Posted by morgan26 on August 9, 2002, at 13:30:58
In reply to Effexor addiction vs. therapeutic benefit dilemma , posted by Mr.Scott on August 8, 2002, at 18:29:20
Regarding your question about how Effexor can create such a quick effect: compared to similar drugs (Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Celexa) Effexor has an EXTREMELY short half life in the body. In fact, the "regular" form (as opposed to the XR form) is typically taken 2-3 times per day. I take the XR formulation at 75 mg q.d. and have found that if I forget the meds, my threshold for uncontrollable crying (what it was intended to treat in the first place) goes way down within 24 hours. Likewise, when I remember and take the meds, that threshold improves significantly within a few hours. So it is not at all unusual that you feel immediate effects from the drug.
The anxiety, however, is an adverse effect that will likely not improve with the short acting form. It sounds like you may do better on something that is a bit longer acting and less notorious for aniety side effects. Perhaps Zoloft or Prozac? You did not mention if you had tried these. They take a little longer to kick in (you might not feel improvement for a week or two), but produce a more stable effect.
Another possiblity to consider: As you can see from the many participants on this board, Effexor is famous for a "rebound" effect when discontinued. Is it possible that the anxiety is a result of it wearing off rather than a result of it being in your system? Keeping a journal for a few days of when you take the meds and when you feel the anxiety might help sort that out...
Hope this helps.
poster:morgan26
thread:115725
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020807/msgs/115826.html