![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 8107 to 8131 of 10407. Go back in thread:
Posted by FaithT on January 22, 2005, at 7:59:44
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by not2late4u on January 21, 2005, at 21:45:30
Dear Renee~
It's great to see your post. I haven't checked the board in about a week, but I was wondering how you were doing. You sound really good!
Keep taking it one day at a time. I know that you're going to be just fine!
I love reading your posts...You seem like such a positive person.
Many hugs, Faith~
Posted by FaithT on January 22, 2005, at 9:41:51
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » not2late4u, posted by dancingstar on January 21, 2005, at 23:56:08
Dear Bebe~
The words that Renee used ARE true.
Sadly, you had a very bad experience with Effexor,and again I am sorry. I understand what the withdrawl is, because I went through it. Bebe, I was fine afterwards, and I would have been fine if there weren't the circumstance in my life, that there is. As you know I CHOSE to go back on Effexor. I was not forced or persuaded,or sick from the after effects of the medicine.
I have clinical depression, and this drug helps me greatly. It helped me so much, that I made the mistake of thinking that I could handle the fear of a cancer recurrence without it, and that's when I went off the drug. Well, guess what? I found out that it was the Effexor that was helping me cope, and funcion, and not be scared every single second.
Bebe, you should use those words that Renee suggested. For "some" of us, Effexor really is a good drug. I can still say this AFTER going through the withdrawl from it, and I would imagine there are others who feel the same.
My best wishes to you,
Faith~
Posted by FaithT on January 22, 2005, at 9:43:34
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by FaithT on January 22, 2005, at 9:41:51
Posted by dancingstar on January 22, 2005, at 9:47:04
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by FaithT on January 22, 2005, at 9:41:51
Faith,
My position is perfectly clear.
You can continue to address this if you'd like, but you will be speaking to me all the way to the floor of Congress.
Bebe
Posted by sam7iam on January 22, 2005, at 11:27:07
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » corafree, posted by corafree on January 22, 2005, at 0:37:25
Hi Cora, and everyone! Wow, there are so many posts on this 'thread' and I'm not all that experienced with this sort of thing; it took me some time to catch up. I am sorry to hear that so many people have had such horrible problems with Effexor. I did once try to come off it; my psychiatrist ( drug pusher ) just said, ' drop one dose a day and see what happens...' so I did drop one 150mg pill; the next day I did not get out of bed except to use the bathroom and drink water!! Now from reading the posts, I am very concerned about withdrawl and do feel that I've been lied to!
Before starting Effexor or any of my meds, I read all the manufacturer data carefully; the printed and on-line as well. NOTHING was said about withdrawl problems except that it should be done slowly and that seizures might be a problem. This was all very understated IMHO.
The Neurotin/Effexor balance I spoke of was in re to blood pressure. I use 600mg/day for pain, at 900/day there was no benefit re pain, so we increased my dose of fentanyl. Effexor raises and Nerotin lowers. Neurotin is an amazing chemical; it is a very simple derivative of a naturally occuring neurotransmitter: GABA ( gamma amino butyric acid ) I am a research chemist, Ph.D. physical chemistry...so I find the chemistry side of all this facinating. Also took a few courses in Neuropsychology...incomprehensible to me! Much of it is a sort of , try it and see what happens, attitude!!
Neurotin was originally 'invented' for seizure control for epileptics, its analgesic qualities where latter discovered from those patients and now is also found to have some effect on mood. I take it mainly for pain control. The disease that hit me is a rare autoimmune where my body attacked the myelin sheath on the nerves of my spinal chord: the name of the disease is TM; transverse myelitis and has many causes but mine is idiopathic, no known cause. Could be from exposure to some chemical from my lab...after the acute attack I was partially paralized from the waist down and lost the normal excretory functions. BUT I am one of the lucky ones; I can now walk, breath on my own, and with some meds generally seems 'normal' to most people. I am the walking wounded.
