Posted by Sleepy Lizard on June 20, 2002, at 22:06:43
In reply to Effexor, can I alternate?, posted by Denise528 on June 18, 2002, at 15:06:57
You are wondering if alternating will work. I have not tried it, although I take Effexor XR. I've read that the serum levels of Effexor do not stabilize until 4 days. That means that if you alternate you will not know the final effect for at least four days. Also it takes several weeks (2 to 6) to know if an antidepressent will work. Also with all the drugs that modify seretonin levels have some similar side effects, but to different degrees, and some go away after a few months. From what I have read, one side effect that does not seem to go away is anorgasmia or delayed orgasm. But, my psychiatrist explained that effexor has a nor-epinephrine effect that kicks in at 150mg (total daily dose). There is also a weak dopamine increasing effect. He explained that seretonin has a way of allowing the neurons to reform their pathways and helps to cancel negative pathways that have been established through anxiety, etc. Hope this is some help. I guess I'm saying that Effexor could be good for you even though you initially have some side effects, and a dose change may help. It seems so individual, from reading the posts. I hope you can find a solution.
poster:Sleepy Lizard
thread:110223
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020617/msgs/110372.html