Effexor XR Hell

What is the name of your state? Florida

I was diagnosed with severe depression and prescribed Effexor XR approximately one and a half years ago. My psychiatrist seemed to raise the dosage any time an event in my life upset me. Each visit lasted less than 15 minutes. He would ask if I was "okay," and before I had a chance to explain myself he was writing out the prescription. At one point I brought in a list of items I was concerned about (certain changes in mood, lack of motivation, etc). He only let me get to the second item before he interrupted me and began writing out the prescription.

I have been nearsighted all of my life, but because of this medication my eyesight has worsened a great deal. I have missed school and work due to certain side effects while on medication. I told my psychiatrist that I wanted off of Effexor XR and he told me I'd have to be on it the rest of my life. I'm sure he would like to think that since I'm sure he's making a bundle off of me, but I beg to differ.

I have decided that Effexor XR is not for me. I had experienced awful withdrawal symptoms when I missed the dose by only a few hours! I have been tapering off as many web sites suggest, but I am extremely nauseated and I'm having trouble at work and school. I perpetually feel like I am going to pass out and/or vomit.

I think my psychiatrist is in his profession for the money only, and he did not inform me about the risks of taking this drug. My psychiatrist does not listen to my concerns and he seems very quick to suggest medication. I would like to know if there is anything I can do- legal action or anything, so that other people do not suffer like I have. Effexor XR is a terrible drug, and anyone who has not been on it and disagrees, I dare you to try it for a week and try to quit cold turkey!!

[tammy8]

I am sorry about your experiences. My husband was on Effexor also for a while as in 8 monthes (plus xanax) and he did quit cold turkey. I was on Paxil for a while and also quit cold turkey. I don't think that anti depressants can be generalized into one thing for everyone. I suggest you find another doctor and try another AD. Seems everyone I know is on something different and everyone has had to try several things before finding just the right drug. Again find another dr and good luck. I know how hard depression and have also been fighting it myself for yrs. There is something out there that will work, you gotta try and try until you find your kind.

Psychiatrists are often ignorant of the medicines they prescribe. I think you have every right to see a malpractice lawyer. Find one who seems to know about this medicine. If you can't find one, then go to the web and search for this medicine. Go to keyword MEDLINE and do a little research on this stuff. You may find a class action lawsuit mentioned, and while I am not sure, I think one has been filed.
You might try looking for lawsuits on the web. Use keywords like: the name of that medicine (I can't see it because this program eliminates your question when I start to answer) as the keyword for a search. Or you might try another web site, Rxlist.com It may give you some information.
But, go see a lawyer now.

I think your opinion of your pyschiatrists is probably "on target". Personally, I'm kind of "totally against" antidepressants, and personally, I'm kind of totally against psychiatrists for "depression". Personally, if you're "depressed", I think both of them will make you feel worse if you don't feel better within six to eight weeks of beginning treatment. (And I used to be a psych nurse, and as well -- I've been a patient). I thought I was going to die on antidepressants, and I threw mine out of the window, and I will never ever take another one, and I will never ever step foot back into a psychiatrists office.

Although I don't think you'll get too far right now with an attorney regards Effexor withdrawal (or regards this doctor), I do support that advice (that you seek legal advice). Moreso, I think you should complain to this psychiatrist that you don't like what's going on (again) with respect to your treatment; request to be weaned again; and then -- if this psychiatrist doesn't "yank it up" and you are still dissatisfied with your treatment and continue feeling like poo pa doo, file a complaint with his / her Medical Board. Some psychiatrists are truly "just awful".

And antidepressants ?? Look at the money the manufacturer and psychiatrist is making, and you will understand why everyone is diagnosed "clinically depressed". Start walking -- every single day, and don't stop. You'll start to feel better pretty soon, and that's no joke. (That's my "personal advice" to you)!

Good luck. These sites might give you some information you might find useful at some point.

[url]http://www.classactionamerica.com/message_boards/mb_displayMessage.asp?messageId=3494[/url]


[url]http://www.pandamedicine.com/rt_health/160-41.html[/url]



hmmbrdzz

Tammy, Jack, and hmm (sorry, can't remember how to spell it)...

I really appreciate your comments. My main concern is that other people do not suffer while on this medication. I can say that Effexor XR did lift my depression, but now the cons outweigh the pros.

I do have an update! I read that Drammamine (sp?), the motion sickness pills, seem to work pretty well to counteract the withdrawal symptoms. I bought some last night and it has brought me some relief. I can go on now and fight this. Before I felt like I had the flu and yesterday I felt that at any moment I would pass out.

I will seek the advice of the family attorney as soon as possible. I have had enough of psychiatrists and medication right now- they seem a bit too concerned about the money and not about the person's overall well-being.

Again, thank you all for your responses. It helps to know that I am not alone! Take care.

You may not want to depend on a lawyer who has no experience in medical malpractice. Ask your family lawyer to recommend a lawyer for you, but do not expect him to have the skills to handle what is probably the most complicated and expensive litigation. Maybe he can handle the case, but sound him out. After all, general practice lawyers are like general practice doctors. Be careful.

Jack, thank you for the advice, makes sense. I hadn't thought about that though. I will definitely ask him to refer me if he can't handle it.

After two years I am now free from Effexor XR after agonizing withdrawl (even while tapering) I was hospitalized two times last year, I believe this drug has really done more damage than it has helped me. I was hospitalized first for a seizure which i had never suffered from. From what i can remember it was those lovely "electrical pulses" you get when you forget to take your Effexor that may have started the whole episode. The second time I was hospitalized for severe depression (something I believe this drug only added to in the long run) I have been off Effexor for 2 months, after weeks of withdrawl (even while tappering slowly), sweats, tremmors, naseau, severe headaches, etc. I am left with these electrical pulses that will hopefully stop someday.