My experience with Effexor at the very high dose of 450mg/day has been generally good, but I do drink a lot of water: it goes right through me and that was a problem only because I couldn't pee 'normally'! I take Flomax for that and it helps a lot. But now I've read that in Great Britain, Effexor will not be approved for use due to a connetion to heart disease and heart attack. It seems that if one has any underlying heart problems, Effexor may aggravate them. The data are, however, controversial and the final word is not yet in. This is how I found your group; in searching for any reported problems with Effexor as my therapist told me that my old psych MD was taking a lot of his patients off Effexor and she was concerned. Now not only do I know why, but also about all the potential difficulties with withdrawl that are not properly reported by the manufacturer. Oh! There is one side effect that I do have that does cause me problems; physical intimicy with another is pretty much gone except if I use Viagra which I do...but carefully as that noticably increases my blood pressre...now I'm curious about cymbalta as my MD just prescribed it for me to try to improve my energy level and it does! Immediately the first day I took it and then the next morning I was out of bed and doing chores before noon which has not happened in years. Any opinions on this one? We all certainly do have quite an interesting mix of meds and effects from them...Every post I've read has been very informative; thank you, Best to everyone,Sam
> Same post, just changed amount of Neurontin.
>
> Neurontin no longer for me; I can't remember why went off .. think is was just insurance issue.
>
> I never thought of an AD as treatment for pain. But, finding a lot of people w/ chronic pain here on one AD or another. Ya' know, even discussions re: pain and Eff-XR vs. Cymbalta.
>
> The anniversary of my father's death is coming, ... still grieving. I have a dx of borderline after much trauma over years.
>
> Now in skills training. Take Eff-XR, trazodone, and small dose benzo for borderline personality disorder, panic, and now wondering about ADD or ADHD. Probably have it from being on all these drugs so many years, but then again there are things in my childhood that line up with ADD or ADHD.
>
> I took an ADD/ADHD test online and scored HIGH. Well, I know that's no answer; but if, of all the psychs I've seen, they've missed this, I'm on the war path.
>
> Nice to meet you Sam. Hope to hear from you. It's hard to describe pain and I can certainly identify with that, even tho' depression came before pain. Did I write anything here that is valuable info for anyone?
>
> Because on Eff-XR, like to keep up w/ posts re: it. best wishes cf
>
> Hi Sam. I also take Eff-XR and have chronic back injuries. What do you mean when you say,... "The Effexor seems to be balanced by the Neurotin."? I was on Neurontin 900mg for a while, but noted nothing. What did it do for you. I have only one prob' w/ Eff-XR and that's dulled emotions/fatigue. Nice to meet ya' cf
Posted by corafree on January 22, 2005, at 14:28:50
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » corafree, posted by sam7iam on January 22, 2005, at 11:27:07
Hi Sam ... Corafree back at ya' ...
Effexor raises and Neurontin lowers. Neurotin is an amazing chemical; it is a very simple derivative of a naturally occuring neurotransmitter: GABA ( gamma amino butyric acid)
"Thank you for the above knowledge. Maybe should reconsider, try it again, as along w/ chronic pain, I have a tremor. My dosage wasn't over 1000 per day. Think must have done nothing noticeable. Anyone on GABA have comment; why not just take GABA? cf"
BUT I am one of the lucky ones; I can now walk, breath on my own, and with some meds generally seems 'normal' to most people. I am the walking wounded.
"Thank God you are mobile, .. but I think that what now hurts, doesn't show, right? Hence comes invalidation. Hurts too. cf"
It seems that if one has any underlying heart problems, Effexor may aggravate them.
"I always have very low blood pressure!? cf"
my old psych MD was taking a lot of his patients off Effexor and she was concerned. Now not only do I know why, but also about all the potential difficulties with withdrawl
"Tks to people here, if decide d.c. (discontinue) Eff-XR, am prepared for the possible worst, referencing experiences here. cf"
curious about cymbalta as my MD just prescribed it for me to try to improve my energy level and it does! Any opinions on this one?
"I've been curious about Cymbalta. Is it a serotonergic, first in same class w/ Effexor-XR? cf"
improve my energy level and it does!
"Wow, now giving serious consideration to Cymbalta versus Eff-XR; Energy would be a godsend. Need take care of my NADLs (normal activities of daily living). Pls advise how goes w/ Cymbalta when have time to post here; many thanks! You can set up for babble mail here, so you may correspond w/ others who have signed up for babblemail individually. You just click on name at top left and can babble individually. Think the name is blue instead of brown-looking, for peeps that do accept babblemail. post ended, cf"
> Hi Cora, and everyone! Wow, there are so many posts on this 'thread' and I'm not all that experienced with this sort of thing; it took me some time to catch up. I am sorry to hear that so many people have had such horrible problems with Effexor. I did once try to come off it; my psychiatrist ( drug pusher ) just said, ' drop one dose a day and see what happens...' so I did drop one 150mg pill; the next day I did not get out of bed except to use the bathroom and drink water!! Now from reading the posts, I am very concerned about withdrawl and do feel that I've been lied to!
