Posted by PoohBear on December 15, 2004, at 14:46:41
In reply to effexor related heart events, posted by linkadge on December 11, 2004, at 12:58:15
> I'd hate to wonder how many heart attacks were related to the use of effexor. It is well know that it can raise blood pressure. It gave me (a 21 year old) chest pain, and rapid heartbeat)
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> The thing is this: Many people who have had recent corinary events can become depressed. Antidepressants could be highly used among this population. I would not be surprised if effexor could be linked to more than one cardiac event.
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> Personally I think the drug companies knew all along that there were discontinuation syndromes attributed to antidepressants. I think their reason for not explaining this is the fear that this might alter ones decision about weather to take the drug or not.
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> LinakdgeI have been experiencing cardiac arrhythmia for the past three months. I went to see my GP before Thanksgiving and she ordered a 24 hour Holter monitor. I had been having 4-6 events per day, but of course when monitored, I only had one event...
Nevertheless, she said ther results were not unusual and to cut down on caffiene and chocolate. Neither of us really suspected the Effexor, as I tolder her that I'd been on it for almost a year before any of this started.
Cutting back did NOT change the effects...
Needless to say, the events have increased in number and intensity. It IS worrisome. I was resigned to not do anything about it until reading an article last week on the 'net regarding a British study that said that there was an increased risk of developing arrhythmia when using Effexor.
I showed this to my psychiatrist and he told me he wanted me off Effexor NOW! I got him to give me a prescription for a month's worth of Prozac (I know more about the withdrawal stuff than he does 'cause I hang out here...) and will be ramping down over the next two to three weeks.
I'm trying to keep a positive attitude about it and not expect anything bad. Board members have said that Prozac helps with the transition, plus I have Benadryl and SAMe as well to supplement if needed.
Just thought people should know. I know I'm just one out of millions, and I'm certain that dancingstar will say "I told you so", but it looks like Effexor is the culpret this time...
Tony
poster:PoohBear
thread:427180
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041211/msgs/429967.html