Posted by The Professor on May 9, 2005, at 18:11:21
In reply to Effexor, Snapping and Smoking, posted by robinyyz on April 21, 2005, at 15:13:32
Robinyyz,
Shortly after going on Effexor (150mg/day) I began to have cravings for tobacco. Quite bizarre I thought since I quit smoking cold-turkey in 1977 on my nineteenth birthday. Last August I finally succumbed to the urges and purchased a pack of Marlboro Menthol cigarettes —the brand I originally smoked. On a few rare occasions (perhaps once every five years) prior to August I had similar urges, but either failed to act upon them or simply bummed a solitary smoke from someone. Prior to Effexor, it was a one and done deal —I had no real desire to smoke another cigarette. After Effexor, the story was completely different. I knew from the very first draw that I was in trouble. The sensation and pleasure I derived from that initial cigarette made me realize that I had just made a huge mistake. I have been smoking ever since (roughly ten cigarettes/day). I have managed to only go a record eight days since August without one. This past winter, I contracted some upper respiratory virus coupled with my annual sinus infection that needed no further exacerbation, so quit until I felt better.
Two things of importance to note:
1.) I underestimated the power of nicotine.
2.) I overestimated my resolve to quit.Lastly for what it’s worth, I switched to Effexor after being on Paxil (10mg/day) since 1996. Paxil had numerous side-effects of which I no longer desired —hence the switch. While on Paxil I gained fifty pounds and craved anything high in carbohydrates. I began to regularly consume alcoholic beverages while on Paxil —something I rarely partook of prior to my beloved SSRI.
After discontinuing Paxil, I no longer desired alcohol. My once favorite beers and wines no longer tasted the same.
Go figure —I traded one vise for another.
I will keep you apprised of any new developments. I hope this answers your question although it may not be the answer you were looking for.
poster:The Professor
thread:487527
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050504/msgs/495681.html