![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 3650 to 3674 of 10407. Go back in thread:
Posted by Sean9 on April 1, 2003, at 12:15:58
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overrated » Sean9, posted by Jack Smith on April 1, 2003, at 11:47:40
Good humor Jack.
I'm making the link to the FDA's consumer complaint form a part of my signature from now on.
If you'd like to know why, here's the answer: Because I called the FDA and spoke with someone there. He said that although it is possible that a large number of people are experiencing severe discontinuation effects on Effexor, he personally had only received 2 complaints about this drug. Two. Based on the postings on this site alone, it appears there are more than 2 people who describe their witdrawal experienc from Effexor to be a "nightmare", or "horrible", or bad enough that some people are "afraid" to quit now. He told me that the FDA does not go out and look for problems with drugs, they do not search through news groups or visit online petitions. The point is, the FDA can't act unless consumers inform them of their experiences. And that's why I post the link, because I'm convinced that more than 2 people in world would like to voice their concerns in an effort to help warn new users of Effexor. And I'll admit, this is just my opinion, but I've read a LOT of other postings with similar sentiment (i.e. I never new how bad this withdrawal could be, The withdrawal is worse than the cure, What can I take to make the electric shocks go away, How can I quit if I can't make it through the withdrawal). You get my point. One more thing, I consider myself to be a pretty good consumer, so I've visited the Effexor web site and read through their Q&A on discontinuation sypmtoms, clinical trial results, etc. And yet after reading all of that, I'm shocked there's no data on the percent of people that experience discontinuation symptoms after they decided to quit, the types of symptoms, to what degree, and for how long (if you read carefully, they only address the discontiuation rates). Why? Our PCP that prescribed Effexor didn't mention withdrawal symptoms that differ with any other non-addicitve drug, and offered no sympathy or counter-treatment when the withdrawal effects became intolerable. Why? I read postings from people that complain of the discontinuation effects, and people that quit with no problems whatsoever, and I have to wonder statistically how many people are going through the kinds of discontinuation symptoms and for how long. I have to wonder, because that wasn't published in the Effexor clinical trials. Why? I could go on, but my short answer to the "Why?" question is, it's not for me to answer. That's what the FDA does. Thanks for your comment.
The FDA Med Watch Report, online complaint form:
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/
Posted by bluestar on April 2, 2003, at 1:20:09
In reply to Great point - Why the FDA link on Effexor?, posted by Sean9 on April 1, 2003, at 12:15:58
I can understand why you might want to quit taking it if you are not seeing results but how many of you have SEEN results are posting negative messages about Effexor that have decided to go off Effexor? If it does work for you and that means you had a chemical imbalance to start with and it is correcting your brain chemistry, your stoping the balance you have achieved is the cause of feeling like sh!t. Maybe I'm missing the point. Just so you know, this is a serious question I'm trying to find the answer to not a sarcastic attack on anyone. In my experience I cant see why you would stop what works for you. It can't be an inconvenience factor. It takes just seconds to take that pill. I want to know more about WHY people are stopping medication as opposed to what the withdrawl effects are.
Posted by DeeDee46 on April 2, 2003, at 7:20:13
In reply to why so concerned with quitting Effexor, posted by bluestar on April 2, 2003, at 1:20:09
> I can understand why you might want to quit taking it if you are not seeing results but how many of you have SEEN results are posting negative messages about Effexor that have decided to go off Effexor? If it does work for you and that means you had a chemical imbalance to start with and it is correcting your brain chemistry, your stoping the balance you have achieved is the cause of feeling like sh!t. Maybe I'm missing the point. Just so you know, this is a serious question I'm trying to find the answer to not a sarcastic attack on anyone. In my experience I cant see why you would stop what works for you. It can't be an inconvenience factor. It takes just seconds to take that pill. I want to know more about WHY people are stopping medication as opposed to what the withdrawl effects are.
Hi. I am new to this post and am also looking into support while I am trying to get off of Effexor XR. I have been on medication for 15 years due to a hormonal imbalance. I understand why you would ask a question as you did but let me offer you this approach. Some of us do not know if we really need the medication anymore. We wonder if our bodies become accustomed to the drug and would like to know for our own well being. I for one, do not know if I still need it and the only way is to try it. I am having a difficult time weaning off. So if anyone would care to repeat or offer help. I would appreciate it. I mostly suffer from extrene fatique when I get to about 37.5 mg of the XR. No depression just that. I hate it and it makes it hard to get through the day. Yesterday I took the 75 and felt relief. Today I am taking the 37 again. I think I will do this for awhile and see what happens.
