Posted by Dave001 on September 27, 2004, at 18:56:47
In reply to Re: Effexor -tapering Q, posted by AIK on September 27, 2004, at 16:17:09
> In response to the post below regarding dissolving the Effexor XR capsules in water or another solvent, please, any of you tapering down, do not do this unless you ask your doctor or pharmacist (someone who has expertise in this area). In refuting Dave's recommendation I have following input.
> 1. The contents of the capsule will not dissolve in water. It is formulated to dissolve at various pH levels throughout the GI tract. This is done in order to provide an extended release action.Wrong! Actually, I never said to dissolve in water. I said to check the Merck Index for solubility data, and specifically recommended *against* using water. However, seeing as how you've made the claim that it will *not* dissolve in water, I feel the need to correct your misinformation.
I just grabbed my copy of the Merck Index and have it right here in front of me, and it states the solubility of venlafaxine HCl is 572 mg/ml in water! And its partition coefficient is 0.43 (octanol/water). Not only will it dissolve in water, its water solubility is so high that I retract my original statement and actually *recommend* using water as the solvent. Just be sure to keep it refrigerated and don't dissolve too many days worth at once. Also, use distilled water; don't use tap.
> 2. Even if you are able to find a suitable solvent, you would be changing from the extended release action to an immediate release dose of Effexor. Changing dosage forms should never be done without the supervision and recommendation of a health professional.I think the intelligence of the OP is high enough to realize that dissolving (dissociating the drug into individual *molecules*) the Effexor will destroy the integrity of the extended release formulation! Sheesh! :-) Obviously, you just take several smaller doses spread out to maintain a consistent level.
I am by no means suggesting this is a convenient or even desirable method of tapering, but if the withdrawal effects are *that* bad, then it would certainly seem worth it to me.
Dave
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poster:Dave001
thread:12459
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040927/msgs/395997.html