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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 7938 to 7962 of 10407. Go back in thread:
Posted by dancingstar on December 30, 2004, at 13:33:46
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR...yes.(long), posted by FaithT on December 30, 2004, at 7:38:59
Hi Faith,
I am really sorry to hear that you have had such serious health problems at what should be the happiest time of your life, and my prayers are with you.
There are times when Effexor might be the right drug for some people. I have to wonder, though, why so many of us could possibly be allowed to take it on a whim? Why are internists and gynos handing this stuff out like candy in lieu of hormones as being a safer alternative when we know that it isn't the least bit safer?
In a case like yours, it seems as though you are missing something in your own body that E might honestly help you to replace. In someone like me, the drug itself literally put me to sleep and in pain for an entire three years. I would sleep for maybe -- oh, I don't know. Let's change that. I couldn't stay awake more than maybe 6 hours a day. Really. I can't believe what it feels like to be pain free and healthy again, except for my stomach, but essentially I'm fine. Last night I got out of bed to do some work at 4:30 in the morning, something I never could have done before.
My life is in a bit of shambles, though, because I let so much go fo so long and need to take care of it all now. Without a pdoctor no one was there to analyze whether this was truly the right choice or a potentially harmful drug, and the side effects went unnoticed because I had no idea that they even existed, even though I saw my internist regularly because I certainly knew that something was very wrong. No one could tell me what it was wrong, nothing showed up in my bloodwork, and I just thought I was getting old and probably wouldn't live.
I understand why you need Effexor and why others in a similar situation should have access to it, just like morphine or demerol, but I still feel that its use needs to be limited to prevent doctors from prescribing it to people like me. Right now it seems like the medical community, for the most part, thinks that Effexor is a perfectly safe drug that causes no harm whatsoever. They do not even realize that it causes weight gain. If they do, they don't really acknowledge it. The very serious side effects and withdrawal syndrome need to be brought into the spotlight and the use of Effexor needs to be restricted to use under special circumstances or by certain types of physicians. I feel very strongly about this. If Wyeth has such a big problem with this, then let them own up to the problems with Effexor and come up with blood test to find out who the drug is right for and who isn't. That will solve all of the problems. They even do that before people have collagen injections. I don't think that I'm out of line. I'm trying to spare millions of others from a lot of pain. The right people will still get the drug that they need.
God bless you and keep you safe...and happy!
Bebe
Posted by not2late4u on December 30, 2004, at 21:44:36
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR...yes.(long), posted by FaithT on December 30, 2004, at 7:38:59
Hi Faith,
Im glad that you've been able to find a medication that will help you to live your life happily. I too didnt do that well with Paxil. But others do. Sounds like you have a good doctor to help you with your medication, effexor or otherwise. Also, sounds like you are cancer free, praise God for that! Renee
Posted by not2late4u on December 30, 2004, at 22:01:24
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES! , posted by Shel on July 18, 2000, at 1:35:45
copied this from the Wyeth.com website. Lots of info there too:
What happens when I stop using EFFEXOR XR?
Symptoms are known to occur when people stop using EFFEXOR XR, especially when they suddenly stop therapy.
When people suddenly stop using EFFEXOR XR, they can get symptoms from stopping the medicine too fast. Some of these symptoms include
Agitation
Anxiety
Confusion
Diarrhea
Dizziness or vertigo
Dry mouth
Fasciculation (muscle twitching)
Headaches
Hypomania
Impaired coordination
Insomnia (trouble sleeping)
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Nervousness
Nightmares
Sensory disturbances (including electric shock sensations)
Somnolence (sleepiness)
Sweating
Tinnitus
Tiredness
Tremor
Unpleasant mood
Vomiting
Do not stop taking EFFEXOR XR without talking with your doctor first. Your doctor may want to slowly decrease your dose of EFFEXOR XR to help avoid these kinds of symptoms.
Posted by not2late4u on December 30, 2004, at 22:05:24
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR...yes.(long) » FaithT, posted by dancingstar on December 30, 2004, at 13:33:46
Just had to post this from the wyeth.com website. I have to wonder if the prescribers are the ones who are mostly negligent. Renee.
