Antidepressant Makers Withhold Data on Children

Makers of popular antidepressants such as Paxil, Zoloft and Effexor have refused to disclose the details of most clinical trials involving depressed children, denying doctors and parents crucial evidence as they weigh fresh fears that such medicines may cause some children to become suicidal.

The companies say the studies are trade secrets. Researchers familiar with the unpublished data said the majority of secret trials show that children taking the medicines did not get any better than children taking dummy pills.

How Effexor Anti Depressant works

How Effexor Anti Depressant works:

The mechanism of the antidepressant action of venlafaxine (Effexor) in humans is believed to be associated with its potentiation of neurotransmitter activity in the CNS. Studies have shown that antidepressant Effexor and its active metabolite, O-desmethylvenlafaxine (ODV), are potent inhibitors of neuronal serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake and weak inhibitors of dopamine reuptake.

You may have to take Effexor anti-depressant (venlafaxine) for 4 weeks or longer before you begin to feel better. Also, you will probably need to keep taking Effexor for at least 6 months, even if you feel better, to help prevent your depression from returning. Your doctor should check your progress at regular visits during this time.