>
> Before starting Effexor or any of my meds, I read all the manufacturer data carefully; the printed and on-line as well. NOTHING was said about withdrawl problems except that it should be done slowly and that seizures might be a problem. This was all very understated IMHO.
>
> The Neurotin/Effexor balance I spoke of was in re to blood pressure. I use 600mg/day for pain, at 900/day there was no benefit re pain, so we increased my dose of fentanyl. Effexor raises and Nerotin lowers. Neurotin is an amazing chemical; it is a very simple derivative of a naturally occuring neurotransmitter: GABA ( gamma amino butyric acid ) I am a research chemist, Ph.D. physical chemistry...so I find the chemistry side of all this facinating. Also took a few courses in Neuropsychology...incomprehensible to me! Much of it is a sort of , try it and see what happens, attitude!!
>
> Neurotin was originally 'invented' for seizure control for epileptics, its analgesic qualities where latter discovered from those patients and now is also found to have some effect on mood. I take it mainly for pain control. The disease that hit me is a rare autoimmune where my body attacked the myelin sheath on the nerves of my spinal chord: the name of the disease is TM; transverse myelitis and has many causes but mine is idiopathic, no known cause. Could be from exposure to some chemical from my lab...after the acute attack I was partially paralized from the waist down and lost the normal excretory functions. BUT I am one of the lucky ones; I can now walk, breath on my own, and with some meds generally seems 'normal' to most people. I am the walking wounded.
>
> My experience with Effexor at the very high dose of 450mg/day has been generally good, but I do drink a lot of water: it goes right through me and that was a problem only because I couldn't pee 'normally'! I take Flomax for that and it helps a lot. But now I've read that in Great Britain, Effexor will not be approved for use due to a connetion to heart disease and heart attack. It seems that if one has any underlying heart problems, Effexor may aggravate them.The data are, however, controversial and the final word is not yet in. This is how I found your group; in searching for any reported problems with Effexor as my therapist told me that my old psych MD was taking a lot of his patients off Effexor and she was concerned. Now not only do I know why, but also about all the potential difficulties with withdrawl that are not properly reported by the manufacturer. Oh! There is one side effect that I do have that does cause me problems; physical intimicy with another is pretty much gone except if I use Viagra which I do...but carefully as that noticably increases my blood pressre...now I'm curious about cymbalta as my MD just prescribed it for me to try to improve my energy level and it does! Immediately the first day I took it and then the next morning I was out of bed and doing chores before noon which has not happened in years. Any opinions on this one? We all certainly do have quite an interesting mix of meds and effects from them...Every post I've read has been very informative; thank you, Best to everyone,Sam
>
> > Same post, just changed amount of Neurontin.
> >
> > Neurontin no longer for me; I can't remember why went off .. think is was just insurance issue.
> >
> > I never thought of an AD as treatment for pain. But, finding a lot of people w/ chronic pain here on one AD or another. Ya' know, even discussions re: pain and Eff-XR vs. Cymbalta.
> >
> > The anniversary of my father's death is coming, ... still grieving. I have a dx of borderline after much trauma over years.
> >
> > Now in skills training. Take Eff-XR, trazodone, and small dose benzo for borderline personality disorder, panic, and now wondering about ADD or ADHD. Probably have it from being on all these drugs so many years, but then again there are things in my childhood that line up with ADD or ADHD.
> >
> > I took an ADD/ADHD test online and scored HIGH. Well, I know that's no answer; but if, of all the psychs I've seen, they've missed this, I'm on the war path.
> >
> > Nice to meet you Sam. Hope to hear from you. It's hard to describe pain and I can certainly identify with that, even tho' depression came before pain. Did I write anything here that is valuable info for anyone?
> >
> > Because on Eff-XR, like to keep up w/ posts re: it. best wishes cf
> >
> > Hi Sam. I also take Eff-XR and have chronic back injuries. What do you mean when you say,... "The Effexor seems to be balanced by the Neurotin."? I was on Neurontin 900mg for a while, but noted nothing. What did it do for you. I have only one prob' w/ Eff-XR and that's dulled emotions/fatigue. Nice to meet ya' cf
>
>
Posted by dancingstar on January 22, 2005, at 14:53:57
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » corafree, posted by sam7iam on January 22, 2005, at 11:27:07
Hey Sam,
Really interesting post, thank you!