Any and all support for me would be appreciated.
Also, I have been on many medications for depression in my 15 years of treatment. Each person reacts a different way to any and all.No one medicine is the best or worse for anyone.
Thanks.
Dee Dee 46
Posted by sly on April 2, 2003, at 8:10:35
In reply to why so concerned with quitting Effexor, posted by bluestar on April 2, 2003, at 1:20:09
I stopped after 10 mos. because I felt better - I did not want medication to become the life long solution to a temporary problem. Effexor, combined with therapy, exercise, and proper nutrition changed my life.
Effexor was like putting on a band-aid, it's a great help in speeding up your recovery, but once healed it's not necessary anymore and you shouldn't rely on it to continue to protect you forever.
Posted by Sean9 on April 2, 2003, at 11:55:57
In reply to Re: why so concerned with quitting Effexor, posted by DeeDee46 on April 2, 2003, at 7:20:13
Hey DeeDee,
I agree that Effexor works, and very well. It appears to be recommended when nothing else does. If you, or anyone else, is happy and healthy while on Effexor, I don't see why you would want to quit taking this medication.
However, some people do come accross situations where they have been recommended to stop. We're trying to get pregnant. Based on the info from Wyeth Labs and our doctor's recommendatoin, we need to get off Effexor and onto a more thouroughly tested drug like Prozac.
I've heard other people say the side-effects of Effexor continue throughout treatment (even after the ramp up) and other people say that they've had Effexor stop working all together. I'm not advocating people quitting Effexor, that's up to the individual circumstances. But if you quit, read up on the withdrawal postings first to get an idea of what you are in for.
Posted by noillusions on April 2, 2003, at 13:01:29
In reply to Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overrated, posted by juanantoniod on February 8, 2003, at 22:11:31
Anyone who has gone off of effexor smoothly is indeed fortunate. For the rest of us the experience has ranged from unpleasant to downright horrific. I happen to be in the horrific category. Had I known that this would happen I NEVER would have gone on this medication in the first place. I chose to eliminate effexor for two reasons first my loss of health insurance (it is very expensive) and second the effectiveness wore off over time and and I was having to increase dosage to maintain it's effectiveness. After 3 years I was at 150 mg, this was no longer working and it was being suggested I again up the dose. This frightened me the cost was prohibitive and there was no guarantee this higher dose would not eventually stop working. I went off slowly AND with my doctors knowlege so I cannot be accused of doing it improperly. On the advice of my doctor I weaned slowly. With each reduction in dose came serious depression (worse than before effexor), nausea and vomiting and disturbing electrical sensations in my head and neck. My ability to concentrate was destroyed. These side effects were unmanageable for the 4-7 days. It took up to two months for them to dissapear completely. I have decreased dosage from 150 mg to 0 in 4 increments over a 6 month period. Being the sole proprietor of a buisiness this has wrecked havoc with my ability to make an income for the past 6 months. I took my last effexor dose 4 days ago. The fog is starting to lift and one thing is clear to me. Effexor seems to be a very dangerous drug for a substantial number of users. The consumer is not being informed as to the full risks involved in the use of this product nor will they be unless we who have endured the worst of these risks do our best to get the word out. If anyone is aware of an organized endeavor to address this problem please let me know so I can do my part. My prayers go out to all of you enduring this struggle.
