Posted by Cam W. on June 12, 2001, at 22:19:15
In reply to For Cam: re: effexor, posted by Margaret on June 12, 2001, at 19:48:34
Margaret - Effexor worked for me, but all of our chemistries and even disorders differ from one another. Unfortunately, it is quite difficult to tell what will work for one person or another.
The SSRIs, Paxil™ (paroxetine) and Zoloft™ (sertraline) did not work at all for me. The Wellbutrin SR™ (bupropion) did for a couple of relapses, but not on this latest one, which was my worst yet. The Effexor XR™ (venlafaxine) did work. This makes me think that my type of depression has either a noradrenergic component or some disconnection up- or downstream from this receptor.
If Paxil is working for you, even though you do get the sexual dysunction and carbohydrate cravings, it would be a shame to change to something that might not work, for you. A low dose of Effexor XR would probably work for you, but you would probably still have the sexual dysfunction and maybe even the cravings. Since you have responded to the Paxil, a high dose of Effexor ( >150mg) may be too activating for you, but the above are only guesses. To find out how Effexor would affect you, I am afraid the only way to find out would be to try it. Unless the Paxil isn't working, or the side effects are debilitating, it may not be worth switching. Some people when they quit the SSRIs and restart them at a later date, don't seem to get as much effect out of them (this is not with the majority of people, though). This is something that you would have to talk to your doctor about. I say that if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
I hope that this is of some help. - Cam
poster:Cam W.
thread:66255
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010612/msgs/66264.html