Posted by Torsten on April 14, 2001, at 8:43:33
In reply to Re: Efexor XR beach ball effect, posted by SalArmy4me on April 13, 2001, at 12:38:31
Dear Grae,
My apoligies if it sounded like scaremongering as that was in no way intended and as stated it's been a while since I posted to try and get some answers as to why The Effexor was making me feel the way it did. Most of my time in terms of looking at messageboards has been on ones specifically on how to deal with its side effects.
I only offer this advice as unlike some who seem to pass through 'tapering' with little trouble, if i'm over half an hour late taking my dose then withdrawal kicks in. Try doing a search in any search engine for 'Effexor Withdrawal' and you may get an idea of what I mean.
But...
> You should consider a trial of Effexor because:
> *It has the possibility of affecting serotonin, norepinephrine, _and_ dopamine--more chemicals--thus increasing your chances for relief.I wholeheartedly agree it has been the best thing for lifting my depression. Nothing has come close.
> *Sexual disturbances are reported less than with SSRIs.
True I have had no problems in this department, unlike some of the SSRI's i've been on.
> *It has gained the acceptance of psychiatrists worldwide in less than 8 years of U.S. FDA approval.
This seems to illustrate clearly how little is known about longterm effects that are being discovered about its use such as 'withdrawal' and potential kidney damage.
> *It has few significant interactions with other medications.
Trueish although don't use St. Johns Wort while on it as it has been known to increase the chance of serotonin syndrome.
> *The idea of it being addicting due to withdrawal effects is unfounded; if it had any chance of being addicting, it would have been labeled a Schedule IV substance by the U.S. DEA.
The text has recently been amended on the packaging and insert to state possible withdrawal
problems and to recommend tapering when coming off it. If it was all good and had the FDA whatever it's called in the USA's approval then why was this not noted on packaging and documentation?
And lastly, why are there organised groups trying to mount a case against it's manufacturers?I'm the last person in the world to try and stop you finding help as like I have stated, it has been the best thing in the world for me. But to quote AnneL who has already labeled me as one of 'the hysterics' you should 'know your *sh t*' and that should include the negative as well as the positive. A quick look through the posts here should be enough to tell you that doctors quite often don't 'know your *sh t*'. I'm sure there are many good ones but as AnneL has pointed out their patients don't need to post here.
As always, I offer you my support and strength and hope that whatever decisions you make are well informed. Once again if you want more information on my personal experiences feel free to contact me directly and i'm sure AnneL and SalArmy4me would gladly answer your questions with their fortunately successful experiences.
Stay strong,
Torsten
poster:Torsten
thread:29133
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010411/msgs/59799.html