Posted by garylee on May 13, 2003, at 19:59:19
In reply to Re: Diagnosis of BP II after AD-induced Mania-Gary, posted by Taylor123 on May 13, 2003, at 16:48:17
Hi Taylor
Effexor affects the reuptake of Serotonin and norepinephrine, while (as far as I know) Lithium increase Serotonin synthesis, so as they both enhance serotonin I cannot see them cancelling each other out. Besides, the two meds may increase/decrease serotonin in different areas of the brain, but that is a much bigger story.
My only thought was that high dose of both drugs could *potentially* cause 'Serotonin Syndrome', which is not very nice! Please read the passage below:
"The drugs which we know most frequently contribute to this condition are the combining of MAOIs with Prozac (this should also include the other SSRIs) or other drugs that have a powerful effect upon serotonin, i.e., clomipramine (Anafranil), Trazadone (Deseryl), etc. The combination of lithium with these selective serotonergic agents has been implicated in enhancing the serotonin syndrome. The tricyclic antidepressants, lithium, MAOIs, SSRIs, ECT (electric shock treatment), tryptophan, and the serotonin agonists (fenfluramine) all enhance serotonin neurotransmission and can contribute to this syndrome."
This is only a thought of mine, but it would be better to talk to your doc. As for needing the meds at all, ask yourself these two questions: Are you depressed? Do the meds help? If both are yes then keep taking them. Keep tinkering around with doses and newer meds etc and talk with you doc, find what's right for you.Cheers
Gary
poster:garylee
thread:226118
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030505/msgs/226452.html