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Tips on minimizing withdrawal symptoms from Effexor (aka Venlafaxine)
Depression & Anxiety | Last Active: 4 days ago | Replies (6363)Comment receiving replies
I can't thank you enough, I was on pristiq for a year, which was absolutely fabulous,.. Until my work insurance wouldn't cover it, and my Physician told me they will probably cover Effexor xl, he said it basically the same thing (um no),.. Although it has "venaflaxin" in its name.... Not the same drug at all,.. I've Been on the Effexor xl for about two months now, and I do not feel good at all, very tired, I don't sleep, my "drive" for life is gone,.. I feel (for me) this is a terrible drug,.. Now I just want to get off of it as soon as possible,.. Maybe even "cold turkey", as I'm only on 75mg,..amd for only two months,.. I was wondering what you think?, (yes I did read what you had written, which is/was very helpful),.. But I'm still unsure, lol... If that makes sense,... I also wanted to state to you,. I'm assuming your situation may be better than mine,.. But you really should inquire a out the "PRISTIQ",. I can say in all honesty, that, it is very well received, by myself, and an acociate of mine, nothing but good things about it,. And what I've read as well,.. Take care, hope all is well 🙂
Replies to "I can't thank you enough, I was on pristiq for a year, which was absolutely fabulous,....."
The public is led to believe that formulary drugs and genetics are equal. The power of legalspeak and slight of hand is just as powerful in pharma as anywhere else. The other ingredients in genetics are not the same and may or may not act in a neutral fashion for a great number of people.
Drugs are under the jurisdiction of the FDA and this reality makes it clear you have to see which side of the mouth the industry and government is speaking out of. The newest therapy, stem cell (god forbid advocated for mental health) is not regulated by FDA and proponents can say WHATEVER they like. It is truly the Wild West of therapies and lack of proof and control.
My point, when it comes to your health, especially mental health, one must dig deeply and challenge assumptions for proof, not anecdotal proof.
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Actually - they are very similar drugs and were developed by the same company. If I am reading correctly, Pristiq's primary active compound (desvenlafaxine) - is what effexor becomes after your liver has metabolized it. So Pristiq may be quicker and easier to metabolize...and perhaps have fewer side effects as you get on it. However, that doesn't mean that your experience with the drugs will be similar. Pristiq is still under patent -- so no generics....hence why your insurance doesn't want to pay for it. You can always file an appeal with the insurer - to win an appeal your doctor would have to show that you tried effexor (step therapy) and it wasn't tolerable but that you tolerated Pristiq and it was effective. It's not a guarantee that it will be covered - but it's your best chance. Cymbalta is quite similar to Effexor - but doesn't have the need to titrate up - could be another drug to suggest to your MD.