Is Effexor like Speed? (3+Differences)

In this article, we will discuss if Effexor is like Speed. We’ll also look into differences in their mechanisms of action, indications and medical uses. What side effects are associated with their use? Furthermore, we’ll discuss the abuse potential of the two drugs.

Is Effexor like Speed?

No, Effexor is not like Speed (Methamphetamine). Effexor or Venlafaxine does not result in similar effects as that of Speed.

However, research suggests that if Effexor is taken at dosage 10-15 times higher than the recommended clinical dose, it can result in methamphetamine-like stimulant and psychedelic effects (1).

Though both Effexor and Speed differ chemically and mechanistically, some patients have reported increased stimulation and addictive liability with Venlafaxine when taken at high or very high doses. 

What does research suggest?

Literature case reports suggest that very high dosages of Effexor are associated with an ecstatic effect, whereas at therapeutic dosage, Effexor did not show any reinforcing effect. Furthermore, smaller anti-anhedonic effects were observed at this dose.

It has also been reported that Venlafaxine-induced dopaminergic transmissions were enhanced to a significant extent when combined with other dopaminergic booster drugs or Amphetamine-like stimulants (2).

Therefore, it is always recommended to consult your physician before starting any centrally-active drug, to ensure the safe and effective use of the medicine.

What are the key differences between Effexor and Speed?

Effexor carries low abuse potential at the prescribed therapeutic doses. Whereas, Speed provides intense Euphoria which makes it more prone to addiction and dependency. The key differences between the two drugs are listed below.

Mechanism of Action of Effexor:

Effexor elevates mood and helps mediate depression by inhibiting Serotonin and Norepinephrine reuptake and enhancing their level in the brain. Effexor is an FDA-approved drug for the following conditions:

• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Social anxiety disorder
• Panic disorders

Other off-label uses of Effexor include attention deficit disorder, hot flashes, migraine, post-traumatic stress disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (3).

Mechanism of Action of Speed:

Speed (Methamphetamine) is an addictive central nervous system stimulant that acts by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters such as Serotonin, Dopamine and Norepinephrine.

Speed is mainly used for the treatment of Attention deficit syndrome and obesity. However, its use is limited because of abuse potential (4).

Side effects of Effexor

Potential side effects associated with Effexor use are as follows (3):

• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Stomach pain
• Difficulty in urination
• Sexual problems
• Rash
• Itching
• Seizures
• Weight gain
• Insomnia

Side Effects of Speed

Speed users experience an intense sensation known as “Rush” upon Intravenous administration or smoking. This effect may last for a few minutes. Intranasal or oral ingestion produces euphoria lasting between 5 to 30 minutes.

Immediate Effects of Speed Intake include:

• Rapid breathing
• Increased heart rate
• Elevated blood pressure
• Increased activity
• Reduced appetite
• Increased libido
• Dilation of pupil
• Reduced and disturbed sleep

Methamphetamine use can cause irreversible damage to the brain nerves leading to stroke, seizures, convulsions and death from high doses.

Speed can quickly become addictive and abusers may use increased doses each time to get the same pleasurable effect. Upon withdrawal, it can cause intense craving for the drug leading to anxiety, depression and psychosis (4).

The abuse potential of Effexor and Speed

Effexor is a well-known antidepressant drug with fewer side effects and low abuse potential. On the other hand, Speed has high abuse potential which limits its use.

Effexor itself may not be addictive, but when combined with other CNS stimulants it carries a significant risk of abuse potential even at therapeutic doses. An increased dosage of Effexor produces similar psychedelic and stimulant action as that of Methamphetamine.

What should be done in case of Effexor overdose?

Overdose of Effexor requires immediate medical support. Here’s what you should do in Effexor Overdose cases:

• Effexor overdose can lead to serious side effects, therefore you should seek medical attention immediately.  
• You should not take any medication without proper consultation.
• Do not panic in such a situation and monitor your symptoms carefully.
• It is very important to carry all the information about all your medications in case of emergencies.

Can you take Effexor and Speed together?

It is generally recommended not to combine Effexor with any CNS stimulant as the combination can significantly enhance the dopaminergic activity of Effexor in the prefrontal cortex, making it more liable to addiction.

Taking these medications concomitantly can potentiate common side effects like restlessness, anxiety and ruminations. Their combination can even increase the risk of life-threatening Serotonin syndrome which includes symptoms such as:

• Hallucination
• Confused mind
• Seizures
• Rapid changes in blood pressure 
• Increased heart rate
• Muscle spasms and rigidity
• Coordination problems
• Nausea and dizziness

Severe cases can even result in coma and ultimately death of the individual. Therefore, a combination of Effexor with Speed is strongly discouraged.

In my perspective, Effexor and Speed are two different substances that differ in their mechanism of action. Unlike Speed, Effexor does not show abusive potential and dependency at the prescribed dosage. However, there are reports of Effexor showing increased stimulation at much higher doses.

It is important to share your entire medication history with your doctors including any vitamin supplement, ayurvedic or herbal formulations. If you are an alcoholic or abuse addict, you should openly tell your physician before starting antidepressants.

References