dose for dose, with no need of any wash-out (ie. finish up what you have left of Effexor one day (at 3 times daily) and the next day take the whole Effexor XR dose in the morning.
>
> If you have any other questions, just ask. - CamI've been reading a lot of posts about the Effexor and Effexor XR. I've wondered if people omit the XR and I'm actually reading the horrible withdrawal or side effects of Effexor. How good is the XR? I was on Paxil and am leary of taking anything that causes the short term memory loss, zaps and sexual side effects like Paxil. Just would like some input on what you think about the XR. Thanks, lrc
poster:lrc
thread:13781
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011015/msgs/81606.html