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[fadetree]

Actually that sentence wasn't correct. You can't effect a decision any more than you can bored a train.

I couldn't resist.

Sure you can. From the definition :

tr.v. ef·fect·ed, ef·fect·ing, ef·fects
1. To bring into existence.
2. To produce as a result.
3. To bring about.

'The result ( the decision ) was effected by the painkillers.' which means that the decision was brought about by the painkillers. The implication being that without them, no decision would have been made.

You could also say 'The result ( the decision ) was affected by the painkillers' but that has a slightly different meaning, that of affecting the content of his decision but not the act of deciding itself.

YOUR KUNG FU IS WEAK!