Posted by jtc on April 2, 2003, at 21:06:24
In reply to Re: why so concerned with quitting Effexor, posted by DeeDee46 on April 2, 2003, at 7:20:13
Hi Dee Dee 46,
I have been in treatment for anxiety and panic disorder for approximately 15 years and also depression for about 10 years. I have tried several medications, some of which worked and some of which did not. I was on Luvox for the longest and I think my body became immune to it. So at my psychiatrist's advice I stopped taking it and started Effexor. Now also at my psychiatrist's advice I have stopped Effexor because he said that since it is now spring that it might be a good time to clean my system out and go off of the Effexor since it was no longer helping me. Quite frankly though the real reason is that I am scared to take the Effexor for a long period of time because there is not much research on the long term effects of Effexor on the brain. Since it affects dopamine as well as serotonin, I get a little scared when the dopamine comes into the picture because of what happened to my friend while she was taking Meridia (it also affects dopamine). I took Effexor for 10 months and am now in my sixth day of no Effexor at all. I was on 75 mg, then tapered down to 37.5 for about two weeks, then 37.5 every other day for about two weeks then stopped about five days ago. I also take Klonopin and am still going to take that. I am extremely on edge, and fatigued, tearful, down in the dumps, and very irritable to my family. I think it is just going to take some time. This has been a difficult week for me. I have had an EKG, a spiral CT of my chest with contrast (dye in the veins) and Friday I am having a stress echocardiogram and an arterial blood gas test, all because of extreme shortness of breath and palpitations or skipped heartbeat. I do have mild asthma but my primary care doctor thinks it could be the asthma worsening or the Effexor withdrawal, but I also have a heart murmur.Anyway, in answer to bluestar's question the reason I am stopping Effexor is at my psychiatrist's advice and I am afraid of the long term effects of this medication on the brain. Anything that affects dopamine is a little scary. Good luck Dee Dee 46 on your tapering off. Take care, jtc
> > I can understand why you might want to quit taking it if you are not seeing results but how many of you have SEEN results are posting negative messages about Effexor that have decided to go off Effexor? If it does work for you and that means you had a chemical imbalance to start with and it is correcting your brain chemistry, your stoping the balance you have achieved is the cause of feeling like sh!t. Maybe I'm missing the point. Just so you know, this is a serious question I'm trying to find the answer to not a sarcastic attack on anyone. In my experience I cant see why you would stop what works for you. It can't be an inconvenience factor. It takes just seconds to take that pill. I want to know more about WHY people are stopping medication as opposed to what the withdrawl effects are.
>
> Hi. I am new to this post and am also looking into support while I am trying to get off of Effexor XR. I have been on medication for 15 years due to a hormonal imbalance. I understand why you would ask a question as you did but let me offer you this approach. Some of us do not know if we really need the medication anymore. We wonder if our bodies become accustomed to the drug and would like to know for our own well being. I for one, do not know if I still need it and the only way is to try it. I am having a difficult time weaning off. So if anyone would care to repeat or offer help. I would appreciate it. I mostly suffer from extrene fatique when I get to about 37.5 mg of the XR. No depression just that. I hate it and it makes it hard to get through the day. Yesterday I took the 75 and felt relief. Today I am taking the 37 again. I think I will do this for awhile and see what happens.
> Any and all support for me would be appreciated.
> Also, I have been on many medications for depression in my 15 years of treatment. Each person reacts a different way to any and all.No one medicine is the best or worse for anyone.
> Thanks.
> Dee Dee 46
>
Posted by jtc on April 2, 2003, at 21:09:50
In reply to Re: why so concerned with quitting Effexor, posted by sly on April 2, 2003, at 8:10:35
> I stopped after 10 mos. because I felt better - I did not want medication to become the life long solution to a temporary problem. Effexor, combined with therapy, exercise, and proper nutrition changed my life.
>
> Effexor was like putting on a band-aid, it's a great help in speeding up your recovery, but once healed it's not necessary anymore and you shouldn't rely on it to continue to protect you forever.
Hi sly,
You took the words right out of my mouth. I was also on Effexor for 10 months and started to feel better. I agree with everything you said, Thank you, jtc
Posted by luckyspec on April 3, 2003, at 1:45:28
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overrated, posted by Sean9 on April 1, 2003, at 11:39:48
The FDA cares not of your troubles.
You have not taken responsibility of yourself and allowed a drug to mask your illness. Now after you take a little responsibility for yourself and look to get off the drug, you learn it is very difficult. Yes, responsibility is a burden of truth. Most can not handle it...that is why you choose to be victims. Go on and live your life. Be happy, live healthy lives...but do not come to me with a problem that you could have prevented. You cause your own problems, little man.
Prevention is a foreign word to you isn't it?
You must treat the symptoms..you say. They are important. You lose sight of the cause, and allow others to control you, to tell you what to do and how you can solve your problem. But you do not wish to nor care to take responsibility for yourself and search deep within to find out the real trouble that disturbs you.You are really sick but you wish not to confront your illness but to hide it. Go on hiding it, little man, you will soon become a zombie, a robot like being, a shadow of your former self. But you say, 'I feel different now, more alive'. Do you really, or is it the 'drugs' making you numb to life and causing you to think you are high on life and feeling better. Reality hits you hard, little man, when you take yourself of the pills and you begin to notice the depth of your troubles. You are really sick, little man.