I'd be careful with Cymbalta. It's comparitively new, and the verdict isn't in. A lot of docs are transfering people from Effexor to Cymbalta; does that mean out of the frying pan and into the fire? The jury isn't in yet. Personally, I wouldn't risk it as the way that they work seems to be similar. Unfortunately, there is no free lunch when it comes to these drugs, meaning that they are doing something to the body, and no one is telling us exactly what that is. Until they do, not you nor any of the rest of us know what that is. But, heck, that's just my opinion, and everyone has one.
Best wishes,
Bebe
Posted by not2late4u on January 22, 2005, at 15:00:15
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » not2late4u, posted by dancingstar on January 22, 2005, at 0:36:36
Bebe, Can you please see that there are TWO sides of this????? Yes, there are those with problems on it and coming off of it. AND yes there are those who do well on it and dont suffer as much coming off of it. Can you and are you willing to see/address this????? I can and have all along. Many people have posted both sides. This is why I posted that I thought it would be FAIR of you to say "some" etc. My impression of your responses are that you categorize "US ALL" into the same horrible place you've been and others have been. NOT ALL OF US ARE THERE! That is my point. Always has been my point. And to be honest Bebe, that is the reality of all drugs. I've said it before, there is room for improvement with fda and psychs and md's and manufacturers of Effexor and other drugs, never denied that, but please fight your fight carefully. I get frustrated with your responses for this reason, not because you bring the downside of the drug to the table, but how you go about doing it. My debate with you? Thats it. Renee
Posted by not2late4u on January 22, 2005, at 15:04:09
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by becci on January 21, 2005, at 23:25:50
You are welcome, yes, the site has been helpful to me as well. Please let us know how you are doing. Klonopin is active in your system for about 6 hours (according to my Psych) And it takes about 2 weeks for your body to rid itself of it. DO NOT drink alcohol on it at all, not that you probably feel like it right now, but my psych made me promise I wouldnt drink any alcohol until it was out of my system. FYI. Renee
Posted by not2late4u on January 22, 2005, at 15:05:21
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » not2late4u, posted by dancingstar on January 21, 2005, at 23:56:08
They are, have you been reading the posts from the ones who have had success with it?
Posted by not2late4u on January 22, 2005, at 15:06:50
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » dancingstar, posted by dancingstar on January 21, 2005, at 23:57:41
Thanks, I am feeling better today. I'll be posting an update later on the other thread.
Posted by dancingstar on January 22, 2005, at 15:12:33
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » dancingstar, posted by not2late4u on January 22, 2005, at 15:00:15
Renee,
I have addressed it.
This is the same sort of verbiage as saying that one should be a Democrat or a Republican. I don't believe that Effexor does anything good in comparison to the kinds and numbers of people that are being harmed by it. No, Renee, I cannot see otherwise. Sorry.
You must have missed the places where I posted that it is good for people under some circumstances. I will repeat that it is good for people under some circumstances...not for most of us, not for the average person, not for the volume of prescriptions that make it one of the four to six most widely prescribed drugs in the country today. I just do not believe that it is. I do not think that it would be as widely prescribed as it had been in the past if Wyeth had been more forthcoming with its research about the side effects and the withdrawal problems.
You may feel differently. That is, indeed, your right.
Posted by not2late4u on January 22, 2005, at 15:23:04
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by dancingstar on January 22, 2005, at 15:12:33
Well, we are at an impass. I dont feel you've heard me and at this point, Im ok with that. If you have ALL the stats on every person who has taken the drug and ALL the stats on how each person has done, then you might be able to pursuad me into believing that the majority of the people who take this drug fall into your category. And yes, I did read your post about who should/shouldnt take this drug. Well, I think that should be left up to the doctors, who should have all information needed to make a well informed presciption for someone. Has that been the case, probably not, that is one area where I support you. Good luck to you. Renee
Posted by not2late4u on January 22, 2005, at 15:31:15
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by FaithT on January 22, 2005, at 9:41:51
Faith, thank you for seeing what I see and for supporting me. Renee
Posted by not2late4u on January 22, 2005, at 15:41:50
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » not2late4u, posted by dancingstar on January 22, 2005, at 0:36:36
Bebe, this is NOT even what we've been debating. This "survey" is not my debate. I am not sure that you understand what I have been saying or others, like Faith, have been saying. We HAVE NOT denied side effects or withdraw symptoms, did you read our posts? MY DEBATE IS: you say things as factual for ALL OF US and its NOT factual for ALL of us. Please, please, please understand this. Renee
Posted by dancingstar on January 22, 2005, at 15:49:42
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » dancingstar, posted by not2late4u on January 22, 2005, at 15:23:04
Renee,
I can gather information for you, but not right now. I need to pack, truly I do.
