![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 25. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by TJAC on January 27, 2005, at 23:57:05
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by not2late4u on January 27, 2005, at 1:12:12
Posted by bossfan on January 27, 2005, at 23:57:06
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by TJAC on January 27, 2005, at 7:38:34
> http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?effexor
Exactly why do you want to sue the makers of Effexor?
Posted by Jiggitykid on January 27, 2005, at 23:57:06
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by bossfan on January 27, 2005, at 12:16:16
Please take time to look through the archives and see the hell that withdrawal has been on those of us unfortunate enough to have been used purely for profit for the makers of effexor. They have known that they withdrawal symptoms existed, but failed to inform the doctors or the patients. They've done nothing to ease the suffering. Once you experience the hell of this drug, then it will become clear why we want the company held accountable. I want them to admit that they have sat on information. I want them to clean up their act, and start informing patients and the medical community about the realities of all of their drugs. I want the FDA cleaned out, cleaned up and NOT funded by any of the drug manufacturers.
> > http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?effexor
>
> Exactly why do you want to sue the makers of Effexor?
>
>
Posted by bossfan on January 27, 2005, at 23:57:06
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » bossfan, posted by Jiggitykid on January 27, 2005, at 18:50:56
> Please take time to look through the archives and see the hell that withdrawal has been on those of us unfortunate enough to have been used purely for profit for the makers of effexor. They have known that they withdrawal symptoms existed, but failed to inform the doctors or the patients. They've done nothing to ease the suffering. Once you experience the hell of this drug, then it will become clear why we want the company held accountable. I want them to admit that they have sat on information. I want them to clean up their act, and start informing patients and the medical community about the realities of all of their drugs. I want the FDA cleaned out, cleaned up and NOT funded by any of the drug manufacturers.
>
> > > http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?effexor
> >
> > Exactly why do you want to sue the makers of Effexor?But to sue them? Yes, we have had a tough time with withdrawal. I knew from my doc and pt. education literature NOT to stop Effexor cold turkey. Now that I am tapered off, I'm doing well.
Why is America's solution to everything a lawsuit?
Posted by msbarker2u on January 27, 2005, at 23:57:06
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by bossfan on January 27, 2005, at 19:05:15
I'm sure all 7,500 of us who signed the petition, and who have suffered tremendously from side-effects and horrendous withdrawal symptoms....tapering off and cold turkey.....are very glad you are one of the few who have had no problems. The reason there is talk about legal action is that drug manufacturers don't care obviously about anything but money, so the only way to get them to hear us is to cause them to pay back some of that money that they have extorted from unsuspecting, trusting patients. As long as they can profit from drugs who do more hurt than good, they will continue producing and pushing these drugs. They have to learn that if they put a drug on the market that they know will hurt many, many people, they will have to pay for it. This is the only way such profiteers will stop taking advantage of patients who trust doctors who trust drug manufacturers. Once again, I am glad you are not going through what we all are. Please don't minimize what we have been through and are going thru. You remind me of the genetically thin person who gouges the person who has a struggle losing weight. I have not had a bit of Effexor in 3 weeks now after tapering off and as I'm writing this I am wondering how my brain jumped out of my head and where it went. I am also wondering when the shock feelings will stop randomly surging through my body and when I can shift my eyes without the feeling that I have disconnected from my body. When will the bizarre terrifying nightmares end and when will I be myself again. And, believe it or not, this is an improvement. That's why there needs to be legal action.
Posted by bossfan on January 27, 2005, at 23:57:06
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by msbarker2u on January 27, 2005, at 20:06:19
> I'm sure all 7,500 of us who signed the petition, and who have suffered tremendously from side-effects and horrendous withdrawal symptoms....tapering off and cold turkey.....are very glad you are one of the few who have had no problems. The reason there is talk about legal action is that drug manufacturers don't care obviously about anything but money, so the only way to get them to hear us is to cause them to pay back some of that money that they have extorted from unsuspecting, trusting patients. As long as they can profit from drugs who do more hurt than good, they will continue producing and pushing these drugs. They have to learn that if they put a drug on the market that they know will hurt many, many people, they will have to pay for it. This is the only way such profiteers will stop taking advantage of patients who trust doctors who trust drug manufacturers. Once again, I am glad you are not going through what we all are. Please don't minimize what we have been through and are going thru. You remind me of the genetically thin person who gouges the person who has a struggle losing weight. I have not had a bit of Effexor in 3 weeks now after tapering off and as I'm writing this I am wondering how my brain jumped out of my head and where it went. I am also wondering when the shock feelings will stop randomly surging through my body and when I can shift my eyes without the feeling that I have disconnected from my body. When will the bizarre terrifying nightmares end and when will I be myself again. And, believe it or not, this is an improvement. That's why there needs to be legal action.
