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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by mxgirl13 on March 3, 2003, at 19:51:48
Some of you may remember I went cold turkey from 225mg Effexor XR at the end of December. Unless you're a hermit, I strongly recommend a slow decent off this medication.
Anyway, I have found out that cycling once a week from depression and anxiety is no way to live, let alone trying to work.
I tried calling my medical doctor for samples, nothing. I tried the nearest medical health clinic that's supposed to help out hardship cases (it turned out to be just the place on the wrong side of town), nothing. I tried calling the emergency room, she practiclly laughed me off the phone, even after I explained there were programs for hardship cases from the drug manufacturers like you guys told me. I tried my psychiatrist, (he's not the one who got me started on Effexor) and he said they practically never prescribe it so they certainly don't have any on hand, and weren't able to recommend anyone to assist me.
I have no insurance at this time and prospects of insurance aren't going to happen for way over 90 days, more like 6 months.
I can't go on like this. What am I supposed to do?
Posted by Anonne on March 3, 2003, at 22:49:46
In reply to Despirate for Effexor XR!!!, posted by mxgirl13 on March 3, 2003, at 19:51:48
Hi. If you live in the U.S., check out this site,
for Wyeth-Ayerst (manufacturer of Effexor XR), through needymeds.com:
http://www.needymeds.com/wyethayerst.htmlThere are probably other programs, if you search on the web. I also believe that this site has links to free or reduced cost pharmaceuticals.
It may take some time processing, but re-contact your doctor(s) and good luck!
Let us know what happens.
-A.
Posted by KrissyP on March 3, 2003, at 23:43:30
In reply to Despirate for Effexor XR!!!, posted by mxgirl13 on March 3, 2003, at 19:51:48
Wow, I hear your distress and I have been there. How dare the ER practically laugh you off the phone-NOT RIGHT. When I went off Effexor in Dec. It tookk only about a month and a half for me to feel soooooo out of control, cycling once a week from depression and anxiety IS NO way to live, let alone trying to go to school. If I were you, I would GO directly to the ER if it gets worse only because they need to SEE how you feel. The lady on a phone doesn't understand. Tell them exactly what you wrote here and maybe they can help you-be proactive and assertive-it's your body and your life, not to mention your mind:-)*Also is there an ETS center near you? They work with no insurance/low income patients-at least in the US. Keep posting.
All the best,
Kristen
-------------------------------------------------
Some of you may remember I went cold turkey from 225mg Effexor XR at the end of December. Unless you're a hermit, I strongly recommend a slow decent off this medication. Anyway, I have found out that cycling once a week from depression and anxiety is no way to live, let alone trying to work.I tried calling my medical doctor for samples, nothing. I tried the nearest medical health clinic that's supposed to help out hardship cases (it turned out to be just the place on the wrong side of town), nothing. I tried calling the emergency room, she practiclly laughed me off the phone, even after I explained there were programs for hardship cases from the drug manufacturers like you guys told me. I tried my psychiatrist, (he's not the one who got me started on Effexor) and he said they practically never prescribe it so they certainly don't have any on hand, and weren't able to recommend anyone to assist me.
I have no insurance at this time and prospects of insurance aren't going to happen for way over 90 days, more like 6 months.
I can't go on like this. What am I supposed to do?
Posted by mxgirl13 on March 4, 2003, at 10:51:06
In reply to Re: Despirate for Effexor XR!!! » mxgirl13, posted by KrissyP on March 3, 2003, at 23:43:30
Thank you so much. What's an ETS Center?
> Wow, I hear your distress and I have been there. How dare the ER practically laugh you off the phone-NOT RIGHT. When I went off Effexor in Dec. It tookk only about a month and a half for me to feel soooooo out of control, cycling once a week from depression and anxiety IS NO way to live, let alone trying to go to school. If I were you, I would GO directly to the ER if it gets worse only because they need to SEE how you feel. The lady on a phone doesn't understand. Tell them exactly what you wrote here and maybe they can help you-be proactive and assertive-it's your body and your life, not to mention your mind:-)*Also is there an ETS center near you? They work with no insurance/low income patients-at least in the US. Keep posting.
> All the best,
> Kristen
Posted by KrissyP on March 4, 2003, at 10:54:23
In reply to Re: Despirate for Effexor XR!!! » KrissyP, posted by mxgirl13 on March 4, 2003, at 10:51:06
Your very welcome:-)
An ETS is an Emergency Treatment Center-sometimes called "Emergency Treatment Services" I don't know where you are at-they have these in the US and they have helped a lot of people in your situation.
All the best,
Kristen-------------------------------------------------Thank you so much. What's an ETS Center?
Wow, I hear your distress and I have been there. How dare the ER practically laugh you off the phone-NOT RIGHT. When I went off Effexor in Dec. It tookk only about a month and a half for me to feel soooooo out of control, cycling once a week from depression and anxiety IS NO way to live, let alone trying to go to school. If I were you, I would GO directly to the ER if it gets worse only because they need to SEE how you feel. The lady on a phone doesn't understand. Tell them exactly what you wrote here and maybe they can help you-be proactive and assertive-it's your body and your life, not to mention your mind:-)*Also is there an ETS center near you? They work with no insurance/low income patients-at least in the US. Keep posting.
> > All the best,
> > Kristen
Posted by BCI on March 4, 2003, at 21:30:48
In reply to Despirate for Effexor XR!!!, posted by mxgirl13 on March 3, 2003, at 19:51:48
There certainly must be a Crisis Intervention Unit that you can call at one of your local hospitals. They can treat you on a sliding fee scale.
Posted by KrissyP on March 4, 2003, at 23:41:57
In reply to Re: Despirate for Effexor XR!!!, posted by BCI on March 4, 2003, at 21:30:48
This is the end of the thread.
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