Posted by Maximus on July 13, 2003, at 11:36:12
In reply to effexor and smoking, posted by pasdenom on July 13, 2003, at 10:14:39
> Hi, has anyone else started smoking after >starting effexor or any other >medication? I started again after a 15 yr hiatus.
I'm not a smoker, well a big smoker. I smoke 2 or 3 cigars per week. I don't like particularly the stuff but i love the buzz, the energy boost. And yes, when i'm on SSRIs, SNRIs, i have to seek out stimulants.
>My dose of effexor xr is 150 mg a day. I wonder >if my dose were >increased if this would help as norepinephrine is the predominant neurotransmitter affected at higher doses and is the reason why Zyban helps people quit smoking?
You have to understand the mechanism of action of Effexor. Yes, at 150 mg and higher you will get a robust norepinephrine reuptake. HOWEVER, you will also get a higher reuptake of serotonin. There is no flip flop or inverse mode of action. The serotonin reuptake is always there and stronger when we increase the dose.
In my opinion Zyban, aka Wellbutrin, aka buproprion works a lot better (smoking cessation) because it does target Dopamine and Norepinephrine only.
> Does anyone think that effexor increases >impulsivity? Maybe it's because >I'm bipolar that it does in me. Anyhow, I am also on lamictal and lexapro.
I'm also more impulsive on Effexor. I have the same problem here. I'm bipolar. But i take lithium because my lamictal has stopped working after 3 years of great service.
Good luck with your quest.
poster:Maximus
thread:241419
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030708/msgs/241438.html