In the meantime, right here on this very site I ask that you read post after post where people have asked their doctors for help, and their doctors have not known what they were talking about. The doctors don't yet understand the severity of the problem because Wyeth has withheld the information, and since the bulk of the prescriptions have been within the last two to three years, we are now just hitting their offices in pain and with all sorts of symptoms from side effects as well as withdrawal.
Unfortunately, to send someone back to their doctor is to dismiss them, to tell them that there is no answer, that their problem is insignificant. Their doctors do not have the answers for them at this point.
Quite frankly, neither the doctors nor the people at the drug companies have taken these drugs for a couple of years, which would have been an excellent idea, so that they can be decent gunea pigs for the rest of us. If they had taken it, they would better understand what so many people have gone through. Why risk your nervous and cardiovascular systems if there is no real need to? Elavil is always a viable option for depression, and we know that that is safe. The truth about Effexor is just now beginning to surface. I cannot understand why you would encourage people to take a risk with their health when they are coming to a website asking for information, any information that might prevent their having a problem in the future.
Bebe
Posted by dancingstar on January 22, 2005, at 15:58:18
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » dancingstar, posted by not2late4u on January 22, 2005, at 15:41:50
Renee,
I understand what you are saying.
Do you ever stop to think that I don't agree with the things that you post but that I don't tell you what to say? It is my understanding that this forum allows us each to express our own thoughts.Bebe
Posted by not2late4u on January 22, 2005, at 16:11:16
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by dancingstar on January 22, 2005, at 15:58:18
Bebe, you have been quite offensive to me, I have spoken myself blue. Just trying to help you see we arent on opposing sides as much as you think we are. At this point I will say to all who read the posts now and in the future. Keep all things you read and research in mind when making a decision on your personal life, I have (again) not said whether or not Effexor is for you or not, you must make that decision. I am not on a crusade to advocate the use of or to ban the use of it. Bebe, I will no longer respond to your posts, I appreciate it if you would do the same. Best of luck to you, Renee.
Posted by Broken on January 22, 2005, at 16:35:35
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by dancingstar on January 22, 2005, at 15:58:18
> Renee,
>
> I understand what you are saying.
>
>
> Do you ever stop to think that I don't agree with the things that you post but that I don't tell you what to say? It is my understanding that this forum allows us each to express our own thoughts.
>
> Bebe
No offense intended Bebe, but I disagree with your post about Elavil. While it might be "less dangerous", for me, it is also, less effective. As in, no effect whatsoever that I could tell. Effexor is the only antidrepressant I have taken that has shown any effect. Also, I have experienced no side effects that are painful, or uncomfortable. I have definitely experienced sweating at night, but nothing like some of the things I have read here. That is NOT to say others haven't had an awful experience with the drug, but I still believe those are in the minority. The FDA home page shows all information on the drug has been disclosed, with the exception of what is currently being discussed in the UK. Also, a good number of warnings they have issued are not Effexor specific. This is also not to say I won't suffer withdrawal, I don't plan discontinuing the drug anytime soon, so that question will remain unanswered.
I am truly sorry that your doctor prescribed something that you did not need, and you suffered so terribly for it. Regardless, I blame your doctor for prescribing an anti-depressant for someone not suffering from depression.Take care of yourself and I wish you well..
Broken
Posted by Dr. Bob on January 22, 2005, at 17:11:27
In reply to NEVER NEVER **NEVER** Stop Effexor Suddenly!, posted by snakeadelic on January 22, 2005, at 1:49:57
> IS ANYONE SUING THE HOLY LIVING (UNLADYLIKE WORDS HERE) OUT OF THE MANUFACTURER YET?
