Wyeth

Carol of Blakeslee PA writes (9/12/02):
I was diagnosed with anxiety disorder and prescribed the anti-depressant, EFFEXOR XR. I was told by my doctor that there was not much information on the drug because it was fairly new to her. The only side effects mentioned were nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, and constipation and I was told that all of the above would subside with time.

I asked if the drug was habit forming and she told me that I would only need to take for six months at which time I would be re-evaluated and could be taken off of the drug. She said that it was NOT habit forming. I am unable to live without this pill. I cannot go one day for the consequences of not taking it are horrible. My eyesight has dramatically changed since being on the drug and I chalked that up to age (even though my eyesight has always been perfect- which can be verified by my eye doctor). I have gained approximately thirty pounds and do not eat anymore than I did prior to the drug. I have daily indigestion, which I now have to take another drug for. I have constipation on a daily basis (which I think is the reason why I cannot lose weight) I feel my heart skipping a beat, I have dizziness, and confusion at times while driving and while on the drug. I sometimes have periods of zoning "daydreams" where I cannot think or hear anyone talking to me. My memory seems decreased. I have shocks through my body- mainly my head, and limbs.

I am scared. I noticed that the FDA update the warnings of this drug periodically which tells me no one really knows the effects. Especially the long term effects which is my main concern. The side effects of not taking the drug are too many to list now, however they include all of the above with the addition of not being able to function AT ALL without this pill. If I did not have health insurance, I do not know how I would be able to get the medicine.

The consequences are unknown but I feel that this is a danger to my health. This goes for physical consequence as well. Emotionally, I am scared. I have insomnia from the all too real nightmares that I have, and from constant night sweats. I am 36 years old and have never had night sweats before. I have vision problems which emotionally are upsetting because I have always had great vision and the problem seems to be increasing.

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