Posted by Cam W. on April 5, 2000, at 10:39:50
In reply to Re: follow-up to feeling stoned off of effexor xr, posted by kate on April 5, 2000, at 8:30:34
kate - Before you go and try mood stabilizers, I have a couple of questions. Are you taking the regular or XR version of Effexor? Have you missed any doses before your manic-like symptoms?The second question is very important to ask yourself, as missing even a single dose of Effexor (in some people - esp. on the regular variety) can cause a withdrawl syndrome that is virtually indistinguishable from mania. I have seen a couple of misdiagnoses of bipolar disorder, from a couple of very good docs, that was caught only after the Effexor was eliminated. This is not to say that Effexor is not a very good antidepressant. I have found it quite good in a variety of different disorders (esp. with its increasing effect with increasing dose).
We all miss doses, even me (and I should know better). That is why good compliance is taking your medication properly 80% of the time. Dosing compliance with regular Effexor (esp. in some people) is a must.
For some, missing a dose of Effexor may bring on withdrawl symptoms (agitation, lightheadedness, etc.) about 3 to 12 hours after a missed dose.
Oh, by the way, if this is not the case and the Effexor is working for everything but the mania, I would say that a mood stabilizer may be the way to go. Good luck - Cam W.
poster:Cam W.
thread:28824
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000401/msgs/28942.html