Sorry to interrupt, but I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding suing to Psycho-Babble Social. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20050116/msgs/445808.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by Dr. Bob on January 22, 2005, at 17:25:03
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » dancingstar, posted by not2late4u on January 22, 2005, at 16:11:16
> you have been quite offensive to me
Sorry, but please don't post anything that could lead others to feel accused.
If you or others have questions about this or about posting policies in general, or are interested in alternative ways of expressing yourself, please see the FAQ:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#civil
Follow-ups regarding these issues should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration. They, as well as replies to the above post, should of course themselves be civil.
> At this point I will say to all who read the posts now and in the future. Keep all things you read and research in mind when making a decision on your personal life
That's a good idea, you might have more of an impact addressing them...
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by eeyorena on January 22, 2005, at 21:36:51
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR? » dancingstar, posted by not2late4u on January 22, 2005, at 15:00:15
I have been following this thread for awhile. It has been very interesting, as I have been an advocate for depression relief for so very long.
I don't want to withhold depression relief from anyone. I don't think anyone here would ever, ever wish for that.
And I think there is one very important point that is being missed here.
Unlike many other things in life, drug approvals and drug safety are not democratic. Nor should they be.
I have a dear friend who's life improved substantially after she was given a prescription for Vioxx. She went from being in extreme pain to being able to function pretty well. Vioxx has never hurt her as far as we know. But there is a very good chance it may have caused heart attacks, strokes or death for others. I believe that consumers and the FDA were very right in pressuring Merck to withraw Vioxx from the market until further tests could be completed.
Because if one of my parents or someone I love had suffered a heart attack, stroke or even death as a result of Vioxx, I would be completely grief stricken.
The same thing is now happening with Reminyl. The post-market studies on this drug have shown some alarming possibilities. Within a certain period of time, an average of 5 people out of 100 not taking Reminyl pass away. On Reminyl, that number is 15 people out of 100.
But that's still okay, right? Because 90 people aren't possibly having these problems from the drug and might really be benefitting.
Well, no. Not exactly.
Under medical ethics, the medical community has a responsibility to not harm the patient more than they are helping them.
When that harm is possibly irreversible liver damage, heart attack, aneurysm, or death, those things are easier to measure and possibly easier to connect directly with a drug. While it is never easy to withhold treatment from a patient who is suffering--even based upon a risk--it is ethical to pursue and exhaust every other possible treatment if it means that you might be causing the patient further harm.
Sadly, with some meds, it is not always possible to know in advance how risks will affect a patient. And when those risks are extremely hard to measure, especially in the behavioral sciences, it is even harder to predict.
I think that is why Effexor bears much scrutiny. I am sure that it is helping someone somewhere, otherwise it never would have made it onto the market. So, yes, of course it is.
However--and for the those who might suffer or have to (yet again) try another course of treatment I am truly truly sorry and sad--I think enough patients have suffered from this med's withdrawal effects and possible long term effects for it to be withdrawn from the market pending further testing. It is not okay for even 10 people out of 100 to possibly suffer from long term life-disabling effects from any drug.
If it is not withdrawn from the market, I think at the very least that it should be put under investigation with warnings released to the public. That way, patients will know in advance what the risks are and that they should pursue all other treatment options available to them first (there are many--many SSRI's, tricyclics, and MAOI's have been around longer than Effexor).
I've suffered from chronic depression for over 20 years. I know how devestating it can be. I'm also convinced that drug companies are too hasty to take drugs to market because of the possible beneficial effects on stock price and desire to beat out the competition. I know this...because I was a consultant in and around this industry. I have a lot to be thankful for that is directly related to pharamaceutical advancements. But I also am extremely committed to appropriate testing and patient safety.
As always, anyone else's mileage may vary.
Posted by dancingstar on January 22, 2005, at 22:10:51
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by eeyorena on January 22, 2005, at 21:36:51
Thank you. Thank you.
Posted by S. Bartel on January 22, 2005, at 23:40:41
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by eeyorena on January 22, 2005, at 21:36:51
Very well said. Thanks
Sammi
Posted by not2late4u on January 23, 2005, at 1:04:09
In reply to Re: Anyone had success on Effexor XR?, posted by eeyorena on January 22, 2005, at 21:36:51
You said it well. I believe I've said alot of the same things only in different words.
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
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