Wyeth wishes to inform you about an update to the prescribing information for EFFEXOR® (venlafaxine HCl) Tablets and EFFEXOR® XR (venlafaxine HCl) Extended-Release Capsules. Please download and review these important safety information updates.
Health Care Professional Letter – June 3, 2004Health Care Professional Letter – August 22, 2003
IMPORTANT TREATMENT CONSIDERATIONSEFFEXOR® XR (venlafaxine HCl) is contraindicated in patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). EFFEXOR XR should not be used in combination with an MAOI or within at least 14 days of discontinuing treatment with an MAOI because of potential for serious adverse reactions. Based on the half-life of EFFEXOR XR, at least 7 days should be allowed after stopping EFFEXOR XR before starting an MAOI.
Both adult and pediatric patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) can experience worsening of their depression and/or the emergence of suicidal ideation and behavior, whether or not they are taking antidepressants. Patients treated with antidepressants should be observed closely for clinical worsening and suicidality, especially at the beginning of drug therapy, or at the time of increases or decreases in dose.
Anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, insomnia, irritability, hostility, impulsivity, akathisia, hypomania, and mania have been reported in patients taking antidepressants. Discontinuation or modification of therapy should be considered when symptoms are severe, abrupt in onset, or not part of presenting symptoms.
Treatment with venlafaxine is associated with sustained increases in blood pressure (BP) in some patients. Three percent of EFFEXOR XR patients in MDD studies (doses of 75 to 375 mg/day), 0.5% in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) studies (doses of 37.5 to 225 mg/day), and 1.4% in social anxiety disorder (SAD) studies (doses of 75 to 225 mg/day) had sustained BP elevations. Experience with immediate-release venlafaxine in MDD studies showed that sustained hypertension was dose related, increasing from 3% to 7% at doses of 100 to 300 mg/day, to 13% at doses above 300 mg/day. Regular BP monitoring is recommended.
Abrupt discontinuation or dose reduction has been associated with discontinuation symptoms. Patients should be counseled on possible discontinuation symptoms and monitored while discontinuing the drug; the dose should be tapered gradually. See the Precautions section of the Prescribing Information.
The most common adverse events reported in EFFEXOR XR short-term placebo-controlled MDD, GAD, and/or SAD trials (incidence >10% and >2x that of placebo) were anorexia, asthenia, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, ejaculation problems, impotence, insomnia, nausea, nervousness, somnolence, and sweating.
As with any psychotropic drug, EFFEXOR XR may impair judgment, thinking, or motor skills; patients should be advised to exercise caution until they have adapted to therapy.
© Copyright 2004, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Inc.
All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions
Posted by dancingstar on December 30, 2004, at 22:39:38
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR...yes.(long), posted by not2late4u on December 30, 2004, at 22:05:24
Yes...and most of us wouldn't have taken it if we only knew; right?
Thank you, Renee.
Bebe
Posted by dancingstar on December 30, 2004, at 22:45:57
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR...yes.(long), posted by dancingstar on December 30, 2004, at 22:39:38
Oh, Gosh, I just read all of your posts! I don't know why I keep thinking that because you've got that great shrink you will be pain free. You will be pain free; right????? Tell me that someone can get off this crap scott free. Please, I'm being civil, I'm just upset. This time for you.
Posted by dancingstar on December 30, 2004, at 23:56:30
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR...yes.(long), posted by not2late4u on December 30, 2004, at 22:05:24
In order to read this link, you might have to register for the New York Times online, which is free. A portion of the article indicates something about requiring the companies that make anti-depressants, like Wyeth, to be more "open" about their research and how they are resistant to doing this because of the costs involved.
Gee, you mean that they haven't been open with all of their research? I would sure like to see that unpublished research.
If you are having trouble with Effexor, please don't forget to report your symptoms to the FDA. Nothing to do with this article, but I've got a feeling that someone is beginning to hear us, and they are not at all happy. Please make sure your voice is heard, but I hope that I don't need to add...only if what you are saying is honest.
Here's the FDA link again so that you don't have to struggle to find it. Though it is nice that it is there, the petition to Wyeth won't do us as much good as it will if you file a claim w/the FDA if you have a problem with a drug.
