Effexor XR

[MrWolf79]

I have a question regarding this drug. I have been taking this drug for over six months and it is extremely difficult to get off of, as I was informed by my doctor only after I had been taking it for a couple of months. If I miss a single doseage, the next day I am dizzy and extremely nauseous to the point of almost barely being able to function. Everytime I blink I feel like I am going to vomit. Driving is scary as concentration is hard thing to do when feeling like this. Yes these are some side effects listed, BUT by missing a single dosage and the effects being that unbearable (keep in mind that the effects only worsen with each day missed) does this not classify this drug as addictive? Not in the sense I crave it addictive, but addictive in the sense I NEED it to not feel sick and NEED it to be able to function. No where is this disclosed, nor was it disclosed by my doctor until it was too late! Do I have any legal grounds against this company for the discomfort and disability it gives me in life until I do decide to completely get off it, in which time I will most certainly have to take off of work.

Thank you.

[TheGeekess]

Short answer: No.

"Common Side Effects

In depression studies, common side effects included nausea, dizziness, sleepiness, sexual side effects, sweating, dry mouth, nervousness, insomnia, loss of appetite, and constipation.

Effexor XR may raise blood pressure in some patients. Tell your doctor if you have or have had high blood pressure. It is recommended that your doctor check your blood pressure on a regular basis.

Some of the common side effects with Effexor XR may lessen as your body adjusts to the medication. In general, it takes 4 to 8 weeks for antidepressant medication to work, and you may also begin to notice positive changes in your mood and behavior at this time.

Results with Effexor XR may vary among individuals, but the best way to help return to feeling like yourself again is to take your medication every day exactly as instructed by your doctor. If any side effects persist or cause you significant distress, talk with your doctor. Working together with your health care provider can help you manage side effects you may experience.

Side effects can occur, but studies of patients taking Effexor XR for depression have found that only about 11% of people stop taking Effexor XR due to side effects."
[url=http://www.effexorxr.com/about-effexor/side-effects-withdrawal.aspx]Managing Potential EFFEXOR XR® Side Effects[/url]

"You may have heard the phrase "discontinuation symptoms" or "withdrawal." This refers to the symptoms that may occur when a person suddenly stops or quickly lowers his or her daily dose of an antidepressant. Effexor XR is not addictive. An antidepressant is not a controlled substance like a narcotic or a stimulant.

Discontinuation symptoms can include physical symptoms, changes in mood, or sensory disturbances. These symptoms may occur even after skipping only a few doses.

Just as there is a recommended way to start medication, there is a recommended way to stop. Your daily dose of Effexor XR should be lowered gradually by your doctor. This is called "tapering" the dose, and it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on your doctor's instructions and how you respond.
Tapering Your Dose

It is important to take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor. If you are thinking of stopping Effexor XR or reducing your dose, talk with your doctor. He or she can determine how to taper your dose — to help you discontinue therapy as recommended."
[url=http://www.effexorxr.com/about-effexor/discontinuation-withdrawal.aspx]EFFEXOR XR®: Discontinuation[/url]