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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by lrc on October 18, 2001, at 17:46:34
There are so many posts about Effexor and Effexor XR and I've wondered if someone has forgotten to put the XR or not. I'd like the facts about Effexor XR. I had a horrible time with Paxil, the side effects and the withdrawal. I don't want to go through that again. My doc wanted me to take Effexor XR and I thought that is was so much like Paxil that I refused it. I go to a pdoc in a couple of weeks and would like to know about the XR before I go to see her. I really don't like the idea of a SSRI again but it there anything else that might work? Thanks for any info. I suffer from anxiety. lrc
Posted by Cam W. on October 19, 2001, at 17:56:00
In reply to Cam/ Effexor XR, posted by lrc on October 18, 2001, at 17:46:34
LRC - Since the incidence serotonin withdrawl sydrome (SWS) is similar for Paxil and Effexor XR (although it may be worse for Effexor XR) and the mechanism behind SWS is similar (short half-lifes of the drugs), I would agree with you that you may experience withdrawl effects with the Effexor XR. How that you know what to expect in the way of withdrawl effects, you should be able deal with them, should they arise. You could ask the doctor if he/she would put you on Prozac™ (fluoxetine) when you start reducing your Effexor XR dose, when and if you start to come off the drug. The long-half life of Prozac may prevent any serotonergic withdrawl effects from occuring. Then your taper off the Prozac.
The side effect profiles are different enough, that you may not have the experience with Effexor XR, as with Paxil. I found Effexor XR to have fewer debilitating start-up side effects and long term side effects than the Paxil, so I would let this stop you from trying the Effexor XR. The start-up side effects can be minimized by slowly titrating up the Effexor dose, as well.
When used properly, Effexor XR is a very effective an useful drug. I hope that this is of some help.
- Cam
This is the end of the thread.
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