Posted by SLS on December 7, 2006, at 21:09:50
In reply to effexor and ensam, posted by HavahJ on December 7, 2006, at 18:27:51
> Why can't ensam and effexor be used together? I know they are different classes of drugs but what would it do to you? Please be as specific as possible.
MAOI (Emsam) + serotonin reuptake inhibitor (Effexor) = SEROTONIN SYNDROME
"It is usually only when drugs with different mechanisms of action are mixed together that elevations of central nervous system serotonin reach potentially fatal levels. The most frequent (and perhaps the only) combination of therapeutic drugs likely to elevate serotonin to that degree is the combination of monoamine oxidase inhibitors with serotonin reuptake inhibitors (Various drugs, other than the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), have clinically significant potency as serotonin reuptake inhibitors, e.g. tramadol and sibutramine)."http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serotonin_syndrome
Signs and Symptoms of SEROTONIN SYNDROME
Mental status changes
Confusion (51%)
Agitation (34%)
Hypomania (21%)
Anxiety (15%)
Coma (29%)Cardiovascular
Sinus tachycardia (36%)
Hypertension (35%)
Hypotension (15%)Gastrointestinal
Nausea (23%)
Diarrhea (8%)
Abdominal pain (4%)
Salivation (2%)Motor Abnormalities
Myoclonus (58%)
Hyperreflexia (52%)
Muscle rigidity (51%)
Restlessness (48%)
Tremor (43%)
Ataxia/incoordination (40%)
Shivering (26%)
Nystagmus (15%)
Seizures (12%)Other
Diaphoresis (45%)
Unreactive pupils (20%)
Tachypnea (26%)
Hyperpyrexia (45%)http://www.uspharmacist.com/oldformat.asp?url=newlook/files/feat/acf2fa6.htm
Although some people might suggest that Emsam remains selective for MAO-B at the lowest dosage and thus safe in combination with Effexor, I would not try it myself.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:711256
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20061206/msgs/711298.html