The way I found this website was because I WAS having horrible withdrawal symptoms. Horrifying withdrawal symptoms. Then I took the advice I found on this thread and started a taper. I called my psych 2 days later and reported what was happening and he tapered me down gently and off.I take issue with your assertion that Effexor is a drug that "does more hurt than it does good". I, for one, started Effexor when I was in the depths of a paralyzing depression. For 4 years it helped me. Saved me and my marriage. *Poof* it stopped working for whatever reason and I am hoping to find something else that will help me.
In my assessment, Effexor has done me more good than bad - although those few days of withdrawal were horrible! I don't look to put a drug company out of business because of it.
I am in no way trying to diminish your or the others on this thread's experience with Effexor. I respectfully disagree with filing a lawsuit. Stuff happens. Bad stuff happens. Many times there is no voluntary malice involved. I am grateful to the drug companies for their Research & Development departments that are trying to make life better for all forms of life. Filing of these types of lawsuits drives costs up to a point where they (the drug companies) have to weigh whether or not to continue with their research.
And, no, I don't work for or have any close friends or relatives that work for drug companies. And if I were aware of intentional malice of a drug company which resulted in PERMANENT damage to myself or loved one, I would consider legal action.
Posted by Jiggitykid on January 27, 2005, at 23:57:06
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by bossfan on January 27, 2005, at 19:05:15
This discussion has taken place before, and it usually ends up heated. If you'll look through the archives, you'll see your question answered. RESPONSIBILITY is the goal here.
> > Please take time to look through the archives and see the hell that withdrawal has been on those of us unfortunate enough to have been used purely for profit for the makers of effexor. They have known that they withdrawal symptoms existed, but failed to inform the doctors or the patients. They've done nothing to ease the suffering. Once you experience the hell of this drug, then it will become clear why we want the company held accountable. I want them to admit that they have sat on information. I want them to clean up their act, and start informing patients and the medical community about the realities of all of their drugs. I want the FDA cleaned out, cleaned up and NOT funded by any of the drug manufacturers.
> >
> > > > http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?effexor
> > >
> > > Exactly why do you want to sue the makers of Effexor?
>
> But to sue them? Yes, we have had a tough time with withdrawal. I knew from my doc and pt. education literature NOT to stop Effexor cold turkey. Now that I am tapered off, I'm doing well.
>
> Why is America's solution to everything a lawsuit?
>
>
Posted by Jiggitykid on January 27, 2005, at 23:57:06
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by msbarker2u on January 27, 2005, at 20:06:19
Beautifully said. The PAIN, physical, emotional and mental, is indescribable. This cannot be tolerated any longer. Thank you for your well-worded and kind response.
> I'm sure all 7,500 of us who signed the petition, and who have suffered tremendously from side-effects and horrendous withdrawal symptoms....tapering off and cold turkey.....are very glad you are one of the few who have had no problems. The reason there is talk about legal action is that drug manufacturers don't care obviously about anything but money, so the only way to get them to hear us is to cause them to pay back some of that money that they have extorted from unsuspecting, trusting patients. As long as they can profit from drugs who do more hurt than good, they will continue producing and pushing these drugs. They have to learn that if they put a drug on the market that they know will hurt many, many people, they will have to pay for it. This is the only way such profiteers will stop taking advantage of patients who trust doctors who trust drug manufacturers. Once again, I am glad you are not going through what we all are. Please don't minimize what we have been through and are going thru. You remind me of the genetically thin person who gouges the person who has a struggle losing weight. I have not had a bit of Effexor in 3 weeks now after tapering off and as I'm writing this I am wondering how my brain jumped out of my head and where it went. I am also wondering when the shock feelings will stop randomly surging through my body and when I can shift my eyes without the feeling that I have disconnected from my body. When will the bizarre terrifying nightmares end and when will I be myself again. And, believe it or not, this is an improvement. That's why there needs to be legal action.
Posted by Jiggitykid on January 27, 2005, at 23:57:06
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by bossfan on January 27, 2005, at 20:25:46
As this is still a fairly "new," drug and the withdrawals have yet to be officially noted, the side effects officially recorded. . .we don't know what PERMANENT damage has been done. I know that my VISION was clear before I started taking effexor. I know that I didn't wake during the night with electric shocks coursing through my body before the effexor. Keep in mind, I TOOK MY LAST DOSE of effexor OVER A YEAR AGO, and I'm still having vision problems and shocks during the night. Let's categorize that as, "Permanent-so-far."
