Thursday, October 26, 2006

Effexor (Anti-Depressant): Overdoses Reported to the FDA

The FDA said Wednesday that overdoses had been seen in patients taking Wyeth's anti-depressant Effexor. Overdoses were reported in patients using Effexor, mostly in combination with alcohol or other drugs, the agency said in a statement.

"Health care professionals are advised to prescribe Effexor and Effexor XR in the smallest quantity of capsules consistent with good patient management to reduce the risk of overdose," the FDA said on its site.

Overdoses have resulted in death or have created symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, coma, seizures, vomiting and vertigo.