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/
Thanks,
Bebe
Posted by dancingstar on December 31, 2004, at 0:04:07
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR...yes.(long), posted by not2late4u on December 30, 2004, at 22:05:24
The most common adverse events reported in EFFEXOR XR short-term placebo-controlled MDD, GAD, and/or SAD trials (incidence >10% and >2x that of placebo) were anorexia, asthenia, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, ejaculation problems, impotence, insomnia, nausea, nervousness, somnolence, and sweating.
As with any psychotropic drug, EFFEXOR XR may impair judgment, thinking, or motor skills; patients should be advised to exercise caution until they have adapted to therapy.
Herein lies my biggest gripe. It's those "short-term studies." I believe there is some truth to the short-term studies. It's what happens to people after eight and 12 weeks that I am looking for stats on. I can't really find anything on that. I have some more places to look though, but I doubt they're going to be sitting online, waiting for me to search them out. We'll see.
Posted by FaithT on December 31, 2004, at 0:54:37
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR...yes.(long), posted by dancingstar on December 31, 2004, at 0:04:07
I guess that I've been lucky, as far as Effexor benefiting me, with honestly no real side effects while on it. I have my blood checked regularly, and it's fine. I gained a little weight on it, but only 5 lbs. or so, in the total 2 1/2 years since I began taking it.
As I said, I did wean off of it for that brief period, and I do agree that the withdrawl is horrid. I have a great psych.,and he knows what the withdrawl is like. Effexor is a very powerful drug, and probably one that should be given as a last resort if others fail or if the situation prevails...such as mine.
I could never imagine not being monitered by a psych. while on any anti-depressant. My insurance doesn't allow my g.p. to treat depression. I had to contact their Mental Health Dept. and they gave me options on who to go to for treatment. I believe that you must be monitered and prescribed these meds. by a specialist. If you get a good psych., they know the pros and cons of the meds, and see you on a weekly basis while you're unstable...atleast mine did.
As far as one long term study..(me)..after 2 1/2 years on the drug, I can only thank the drug manufacturer. I do hope to remain cancer free, but the fear will always be with me. Effexor allows me to do what I can't on my own..."Live" through the fear.
Best wishes to you all,
Faith~
Posted by foxy420 on December 31, 2004, at 1:28:10
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR...yes.(long), posted by FaithT on December 31, 2004, at 0:54:37
Posted by dancingstar on December 31, 2004, at 1:41:33
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? YES!, posted by not2late4u on December 30, 2004, at 22:01:24
Agitation
Anxiety
Confusion
Diarrhea
Dizziness or vertigo
Dry mouth
Fasciculation (muscle twitching)
Headaches
Hypomania
Impaired coordination
Insomnia (trouble sleeping)
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Nervousness
Nightmares
Sensory disturbances (including electric shock sensations)
Somnolence (sleepiness)
Sweating
Tinnitus
Tiredness
Tremor
Unpleasant mood
VomitingI'll be -- those are exactly my symptoms. Sure wish I'd known that this was possible before I decided to stop -- or start taking Effexor. You mean you guys that stopped slowly didn't have this stuff happen to you?
Posted by Jeff Guider on December 31, 2004, at 13:44:12
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » Cindy S. G., posted by dancingstar on December 21, 2004, at 12:15:58
all of you that have had these severe withdrawls........how long had you been taking the Effexor?
Posted by dancingstar on December 31, 2004, at 13:45:50
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Jeff Guider on December 31, 2004, at 13:44:12
I took it for three years.
Posted by Jeff Guider on December 31, 2004, at 13:51:45
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by dancingstar on December 31, 2004, at 13:49:22
ive been on it for 5 days at 37.5.....supposed to go up to 75mg tomorrow.......not sure what to do
Posted by dancingstar on December 31, 2004, at 14:19:04
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by Jeff Guider on December 31, 2004, at 13:51:45
After reading hours and hours...and hours of information from all sides, I'd say that you should do all the research first. The doctors don't seem to have done a good job of this, and Wyeth may be withholding some information from us. Did you read the article that I posted in the NY Times?