I'm glad effexor saved your marriage. It nearly destroyed mine, and getting effexor out of my system so that my sanity could return was the only thing that saved it (not to mention the Grace of God, which got me through the horror).
I don't think anyone here wants to see the drug company go out of business, and no lawsuit in the world would result in that. A fine is little more than a slap on the wrist to these guys. What we want is ACCOUNTABILITY. We want true patient information. When I began taking effexor, there was NOTHING said about withdrawal. When I began having problems with it, I was instructed to UP the dose, just as the drug company had instructed the doctor. We are asking for INFORMATION, so that patients can be allowed to make INFORMED CHOICES that are right for each person.
There is no need for argument here. You experienced the way effexor stops working, and for whatever reason the doctor stopped effexor instead of increasing the dose. That is a classic pattern with effexor, your body needs more and more of it for it to be effective. Add the withdrawal to it and what do you have? A HIGHLY PHYSICALLY ADDICTIVE DRUG. No one was told that this drug was addictive.
WE DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY, INFORMATION, AND RESPONSIBILITY. And, as the previous poster said, a lawsuit is the ONLY way to get a big corporation to listen. If you have a better solution, trust me, we'd love to hear it.
> I'm sure all 7,500 of us who signed the petition, and who have suffered tremendously from side-effects and horrendous withdrawal symptoms....tapering off and cold turkey.....are very glad you are one of the few who have had no problems. The reason there is talk about legal action is that drug manufacturers don't care obviously about anything but money, so the only way to get them to hear us is to cause them to pay back some of that money that they have extorted from unsuspecting, trusting patients. As long as they can profit from drugs who do more hurt than good, they will continue producing and pushing these drugs. They have to learn that if they put a drug on the market that they know will hurt many, many people, they will have to pay for it. This is the only way such profiteers will stop taking advantage of patients who trust doctors who trust drug manufacturers. Once again, I am glad you are not going through what we all are. Please don't minimize what we have been through and are going thru. You remind me of the genetically thin person who gouges the person who has a struggle losing weight. I have not had a bit of Effexor in 3 weeks now after tapering off and as I'm writing this I am wondering how my brain jumped out of my head and where it went. I am also wondering when the shock feelings will stop randomly surging through my body and when I can shift my eyes without the feeling that I have disconnected from my body. When will the bizarre terrifying nightmares end and when will I be myself again. And, believe it or not, this is an improvement. That's why there needs to be legal action.
>
>
> The way I found this website was because I WAS having horrible withdrawal symptoms. Horrifying withdrawal symptoms. Then I took the advice I found on this thread and started a taper. I called my psych 2 days later and reported what was happening and he tapered me down gently and off.
>
> I take issue with your assertion that Effexor is a drug that "does more hurt than it does good". I, for one, started Effexor when I was in the depths of a paralyzing depression. For 4 years it helped me. Saved me and my marriage. *Poof* it stopped working for whatever reason and I am hoping to find something else that will help me.
>
> In my assessment, Effexor has done me more good than bad - although those few days of withdrawal were horrible! I don't look to put a drug company out of business because of it.
>
> I am in no way trying to diminish your or the others on this thread's experience with Effexor. I respectfully disagree with filing a lawsuit. Stuff happens. Bad stuff happens. Many times there is no voluntary malice involved. I am grateful to the drug companies for their Research & Development departments that are trying to make life better for all forms of life. Filing of these types of lawsuits drives costs up to a point where they (the drug companies) have to weigh whether or not to continue with their research.
>
> And, no, I don't work for or have any close friends or relatives that work for drug companies. And if I were aware of intentional malice of a drug company which resulted in PERMANENT damage to myself or loved one, I would consider legal action.
>
Posted by bossfan on January 27, 2005, at 23:57:06
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » bossfan, posted by Jiggitykid on January 27, 2005, at 22:27:42
> As this is still a fairly "new," drug and the withdrawals have yet to be officially noted, the side effects officially recorded. . .we don't know what PERMANENT damage has been done. I know that my VISION was clear before I started taking effexor. I know that I didn't wake during the night with electric shocks coursing through my body before the effexor. Keep in mind, I TOOK MY LAST DOSE of effexor OVER A YEAR AGO, and I'm still having vision problems and shocks during the night. Let's categorize that as, "Permanent-so-far."
>
> I'm glad effexor saved your marriage. It nearly destroyed mine, and getting effexor out of my system so that my sanity could return was the only thing that saved it (not to mention the Grace of God, which got me through the horror).