How can you go on and accept your fate, little man? How do you go on living life as such and enjoy being the victim? How do you not take responsibility of your own body? Deny yourself pleasure and accept pain as your destiny, then mask it even more and hide under the covers of the night sleeping long and lonely nights.
Why should be the question. The why is really more important then the how. If you have the why, the how finds itself. But you don't know why, little man, do you? You sit there and victimize yourself, you little man. I feel sorry for you, and I feel that I can help you...but I can't. I have learned that the only person that can be helped is one that wants help. Also a stronger character is needed in order to know that popping pills is like drinking alcohol to drown your sorrow. You must therefore be of strong enough will to take a step toward the truth and find out for yourself that drugs simply mask your problem. You do have a problem...yes, it is deeply rooted. But not since birth, you can not deny your faulty logic when you talk about your chemical imbalance at age 15 or so and then say that drugs helped you. You were not imbalanced before then, why should you need drugs.
Go on taking synthetics, which polute your body and make you more ill then before. The industry of drugs wants you to. But why should I tell you something you already know...you know they want you to be ill because without illness there would not exist an FDA nor the Pharmaceutical industry, and no need would arise to create one. But I won't tell you this. It is something you don't wish to hear. You are ill and want an easy solution, but you are not willing to work on yourself, really work. You want the problem solved in a moments notice. You are a consumer. Go on consuming your own shit little man. Your own troubles will be spouted right from your depth of sorrow. These consumed 'goods' will become your end, and are your sick beginning.
"You're sick, little man, very sick. It's not your fault; but it's your responsibility to get well." - Wilhelm Reich
Posted by DeeDee46 on April 3, 2003, at 5:44:21
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overrated » Sean9, posted by luckyspec on April 3, 2003, at 1:45:28
> The FDA cares not of your troubles.
>
> You have not taken responsibility of yourself and allowed a drug to mask your illness. Now after you take a little responsibility for yourself and look to get off the drug, you learn it is very difficult. Yes, responsibility is a burden of truth. Most can not handle it...that is why you choose to be victims. Go on and live your life. Be happy, live healthy lives...but do not come to me with a problem that you could have prevented. You cause your own problems, little man.
>
> Prevention is a foreign word to you isn't it?
> You must treat the symptoms..you say. They are important. You lose sight of the cause, and allow others to control you, to tell you what to do and how you can solve your problem. But you do not wish to nor care to take responsibility for yourself and search deep within to find out the real trouble that disturbs you.
>
> You are really sick but you wish not to confront your illness but to hide it. Go on hiding it, little man, you will soon become a zombie, a robot like being, a shadow of your former self. But you say, 'I feel different now, more alive'. Do you really, or is it the 'drugs' making you numb to life and causing you to think you are high on life and feeling better. Reality hits you hard, little man, when you take yourself of the pills and you begin to notice the depth of your troubles. You are really sick, little man.
>
> How can you go on and accept your fate, little man? How do you go on living life as such and enjoy being the victim? How do you not take responsibility of your own body? Deny yourself pleasure and accept pain as your destiny, then mask it even more and hide under the covers of the night sleeping long and lonely nights.
>
> Why should be the question. The why is really more important then the how. If you have the why, the how finds itself. But you don't know why, little man, do you? You sit there and victimize yourself, you little man. I feel sorry for you, and I feel that I can help you...but I can't. I have learned that the only person that can be helped is one that wants help. Also a stronger character is needed in order to know that popping pills is like drinking alcohol to drown your sorrow. You must therefore be of strong enough will to take a step toward the truth and find out for yourself that drugs simply mask your problem. You do have a problem...yes, it is deeply rooted. But not since birth, you can not deny your faulty logic when you talk about your chemical imbalance at age 15 or so and then say that drugs helped you. You were not imbalanced before then, why should you need drugs.
>
> Go on taking synthetics, which polute your body and make you more ill then before. The industry of drugs wants you to. But why should I tell you something you already know...you know they want you to be ill because without illness there would not exist an FDA nor the Pharmaceutical industry, and no need would arise to create one. But I won't tell you this. It is something you don't wish to hear. You are ill and want an easy solution, but you are not willing to work on yourself, really work. You want the problem solved in a moments notice. You are a consumer. Go on consuming your own shit little man. Your own troubles will be spouted right from your depth of sorrow. These consumed 'goods' will become your end, and are your sick beginning.