Did you read the side effects that not2late4u posted that were just revised as of 2004? Here is a link that will show you that Wyeth has known of those side effects since 1996 but that they didn't publish them. Read the whole thing and then read the very last paragraph, the conclusion.
http://www.socialaudit.org.uk/9425vfx.htm
Some people think that this is a valuable drug. If you are extremely depressed with no alternative available or nothing else that will work, then by all means, you might want to consider taking it because it is likely that you will survive the drug's reactions as most of us have. Truthfully, during the time that I took it I had no idea that it caused me harm. Had I not stopped taking Effexor, I would never have known that I didn't have chronic fatigue nor fibromyalgia; that I don't spend my days tired, in pain or feeling hazy and drugged. It didn't happen right away either. At first it gave me more energy, just as it was prescribed to do. I even lost weight at first. It wasn't until months went by that I became tired, achey, gained weight and slowly became almost completely unable to do much of anything for more than an hour or two at a time for about two and a half years...not even work, think, drive...live. I know others that this has happened to as well. It happens so slowly that we don't know it. Something just changes. I became sad, lonely, incapable of doing all the things that people do.
Three months after I've stopped taking Effexor, though I feel as though I may have a bit of colitis, I'm happy, essentially healthy, clear thinking -- the world is truly a wonderful place to be for the first time in years. Thing is, I wasn't clinically depressed when I took Effexor and it shouldn't have been given to me...and probably millions of others, but I can't speak for you. For you all I can say is that if you don't really need it, it is a very, very powerful drug that has the potential to be dangerous to some people. You need to evaluate all the data very carefully and make a decision that you think is right for you. Some people have said, as you have read, that it has saved them from the depths of depression. If you are clinically depressed with no other alternative, this could be true for you, too.
Best of luck to you in your journey. I'm sure you will find the right answers. They're out there. You have to do the research for yourself, though, and not take mine or anyone else's suggestion because each person's health is a different situation.
Bebe
Posted by eeyorena on January 1, 2005, at 21:44:19
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR...yes.(long), posted by dancingstar on December 31, 2004, at 0:04:07
The short term studies are most definitely a problem. It is my understanding that the FDA does not require longer term studies NOR does it require "post market" studies (i.e. studies to continue after the drug is released). If any problems occur later, the drug company can keep gathering anecdotal information without making that information available to the public. Until their risk in NOT releasing information "tips" the scales, or a PR event occurs, a lot of post market data does not get released to the general public.
Hurts stock prices.
Posted by dancingstar on January 1, 2005, at 21:55:01
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR...yes.(long), posted by eeyorena on January 1, 2005, at 21:44:19
Yup. That's why I'm asking everyone to please fill out the FDA's online form if they have had any problems associated with their having taken Effexor. It will not only help us but perhaps save millions of others from taking this drug without knowing how dangerous it is. I truly think that someone is beginning to hear us. If it really happened to so many of us, let's flood the lines and see what happens. (One report per person, please.) :-)
Posted by eeyorena on January 1, 2005, at 22:05:08
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR...yes.(long), posted by not2late4u on December 30, 2004, at 22:05:24
Actually, Wyeth posting that information and attaching it to their print advertising for Effexor is relatively new.
I know, because I am a researcher who searched high and low for evidence of Effexor withdrawal effects during the summer of 2002. Two doctors (my meds doc and my primary care physician) also searched. We all came up empty.
I was having so many problems getting off of Effexor (I had been on it for 3 years) and the symptoms were so bad that these two doctors and one other plus specialists thought that I might have multiple sclerosis or a neurological problem that was showing up coincidentally during the time of my withdrawal. After all, there was no information from Wyeth about withdrawal symptoms and my symptoms were extremely intense.
I was so desperate, I even wrote a rough draft of a letter for my psych to forward to Oliver Sacks, if we could get him. That's how extreme and unusual this case was. I was newly married (my husband is amazing) and completely despondent because I could not envision living with the physical pain I was in. I could stand the seizures, but not the pain.
After CAT scans and an MRI and tilt table tests and blood tests (et al.), I found some anecdotal evidence that other people were having problems withdrawing from Effexor. In discussing it on a message board, we took a LOT of heat from other patients who just loved the drug. Those were hard days to make it through.
In 2003, I saw the first Effexor print ad with any kind of "official" withdrawal information attached. My psych doc and I felt betrayed. (He's a very good and wise person.)
I don't think that prescribers are all negligent. I think that the drug companies don't make this information easy to find, there are many promises sold to medical providers about the benefits of drugs, insurance companies are pushing drugs versus therapy (it's cheaper), doctors are overwhelmed with a mountain of new drug information every year.