>
> I don't think anyone here wants to see the drug company go out of business, and no lawsuit in the world would result in that. A fine is little more than a slap on the wrist to these guys. What we want is ACCOUNTABILITY. We want true patient information. When I began taking effexor, there was NOTHING said about withdrawal. When I began having problems with it, I was instructed to UP the dose, just as the drug company had instructed the doctor. We are asking for INFORMATION, so that patients can be allowed to make INFORMED CHOICES that are right for each person.
>> >
> >
> > The way I found this website was because I WAS having horrible withdrawal symptoms. Horrifying withdrawal symptoms. Then I took the advice I found on this thread and started a taper. I called my psych 2 days later and reported what was happening and he tapered me down gently and off.
> >
> > I take issue with your assertion that Effexor is a drug that "does more hurt than it does good". I, for one, started Effexor when I was in the depths of a paralyzing depression. For 4 years it helped me. Saved me and my marriage. *Poof* it stopped working for whatever reason and I am hoping to find something else that will help me.
> >
> > In my assessment, Effexor has done me more good than bad - although those few days of withdrawal were horrible! I don't look to put a drug company out of business because of it.
> >
> > I am in no way trying to diminish your or the others on this thread's experience with Effexor. I respectfully disagree with filing a lawsuit. Stuff happens. Bad stuff happens. Many times there is no voluntary malice involved. I am grateful to the drug companies for their Research & Development departments that are trying to make life better for all forms of life. Filing of these types of lawsuits drives costs up to a point where they (the drug companies) have to weigh whether or not to continue with their research.
> >
> > And, no, I don't work for or have any close friends or relatives that work for drug companies. And if I were aware of intentional malice of a drug company which resulted in PERMANENT damage to myself or loved one, I would consider legal action.
> >
>
>It is interesting that you have noted the vision complaint. My vision was actually better when I was on Effexor. I remember after being on Effexor for about 2 weeks, reading a book to my daughter and thinking, "The page is actually CLEARER".
Just an interesting aside.
I don't think anyone taking brain altering chemicals (serotonin and norepi uptake inhibitors act on synapses in our brains) can expect not to have some type of side effect, etc... That is unrealistic.
Btw, over my years of Effexor my dose juggled around from 75mg to 375mg. All over the map. Only had severe problems when went from 75mg to *zap* nothing. I say "severe" because the side effects I experienced over the 4 years on the drug consistently were constipation and weight gain. I'd get those head zaps if I missed a dose but it was like a sign to me to remember to take my med as it was prescibed to take daily.
Jiggity - I am truly sorry for your long term sequelae. I just wonder how many other of the 7,500 petition signers are one year post-Effexor and are still experiencing side effects. You may be the exception to the rule. Just wondering.
Posted by Dr. Bob on January 28, 2005, at 0:03:39
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by TJAC on January 27, 2005, at 7:38:34
> http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?effexor
When you're blocked, you're not supposed to post, so I'm going to double its duration.
If you or others have questions about this or about posting policies in general, please see the FAQ:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#enforce
Follow-ups regarding these issues should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration.
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by Dr. Bob on January 28, 2005, at 0:08:11
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by msbarker2u on January 27, 2005, at 20:06:19
> You remind me of the genetically thin person who gouges the person who has a struggle losing weight.
Please don’t post anything that could lead others to feel accused or put down.
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.
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by TJAC on January 28, 2005, at 0:36:01
In reply to Re: A POSITIVE EFFEXOR XR EXPERIENCE~ » not2late4u, posted by FaithT on January 27, 2005, at 5:57:51
I've been reading this all for a while now, and I think it is just terrible. It's good that it can be done, I suppose, but my goodness it doesn't seem at all right to me that there is such a struggle.
http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?effexor
Posted by FaithT on January 28, 2005, at 0:36:01
In reply to Re: A POSITIVE EFFEXOR XR EXPERIENCE~, posted by TJAC on January 27, 2005, at 7:50:55
Hi...I was confused by your post. You linked the Effexor petition here, but we were trying to share our positive experiences on the med. I won't be signing the petition, as I believe the drug to be very helpful to many people, including myself. I was struggling before Effexor, not now.