>
> "You're sick, little man, very sick. It's not your fault; but it's your responsibility to get well." - Wilhelm Reich
>
>
First of all thank you for everyones support to me. I know I can do this and will take it slower for now. Many of the symptoms that I notice are similar to the ones I experienced going onto it.
However, when you are depressed and want it all to get better and things to stop, I think we forget that it too time to feel better. So, I am going to keep at it and who knows, I may be a success story.
Now to relpy to the post before me. Why would you be so mean and judgemental with someone when all you know about them is what they put? You sound bitter and angry at someone and here is not the place to put people down. You need to stop and think and encourage people not knock them down when they are already at their possible lowest.Life is hard my friend, more for others sometimes. Think about it.
I am here for support not to be slammed. And certainly not to judge someone who is in the midst of thier fire.
Dee Dee 46
Posted by Napaba on April 3, 2003, at 7:36:02
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overrated » Sean9, posted by luckyspec on April 3, 2003, at 1:45:28
Your the sick little man luckyspec. GET SOME PROFESSIONAL HELP!!!
The FDA cares not of your troubles.
>
> You have not taken responsibility of yourself and allowed a drug to mask your illness. Now after you take a little responsibility for yourself and look to get off the drug, you learn it is very difficult. Yes, responsibility is a burden of truth. Most can not handle it...that is why you choose to be victims. Go on and live your life. Be happy, live healthy lives...but do not come to me with a problem that you could have prevented. You cause your own problems, little man.
>
> Prevention is a foreign word to you isn't it?
> You must treat the symptoms..you say. They are important. You lose sight of the cause, and allow others to control you, to tell you what to do and how you can solve your problem. But you do not wish to nor care to take responsibility for yourself and search deep within to find out the real trouble that disturbs you.
>
> You are really sick but you wish not to confront your illness but to hide it. Go on hiding it, little man, you will soon become a zombie, a robot like being, a shadow of your former self. But you say, 'I feel different now, more alive'. Do you really, or is it the 'drugs' making you numb to life and causing you to think you are high on life and feeling better. Reality hits you hard, little man, when you take yourself of the pills and you begin to notice the depth of your troubles. You are really sick, little man.
>
> How can you go on and accept your fate, little man? How do you go on living life as such and enjoy being the victim? How do you not take responsibility of your own body? Deny yourself pleasure and accept pain as your destiny, then mask it even more and hide under the covers of the night sleeping long and lonely nights.
>
> Why should be the question. The why is really more important then the how. If you have the why, the how finds itself. But you don't know why, little man, do you? You sit there and victimize yourself, you little man. I feel sorry for you, and I feel that I can help you...but I can't. I have learned that the only person that can be helped is one that wants help. Also a stronger character is needed in order to know that popping pills is like drinking alcohol to drown your sorrow. You must therefore be of strong enough will to take a step toward the truth and find out for yourself that drugs simply mask your problem. You do have a problem...yes, it is deeply rooted. But not since birth, you can not deny your faulty logic when you talk about your chemical imbalance at age 15 or so and then say that drugs helped you. You were not imbalanced before then, why should you need drugs.
>
> Go on taking synthetics, which polute your body and make you more ill then before. The industry of drugs wants you to. But why should I tell you something you already know...you know they want you to be ill because without illness there would not exist an FDA nor the Pharmaceutical industry, and no need would arise to create one. But I won't tell you this. It is something you don't wish to hear. You are ill and want an easy solution, but you are not willing to work on yourself, really work. You want the problem solved in a moments notice. You are a consumer. Go on consuming your own shit little man. Your own troubles will be spouted right from your depth of sorrow. These consumed 'goods' will become your end, and are your sick beginning.
>
> "You're sick, little man, very sick. It's not your fault; but it's your responsibility to get well." - Wilhelm Reich
>
>
Posted by Napaba on April 3, 2003, at 7:38:22
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overrated, posted by DeeDee46 on April 3, 2003, at 5:44:21
> >GO GIRL!
The FDA cares not of your troubles.
> >
> > You have not taken responsibility of yourself and allowed a drug to mask your illness. Now after you take a little responsibility for yourself and look to get off the drug, you learn it is very difficult. Yes, responsibility is a burden of truth. Most can not handle it...that is why you choose to be victims. Go on and live your life. Be happy, live healthy lives...but do not come to me with a problem that you could have prevented. You cause your own problems, little man.
