Top Screwups Doctors Make and How to Avoid Them: Health care screwups are one of the leading causes of death in America, killing as many as 750,000 people annually. That’s more than heart attacks or cancer. And yet most people don’t know this, including most physicians. From diagnostic disasters to deadly drug interactions, the bestselling authors of The People’s Pharmacy expose the alarming epidemic of medical mistakes in America—and offer a lifesaving prescription to make the healthcare system safe again. Only $26.00 +s/h
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Q. I have been taking Effexor XR for two years. At first I was pleased that it relieved the anxiety, depression and excessive worrying I had been suffering. Then I began experiencing insomnia and night sweats and decided to taper off this antidepressant.
After cutting my dose in half I have brain zaps (impossible to explain) and pressure in my ears. It is truly a hellish experience. Most doctors don't warn you about withdrawal or tell you how to get off these drugs. Do you have any information that will help?
A. Many people find that antidepressants such as Effexor (venlafaxine), Cymbalta (duloxetine), Lexapro (escitalopram), Paxil (paroxetine) or Zoloft (sertraline) are helpful for depression. But there can be a dark side to such medications.
Stopping this type of drug may lead to withdrawal symptoms that are extremely disruptive. Symptoms may include dizziness, headaches, insomnia, anxiety, sweating, visual disturbances and difficulty concentrating. Many people complain of shock-like sensations in their head (brain "zaps" or "shivers").
We are sending you our Guide to Dealing with Depression with some tips on phasing off such drugs and some alternate approaches for coping.
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Share your comments or questions with the People's Pharmacy online community. Not all comments will be posted. Advice from other visitors to this web site should not be considered a substitute for appropriate medical attention. Concerns about medications should be discussed with a health professional. Do not stop any medication without first checking with your physician.