Faith~
Posted by not2late4u on January 28, 2005, at 0:36:02
In reply to Re: A POSITIVE EFFEXOR XR EXPERIENCE~, posted by TJAC on January 27, 2005, at 7:50:55
Hello tjac, I personally wouldnt consider my withdrawing from Effexor a terrible struggle, at all. Its actually been quite refreshing to know that I havent suffered as some others have, especially those who went cold turkey or went off too fast. Thats my whole point in journaling my experience, so others know it doesnt have to be hell. And it hasnt been for me. I have to agree with FaithT post too. Sorry if you have experienced something horrible. God bless, Renee
Posted by Wanda C on January 28, 2005, at 13:25:12
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by bossfan on January 27, 2005, at 19:05:15
Well then, congradulations for being one of the fortunate one's who didn't get affected by the withdrawls. But if you would read all of our messages we have all tried the tapering and we are still suffering. So maybe you should ignor this website because we are here to support each other, not defend ourselves from critics like you. So please go take your happy go lucky self and surf somewhere else.
Wanda C.
Posted by Wanda C on January 28, 2005, at 13:31:46
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by msbarker2u on January 27, 2005, at 20:06:19
I couldn't have said it better myself. This is the first time in a few days I have been able to sit and read the latest threads. I myself just went down another 75mg the other day and my first few days are the worst! I only have 75mg from 300mg to go! Keep writing everyone, this is what really keeps me going.
Posted by Jiggitykid on January 28, 2005, at 18:29:39
In reply to Redirect: petitions, posted by Dr. Bob on January 28, 2005, at 0:32:25
Thank you!!
> > http://www.petitiononline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?effexor
>
> Sorry to interrupt, but I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding petitions to Psycho-Babble Social. Here's a link:
>
> http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20050123/msgs/448972.html
>
> Thanks,
>
> Bob
Posted by karlak13 on January 28, 2005, at 18:40:23
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by TJAC on January 27, 2005, at 7:38:34
I have been on 300mg of effexor for years. My dr lowered me to 150mg for 1 week. Then 75mg for 1 week. Then 37.5 for 1 week. I am off of it now and don't seem to have any problems. But I am just offf of it. Maybe in time but so far so good!
Posted by Dr. Bob on January 28, 2005, at 22:15:30
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms! » bossfan, posted by Wanda C on January 28, 2005, at 13:25:12
> we are here to support each other, not defend ourselves from critics like you.
Please don't post anything that could lead others to feel accused or put down.
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.
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by Wanda C on January 29, 2005, at 12:30:32
In reply to Re: please be civil » Wanda C, posted by Dr. Bob on January 28, 2005, at 22:15:30
To Dr. Bob,
Like the rest, I also truely appriciate this wedsite, but if someone is going to make me or others feel like SH*!, then I only think it is fare that we come to our defense. Like I said before:
> we are here to support each other, not defend ourselves.
So in defense of you posting this towards my post, I would be upset if I was suspended from posting, but then again I already got what I came for, and that is the support from other's going through what I am going through.
So for the rest of you that just want support and not criticism, you can write to me at my email.From,
Wanda C
wandabobonna@aol.com
Posted by Angel Girl on January 29, 2005, at 18:04:52
In reply to Re: Effexor withdrawal symptoms!, posted by karlak13 on January 28, 2005, at 18:40:23
No problems here either.
Posted by dancingstar on February 11, 2005, at 23:25:16
In reply to going thru withdrawal RIGHT NOW!, posted by brainshiver on February 8, 2005, at 11:25:16
There is hope. We might really have a law firm to represent us with all of these unexpected and unwanted reactions to Effexor. I'll keep you updated.
Bebe
Posted by Jiggitykid on February 11, 2005, at 23:25:17
In reply to Re: going thru withdrawal RIGHT NOW! » brainshiver, posted by dancingstar on February 11, 2005, at 2:15:56
I hope so. I think this board is an invaluable resource in that so much is documented here in real time. It will be a tough row to hoe, but it needs to be done, if only to bring large-scale public awareness to the problem. Thanks for your hard work!
> There is hope. We might really have a law firm to represent us with all of these unexpected and unwanted reactions to Effexor. I'll keep you updated.
>
> Bebe
Posted by dancingstar on February 11, 2005, at 23:25:17
In reply to Re: going thru withdrawal RIGHT NOW! » dancingstar, posted by Jiggitykid on February 11, 2005, at 20:24:30
I agree with you; this board is amazing because we all find it when we are in so much pain, and having the ability to compare notes with others going through the same thing when you've got no idea what is happening to you is such a great comfort. It's strange that some of us are hit so much harder than others, but I ran across something the other day that I will try to find again and post that basically warns us to avoid SSRI's in general, and I can now understand why.
I know I've said this before, but hang in there another week or so. I am pretty sure I will know something more definite about being able to file suit by the end of next week. There is an excellent chance that it's going to work out.
Bebe
This is the end of the thread.
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