> >
> > Prevention is a foreign word to you isn't it?
> > You must treat the symptoms..you say. They are important. You lose sight of the cause, and allow others to control you, to tell you what to do and how you can solve your problem. But you do not wish to nor care to take responsibility for yourself and search deep within to find out the real trouble that disturbs you.
> >
> > You are really sick but you wish not to confront your illness but to hide it. Go on hiding it, little man, you will soon become a zombie, a robot like being, a shadow of your former self. But you say, 'I feel different now, more alive'. Do you really, or is it the 'drugs' making you numb to life and causing you to think you are high on life and feeling better. Reality hits you hard, little man, when you take yourself of the pills and you begin to notice the depth of your troubles. You are really sick, little man.
> >
> > How can you go on and accept your fate, little man? How do you go on living life as such and enjoy being the victim? How do you not take responsibility of your own body? Deny yourself pleasure and accept pain as your destiny, then mask it even more and hide under the covers of the night sleeping long and lonely nights.
> >
> > Why should be the question. The why is really more important then the how. If you have the why, the how finds itself. But you don't know why, little man, do you? You sit there and victimize yourself, you little man. I feel sorry for you, and I feel that I can help you...but I can't. I have learned that the only person that can be helped is one that wants help. Also a stronger character is needed in order to know that popping pills is like drinking alcohol to drown your sorrow. You must therefore be of strong enough will to take a step toward the truth and find out for yourself that drugs simply mask your problem. You do have a problem...yes, it is deeply rooted. But not since birth, you can not deny your faulty logic when you talk about your chemical imbalance at age 15 or so and then say that drugs helped you. You were not imbalanced before then, why should you need drugs.
> >
> > Go on taking synthetics, which polute your body and make you more ill then before. The industry of drugs wants you to. But why should I tell you something you already know...you know they want you to be ill because without illness there would not exist an FDA nor the Pharmaceutical industry, and no need would arise to create one. But I won't tell you this. It is something you don't wish to hear. You are ill and want an easy solution, but you are not willing to work on yourself, really work. You want the problem solved in a moments notice. You are a consumer. Go on consuming your own shit little man. Your own troubles will be spouted right from your depth of sorrow. These consumed 'goods' will become your end, and are your sick beginning.
> >
> > "You're sick, little man, very sick. It's not your fault; but it's your responsibility to get well." - Wilhelm Reich
> >
> >
> First of all thank you for everyones support to me. I know I can do this and will take it slower for now. Many of the symptoms that I notice are similar to the ones I experienced going onto it.
> However, when you are depressed and want it all to get better and things to stop, I think we forget that it too time to feel better. So, I am going to keep at it and who knows, I may be a success story.
> Now to relpy to the post before me. Why would you be so mean and judgemental with someone when all you know about them is what they put? You sound bitter and angry at someone and here is not the place to put people down. You need to stop and think and encourage people not knock them down when they are already at their possible lowest.Life is hard my friend, more for others sometimes. Think about it.
> I am here for support not to be slammed. And certainly not to judge someone who is in the midst of thier fire.
> Dee Dee 46
>
Posted by Sean9 on April 3, 2003, at 7:39:50
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overrated » Sean9, posted by luckyspec on April 3, 2003, at 1:45:28
Lucky,
Wow! Now that is some hostility, mixed with anger, and even a little profanity. But I think we all agree, everyone’s entitled to their opinion … and occasionally, a retort.I couldn’t help but smile while reading this posting, because it’s ironic. I’ve never taken Effexor or any other medication for depression (so the main insult of this posting missed it’s mark). The reason why I research the subject and post messages is because someone I know takes Effexor and is trying to quit (based on their doctor’s recommendation.) I’ve watched them go through severe and painful withdrawal, to the point that they wanted to go to the hospital. That’s why I encourage anyone who’s had a similar experience contact the FDA.
I’ve always agreed that Effexor is an effective drug, arguably the best, at treating depression. But it appalls me that the drug maker didn’t disclose the withdrawal symptoms (or even call them ‘withdrawal symptoms) in their documentation or their clinical trials. Everyone is personally responsible for their own health, but we rely on the medical community and federal administrations to ensure the safety of all treatments and drugs that are sold in our country. The FDA can only do so much, and the drug makers will always have a self interest to sell their product, which is why it is also everyone’s personal responsibility to report failures in our medical system to the FDA.Finally, and most importantly, I hope everyone who read the last posting remembers a few things: That it takes a truly strong person to seek help, that there is no shame in who you are or how you feel, that when you get down to it we are all made up of chemicals so there is nothing “unnatural” about taking a pill, and that it is every human being’s divine right to live a happy and meaningful life.
