Posted: Friday 20 August 2004
Sophie Corlett, Director of Policy at Mind said,
"Efexor is a relatively new antidepressant and so reports of adverse side effects have only relatively recently begun to emerge. Mind has been aware for some time of reports from mental health service users of quite debilitating side effects ranging from dizziness and nausea to severe headaches and dependency problems. Although on the whole Efexor has a better reputation than other antidepressants, in a recent survey almost half of respondents reported difficulties when coming off the drug or in reducing its dose.
"It is important to remember that the effectiveness of antidepressants can vary enormously from individual to individual - some will take Efexor and feel that it has made an important positive difference to their lives. However that is certainly not always the case - and questions still remain over the links between certain pharamaceuticals and possible increased suicidal feelings. It is therefore vital both that alternative non-drug therapies are explored for less serious cases of depression and that where drug treatment is the only realistic option, that those drugs are rigorously tested and regulated.
"Anyone taking antidepressants who has concerns should consult their doctor. On no account should they simply stop taking the medicine."