Posted by Cam W. on March 17, 2000, at 7:05:34
In reply to Effexor; Geeez, You Guys Have Me Scared!!!, posted by gloria on March 17, 2000, at 6:30:17
>
> Isn't there anything good about Effexor? Should I just stay away from it altogether? Help!!!!!!! I'm scared!!Gloria - Effexor is really no worse than any other drug out there and probably safer than most. It relieves the symptoms of depression in a vast majority of people who take it. The older tricyclic (TCA) antidepressants like Elavil and Tofranil can cause heart problems and kill you (especially in overdose).The same with the MAOIs like Nardil and Parnate. Not so with Effexor. Tylenol can do more permanent damage to your body with long term use (liver problems) when taken with alcohol or in large doses. No drug (or food, for that matter) is completely safe. When we comment on drugs on this board, we are telling you what CAN happen, not what will happen. Everyone's body chemistry is different. The side effects are worse at the start because your body has adjusted to low levels of serotonin. When you introduce serotonin back into your system it is binding to sensitive serotonin receptors that are use to a lack of this neurotransmitter. Within 2 weeks, the body readjusts and the side effect go away. You have to ask yourself, "Am I able to live with this depression/OCD/panic (or whatever your affliction is) or would I like to feel "normal" again and enjoy life like I see other people doing." Life is a set of risks and the side effects we mention are one of them. Effexor should not scare you anymore than an antibiotic (like Erythromycin), perhaps less. Take care - Cam W.
poster:Cam W.
thread:27316
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000312/msgs/27318.html