Posted by Racer on October 12, 2005, at 13:38:54
In reply to Effexor XR Vs. Wellbutrin, posted by Yesenia on October 12, 2005, at 12:20:25
You asked what the difference is between the two drugs, which is both easy and hard to answer: they're both antidepressants (that's the easy part), but they have different chemical structures and modes of action. For one thing, Effexor works on the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine; while Wellbutrin affects norepinephrine and dopamine. I guess someone could offer up a ton of information about what that means in terms of biochemistry, etc, I'll just say that the two drugs affect people differently. For example, Wellbutrin tends to be more stimulating for most people, and Effexor more calming.
As for how to taper off Effexor, that's something you should work on with your doctor. The first rule is to do it slowly, the second suggestion is to take medications to reduce the discomfort of withdrawal. If you go to the Withdrawal board on this site, you'll find a lot of good information about what's helped other people here.
Good luck.
poster:Racer
thread:566050
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20051010/msgs/566069.html