Posted by harryp on May 9, 2004, at 15:06:41
In reply to Effexor and Black Box warning, posted by jubei on May 8, 2004, at 19:41:43
A "black-box" warning is just a notice on the top of the prescribing info, warning the doctor about a particular possible side effect.
I know Effexor has helped a lot of people, and I am glad it's available. What has bothered me is that a lot of docs prescribe it without being aware of and warning their patients about the withdrawal problems experienced by about 50% of the people who go off it.
There are ways to manage withdrawal--slow tapering, combination with prozac, but many docs don't seem aware of this and leave their patients to suffer alone.
If Effexor works for you, that's great. Don't worry.
If you do decide to discontinue it, just make sure you have a doctor who has experience with Effexor and can help you if you have withdrawal problems.
poster:harryp
thread:344894
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040505/msgs/345116.html