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Re: relative efficacy of Effexor to the SSRIs » TanyaJean

Posted by SLS on May 2, 2004, at 14:51:17

In reply to Re: please be civil, posted by TanyaJean on May 2, 2004, at 12:01:40

Regarding the discontinuation of Effexor:

> > "The period required for tapering may depend on the dose, duration of therapy and the individual patient.”

> I would have thought 4+ months of tapering and being on a low dose for over a month would be sufficient enough to not have all the side effects listed.

Me too.

How much were you taking during that last month before you discontinued it? How much did you take as your very last dose? How would you describe your experience during those several months that you were tapering?

> Then I can assume the thought is that my body was just not creating seratonin

Well, actually, the reverse might have been true. There might have been a temporary increase in the production and release of serotonin. However, being exposed to artificially elevated concentrations of serotonin through reuptake inhibition can lead to a decrease in the sensitivity of receptors along the cell membrane. Neurons try to regulate themselves by changing the settings of their "thermostats". I really don't know what the dynamics are that produce the withdrawal syndrome and which variables take precedence in producing it.

If, while looking up at the stars in a planetarium, someone were to shine a bright flashlight in your eyes, you would no longer be able to see the stars immediately after the light is removed. The sensitivity of your eyes has been decreased in response to having been exposed to the bright light. In order to see the stars again, either the planetarium projector would have to make the stars shine brighter or one would need to allow the passage of a certain amount of time before the eyes adjust to the dark again. The variables would be things like how bright were the stars, how bright was the flashlight, how long was the flashlight on for, and how much time it takes for the sensitivity of the eyes (rods and cones of the retina) to adjust.

If you are unfamiliar with planetariums, then just substitute the planetarium with a dark night sky and the projector with God. :-)

Cast of characters:

stars = serotonin
retina = postsynaptic neuron (receiver) membrane
rods and cones of the retina = serotonin receptors
flashlight = reuptake inhibition (Effexor)
projector = presynaptic neuron (sender) serotonin synthesis and release


- Scott

 

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