And no one wants to see their patient in pain or severely depressed.
My primary care physician has already stopped prescribing any drug which has not been out for at least 1 year. She is one of the most conservative doctors I have. But my problems ON Effexor didn't start until 1.5 years after starting it. And it was so new, few patients had gone off of it.
Now I'm on an MAOI (which has been absolutely terrific) but I'm still trying to get off of Neurontin and Ativan, both of which have been adversely affecting my sleep effectiveness and memory.
I'm hoping that the chronic pain I suffer, at age 38, after being an active climber and hiker for most of my life, is temporary and that someday I can resume my very active life again. I can't tell you if it is related to any drug I've taken. But the timing between the beginning of problems with effexor and the onset of my chronic pain problems (even though I have been off of it for 2.5 years now) is too convenient.
I'm frustrated and want to get back to my career and school and social life. I want my life back.
Posted by dancingstar on January 1, 2005, at 22:35:20
In reply to Doctors are not all negligent..., posted by eeyorena on January 1, 2005, at 22:05:08
Please let me know how your pain is doing. Mine is nearly completely gone since I stopped taking Effexor. Not 100 percent, but at least 80 - 90 percent. What a surprise it was for me. Good luck! Thank you for your post!!
Bebe
Bebe0217@aol.com
Posted by sickcheck on January 1, 2005, at 23:08:37
In reply to Anyone had success on Effexor XR? , posted by jp on October 24, 1999, at 14:59:14
I must be among the few who have had great success with effexor xr. My problem when on it long enough ( and seeing my Psych ) I fall to the belief I'm getting better and stop taking them. YOU GOT IT! Stopped. Not once but twice, cold turkey. Not a withdrawl at all. Considering I was (and not back on again) taking 225 mg per day. 2 in am & 1 in PM all @ 75 mg. Honestly folks. You are your best advocate on what does and what does not work. Been on Depekote & had the hellish feelings some have mentioned of Effexor. Bottom line is, YOU need to tell your Dr if you need to get on another med. If you need them, why deny it? But don't trust the MD or PHD behind their names to know better than you on the effects. KNOW THYSELF
Posted by twilson on January 2, 2005, at 6:11:37
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by sickcheck on January 1, 2005, at 23:09:02
Actually, a couple things...
1 - My wife just started taking this for anxiety/stress/depression/helplessness & it is working well for her so far. Major side effect for her is difficulty in achieving orgasm. Is there any meds that any female here has had success with for similar conditions that has not lowered their sex drive & ability to orgasm?
2 - I was physically abused as a child from infancy until ~7 years old. It was a pretty extreme case, our dad putting cigarettes out on our mom & shootouts with cops/hostage situation. Been to shrinks before, they put me on st. john's wart & gaba gaba?? i think it was. Didn't do anything for me. I am now 23 years old, have most things under control, but still have problems controlling anger. I get 'weird' around large groups of people or around people that make me uncomfortable. I rarely get angry anymore, but when I do(~5x-10x a year), it is an uncontrollable rage that I'm aware of, but can't do anything to get it to go away. I'll say & do stuff that I regret later. I just have to wait it out - usually 20 to 30 minutes, which a lot can happen in 20 to 30 minutes. Anyone here have suggestions for medication/s to go on or good experience w/ similar history?
~thanks
Posted by jubilee on January 2, 2005, at 12:03:35
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? -t » sickcheck, posted by twilson on January 2, 2005, at 6:11:37
Well just lately I had my first orgasm in 4 years, kind of accedently, and go ahaead and laugh. effexor also made it too painful to have intercours , and how it does that I dont know.
Yes , it is a good antidepressant, but not worth the price you pay.
What to talk about anger. Well I am a christian and in withdrawal I have had to deal with everything I can do not to say the Lords name in vien after 4 years on effexor . I believe it is a dmonic drug and by the way I just want to thank Dr Bob and the site he put here for us to share the insanity of living on it and worse of all the withdrawal and will these anger attacks ever leave.? I necer thought I would ever have to take Xanex, but it is all that gets me through the attacks or I would be tearing my trailer up.
