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Effexor XR was very helpful for both myself and family members. Just because something doesn't work for you doesn't mean it should be "illegal".

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MDs should warn patients about long-term benzo use. These drugs are only approved for a few weeks of use. I have talked with many MDs who are in denial about benzodiazepine addiction and adverse-effects. These MDs write prescriptions without properly informing their patients.

Not sure if you are replying to the right comment. Effexor XR is an SNRI, not a benzo.

For some people it is not only ineffective, it results in suicide. I was almost one of those people. I don't know if it should be illegal, but I'm just throwing that out there.

that's true of nearly every anti-depressant, though. it's called suicidal ideation: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suicidal_ideation#Prescription_...

Exactly. I have a friend who took another anti-depressant in a long search for one that worked that gave her suicidal ideation, which prompted her to go off it immediately.

As I explain the state of the art of these drugs to people, we know that if you poke at the brain with sticks who's ends are shaped in various ways, certain classes of effects will result. But everything beyond that is pure theory/search for a rational mechanism to e.g. explain this to people who aren't comfortable with pragmatic reality.

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