Does Effexor ruin it?

[shena]

SWIM has on several occasions tried mushrooms (2-4 g) and no reaction. Most recently, SWIM tried three caps of MDMA in a night and got nothing. SWIM has been taking a SNRI antidepressant, Effexor, for a year and wonders if it is that which is inhibiting her enjoyment. Depressants like weed and alcohol still work, as does DXM and Gravol... SWIM had been looking very much forward to her first MDMA experience and was sorely disappointed. Does anyone have any suggestions apart from going off the head meds? Just not an option. Your help is greatly appreciated!

[shena]

SWIM has just done a bunch of research on the subject and it would appear that SSRIs are known to inhibit the reaction, and that one should not take MDMA while on MAOIs, but, like I said, SWIM is on and SNRI, and just can't find any info on it. I'm not sure how all the chemistry works... can someone explain?

And can someone suggest something pleasant that WILL work with an SNRI? SWIM hates weed and and OTC stuff, but it seems to be the only thing that works.

The worst part is, the antidepressant keeps SWIM on such an even keel all the time, she is just desperate to feel "up", and just nothing is working!

[Micklemouse]

For a start, never mix Venlafaxine with dextromethorphan, or mdma for that matter - this a dangerous mix, heightening the chances of Serotonin Syndrome.

Venlafaxine will ruin most things - appetite, sleep, mental state, recreational drug experiences - for many people (that said, glad to see it is working for SWiY!) There is also the chance it will indeed negate the effects of many recreational substances (especially those acting on the serotonin system), whilst at the same time increasing the chances of toxic reactions.

Basically, if SWiY depression is bad enough to warrant being prescribed Venlafaxine, stick to Venlafaxine & leave the recreational stuff alone until SWiY mental state is improved & SWiY doc agrees it is time to come off the meds. Talk to SWiY doc about reviewing the dose, or the med entirely if SWiY has been stable for a while.

[shena]

Thank you for your input!

It's kind of a tough situation to be in. SWIM isn't on the verge of tears all every second like she used to be (which was horrible), but neither can she remember the last time she had a good belly laugh. Nothing really moves her, and though she would love to feel intensely again, she is terrified that if she goes off, she'll be back in that bad place. Just wanted some relief from the monontony!

Haha, SWIM should totally be on a psych forum, right now, not the drug forum.

Anyway, thanks again.