“If you overcome others you are powerful.
If you overcome yourself you have strength.” Tao Te Ching
Posted by Sean9 on April 3, 2003, at 7:46:33
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overrated, posted by noillusions on April 2, 2003, at 13:01:29
Noillusions,
I've seen an online petition, but lost the link. However, I don't think the petition will do much good. I spoke with someone at the FDA, and he said the FDA does not actively search for drug complaints, they rely on consumer feedback. I agree with everything you said, have seen a lot of other postings from people with the same experiences, and have watched someone go through a nightmare withdrawal of Effexor. There is a way to take action, and it starts by filling out the FDA complaint form. The person I spoke with at the FDA said they take every complaint very very seriously. Help out the next generation of Effexor useres to be more informed:
The FDA Med Watch Report, online complaint form:
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/
Posted by noillusions on April 3, 2003, at 8:10:33
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overrated, posted by DeeDee46 on April 3, 2003, at 5:44:21
Thank You Sean for the link to the FDA. I will explore that today.
Posted by DeeDee46 on April 3, 2003, at 11:29:42
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overrated, posted by Sean9 on April 3, 2003, at 7:46:33
> Noillusions,
> I've seen an online petition, but lost the link. However, I don't think the petition will do much good. I spoke with someone at the FDA, and he said the FDA does not actively search for drug complaints, they rely on consumer feedback. I agree with everything you said, have seen a lot of other postings from people with the same experiences, and have watched someone go through a nightmare withdrawal of Effexor. There is a way to take action, and it starts by filling out the FDA complaint form. The person I spoke with at the FDA said they take every complaint very very seriously. Help out the next generation of Effexor useres to be more informed:
> The FDA Med Watch Report, online complaint form:
> https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/Sean, You contradicted yourself. While everyone should seek help if needed there are a lot of people who need medicine and do feel better when taking it. And thank God they have that resource.
I know that you have not taken medication before. I can always tell. I have heard that before from others who have not. Calling someone a sick little man is unacceptable. I do not care if you want to speak your mind on the FDA or not. You do not and should not do that.
Period.
End of discussion.
Posted by Jack Smith on April 3, 2003, at 11:36:29
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overrated » Sean9, posted by luckyspec on April 3, 2003, at 1:45:28
Posted by DeeDee46 on April 3, 2003, at 11:39:58
In reply to You have obviously never suffered from depression (nm) » luckyspec, posted by Jack Smith on April 3, 2003, at 11:36:29
WHO ME OR SOMEONE ELSE?
I HAVE and been through it all. Dee Dee 46
Posted by Sean9 on April 3, 2003, at 11:56:56
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overrated, posted by DeeDee46 on April 3, 2003, at 11:29:42
DeeDee,
I think you have me confused with Luckyspec. Please double check our postings.
Posted by DeeDee46 on April 3, 2003, at 12:22:25
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overrated, posted by Sean9 on April 3, 2003, at 11:56:56
I sure did.. Sorry..
Everyone comes here for support not to be knocked down. That is why I came here. I hope they people see that.
THanks.
DEEDEE46
Posted by luckyspec on April 3, 2003, at 13:38:48
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overrated, posted by DeeDee46 on April 3, 2003, at 12:22:25
> I sure did.. Sorry..
> Everyone comes here for support not to be knocked down. That is why I came here. I hope they people see that.
> THanks.
> DEEDEE46I am sorry everyone for sounding angry if I did.
I do not mean to put you down. Only wanted to let you know about the drug industry. Ofcourse, what do I know.Goodbye
Posted by DeeDee46 on April 3, 2003, at 14:12:40
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overrated, posted by luckyspec on April 3, 2003, at 13:38:48
Giving people a website to research is good. That is a positive thing.Knowledge is power and that in itself makes people feel better..sometimes. However, remember this. When you are so depressed due to a stress in your life or of a chemical imbalance you feel so weak and out of control of your own life and BLAME yourelf. Why do you think people choose suicide as an alternative? IT IS REAL........ you think you will never feel better or be the same and see no possible way out until you get help or meet someone who will listen and get you the proper medical help. IF it were as easy as taking control of ones life. There would be little or no depression in this world. Do you tell a diabetic to get control of thier life and the insulin levels will become normal?
