Pimping for Effexor

By John M Grohol PsyD
November 25, 2007

Effexor is a good ‘ole antidepressant commonly prescribed to help treat depression. Like most medications, it has its good points and its bad points. It’s fairly good at treating depression for people who respond to it. It has the risk of increasing the risk of hypertension, however, and it’s often difficult to get off of for some who take it. People who’ve reviewed Effexor here on Psych Central generally recommend it.

But what’s it like to be a pharmaceutical drug pusher for Effexor?

Dr. Danny Carlat tells his story helping to sell Effexor for Wyeth Pharmaceuticals for a year in today’s New York Times, before giving it up. It’s an insightful read and worth your time if you’re interested in the inner workings of the world of pharmaceutical sales.

With up to 25% of American physicians providing such “education” to other doctors, this is a common practice. Dr. Carlat’s experience is fairly typical of most physicians, although some pharmaceutical companies exert more pressure than he experienced.

Is this the ideal way to help doctors learn about new treatments for a particular disorder?

I’m sure there are better ways.

Dr. John Grohol is the CEO and founder of Psych Central. He has been writing about online behavior, mental health and psychology issues, and the intersection of technology and psychology since 1992.