Do you want to go there my friend ,.. I suggest your wife getting off asap. I have gone through the death of a son in Feb, he was 27 and healing completely finally from Multiple Personality and I have no personalities i can switch to when I am out tolunch. Just me and God now. Forgiveness is how I healed from that if anybody is interested.
Forgiveness is the great healer but you must be willing to get pissed off to reach the forgiveness. I mean I want them to burn in hell God. He knows how you really feel . Make a list of 500 offenders like I di and then take a few months hating and then forgiving through the power of the Holy Spirit. I just wanted to share a healing proces that keeps me out of depresion. What strarted my healing 2 years ago ( I had 21 personalities) was tithing to christin TV. Cant go wrong with that "ground" Well I know I have said some strange things here today , but I believe on working on issues and not taking pills . I was under bondage to suisidal depression for 19 years and I took effexor to l;oose wieght . Yea , also lost my vision and my memory and the ability to sleep and became selfcenteredly hyper manic al side affects of effexor. Go to the petition on line
try: "" http://wwwpetitiononline.com/effexor/""
without parenthisis of course.
This week , my first whole week off effexor after comming down for 5 months I went 3 days without loosing control of my anger and I am not normally a person with an anger prblem . I have gotton so much support , thank you all. Hope I helped someone today. God Bless Jubilee
Posted by jubilee on January 2, 2005, at 12:11:21
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? -t, posted by jubilee on January 2, 2005, at 12:03:35
Whoops I meant 50 offenders and that was hard enough , but I heard this pastor teaching on how to breakthrough forgive rather than re forgiving over and over like I did for years. (which keeps you sick and depressed which is what depression is about, suppressed anger. ) Panic attacks came up for me in AA and I got on Inderal , and then those old men that reninded me of my molesters didnt bother me anymore. Can't forget the time spend on my knees helped mostly, Jubilee
Posted by FaithT on January 2, 2005, at 13:23:02
In reply to whoops , I meant 50 offenders!!, posted by jubilee on January 2, 2005, at 12:11:21
If you read my posts above, you will see that I have only benefited from this drug. Again, the withdrawl was crappy, but after 1 1/2 years on the drug, I did it.
Due to my circumstances however, I slipped back into that black hole, and Effexor is the only drug that keeps me getting up in the morning, and face my fears. I am GRATEFUL for this drug, and would never sign a petition against it.
I'm confused....Is this a sight for people that only hate Effexor? Let me tell you guys, there are other drugs out there that are no picnic either. I would be devastated if Effexor was ever taken off the market in my lifetime, and I bet alot of other people would as well. I don't know why they're not speaking out.
Every circumstance is different and you cannot lump everyone into one catagory. Some people like me, facing cancer or other illneses, need this drug to function. It seems that posters on this sight are repeatedly posting the same side effects over and over again, and scaring people. That in my opinion is wrong. We all have to make educated choices, and be our own advocates. If your clinical depression is severe, Effexor may be a life saver. I would honestly worry about the withwrawl, when and if that time comes. If the medicine works for you, then be grateful and "live'!
Faith~
Posted by dancingstar on January 2, 2005, at 13:56:03
In reply to Re: I AM GRATEFUL for Effexor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, posted by FaithT on January 2, 2005, at 13:23:02
...but just for the record, if anyone does want to complain about the drug and get the most mileage out of their gripe, this is the correct link. The petition is nice and informative but won't do as much good.
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/
People do an online search when they get sick and want to know what is happening to them. Often they wind up here. That's what I did. And I thank Dr. Bob for having his site available so that we can figure out what was going on with our bodies when this happened by sharing information with each other.
I didn't know, Faith, that it took you a year and a half to fully recover the last time you stopped taking Effexor. To me that is a long time. I understand that there are some circumstances that make even that length of time tolerable, but it isn't to me. Wyeth told my doctor that there were no side effects at the time I began to take this drug. That is the furthest thing from the truth. I wasn't depressed and never took it for depression. Patients are being given Effexor/XR for all kinds of problems today, the least of which is serious depression if it is one of the four most common drugs prescribed because most people are not seeing pdoctors. That means that lots of people could possibly be innocently harmed by taking Effexor. You are taking it with your full knowledge of all of the potential harmful reactions that it causes and your explicit consent unlike many of us. There is a huge difference.
Blessings,
Bebe
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