No.
DeeDee46
Now, lets get this board back to supporting those of us who have been through depression, or going through it so we can have a voice. It helps. I promise.
Posted by Jack Smith on April 3, 2003, at 14:22:11
In reply to Re: You have obviously never suffered from depression, posted by DeeDee46 on April 3, 2003, at 11:39:58
> WHO ME OR SOMEONE ELSE?
> I HAVE and been through it all. Dee Dee 46Not you, look to the person the statement was addressed to!
Posted by luckyspec on April 3, 2003, at 15:25:47
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overrated, posted by DeeDee46 on April 3, 2003, at 14:12:40
I understand that one can sink into a state of utter misery. Then rely on someone hoping they have your best interest at heart and ignoring what other people experience in hope that it will work for you.
The Pharmaceutical industry's main concern is to make you more ill. It is not in the interest of the Pharmaceutical industry to prevent illness, but to profit from your symptoms. If you have no symptoms, the drug industry would not exist. Preventive medicine is a threat to this industry.
http://www4.dr-rath-foundation.org/PHARMACEUTICAL_BUSINESS/laws_of_the_pharmaceutical_industry.htm
________________________________________USA Today March 6, 2003
Page 10A,Attempts to overcome the unsolvable scientific conflicts.
The Bush administration is spearheading an international effort by the pharmaceutical industry to outlaw natural health therapies worldwide by abusing the United Nations Codex Alimentarius (food standards) commission.Attempts to overcome the unsolvable legal conflicts.
A key provision of the Homeland Security Act grants immunity to the pharmaceutical companies for present adn future product liability claims for vaccines. Further plans for medical litigation reform include limiting product liability lawsuits against drug companies.
________________________________________Do you know of the lawsuits that are springing up like wild flowers in the drug industry?-
(Bayer-March 27-
http://biz.yahoo.com/djus/030327/0458000614_1.html
)It is because people do know the dangers of drugs, and are just now taking more responsibility for themselves. I congratulate those of you who are trying to take yourselves off of Effexor. Really I am proud of you because you are taking responsibility even though it is post fact. It is good in that.
The pharmaceutical industry is failing the human body. People would not see that. People would rather polute their body because the doctor told them it is good for them. Ask your doctor if he is paid to prescribe you medicine and see what he says. The more the doctor prescribes the more he makes.
I understand that you want a cure. But do you really want to sacrifice your entire body's health? If you want support, wonderful.
Consider that organic living is healthier for the body. Maybe you prefer to believe that a mechanistic approach to a human body will work for you.
For example, if a machine is broken, all you have to do is find the broken part and replace it. That works with mechanics. Well maybe you can find yourself new joints to replace the ones you are damaging with drugs...as you say...would that not be along the lines of mechanics. It is no joke, and neither is your illness.
Mechanical science can not possibly solve the problem of disease. We have a plague of troubles such as sexual dysfunction, sleep disorders, diabetes, depression, cancer, and the list goes on and on. How much has your drug company really helped to get rid of these illnesses? I am curious. Because all I hear is that the doctor wants you to take a medicine for 'life'.
Medicine is taken for a short period of time. Until you are healthy. If you take medicine when you are healthy you will become ill. I do not see how a drug that addicts you makes you better.
If you want more information-look at USA Today March 6th edition on page 10A.
Posted by DeeDee46 on April 3, 2003, at 15:47:58
In reply to Re: Effexor Withdrawal Highly Overrated » DeeDee46, posted by luckyspec on April 3, 2003, at 15:25:47
Again, I will repeat myself. If I could of taken a natural herb or did anything besides take an antidpressant.. I would of done so.. period. I tried it, it didnt work.Everything in life can be abused from food even on to herbs. Do we need to be aware of all of this? YES.! I have watched family members who have been deathly sick with an illness take a medication that is controversial and HAS SIDE effects be able to go on with life and HAVE QUALITY!!!! It is my prayer that you do not have to go through this someday. I promise you if you do,,, you will live to regret some of things you are saying.
I am not one to argue. Again, this is for support. You have a lot of postive energy to give to someone. I know of tons of homeless shelters that could use it or homes for runaway teens. Anything. I could go on and on. You have stated your point. Again this is for support. End of discussion with you.
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.