<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

I found this unfortunate news out yesterday, although I suspected it for awhile. I get DH off and
on for different things and about a month ago (which coincided with an increase in my dose of
Effexor) my DH got a lot worse. I was in denial for a while because I've already switched
antidepressants twice and didn't want to have to do it again, but after checking and
rechecking all my food I finally sat down to call the pharmaceutical companies. Most of them
said the familiar, "We can't guarantee because we do not test the final product, but there are
no gluten containing ingredients." (I'll post a more in depth summary later.) I got a different
story, though, when I called about the Effexor, which is made by Wyeth Medical Group. (Call
the quality department before 5:00pm EST, 1-800-999-9384 option 1.) When I asked her about
the Effexor she said that she had a statement to read to me. I didn't copy it down word-for-
word, but she said that they do not add gluten to the product, but there may be trace amounts
of gluten in the raw materials, and patients are strongly encouraged to talk to their doctor
about it. She said this holds true for ALL forms and strengths of Effexor. She then proceeded
to take down a brief medical history so that she could make a report about my situation. This,
to me, with the DH evidence is a clear confirmation that Effexor is not gluten-free. However, I
have included as much information as possible here so you can make your own decisions.
Before I saw my doctor today, I did a quick search of the archives for gluten-free
antidepressants. It seems that the last summary was back in 2000 and based on group
comments (as opposed to direct information from the company). I'm on Wellbutrin now. I'll be
contacting the company to be sure of it's status soon. (This is the part of this disease that I
hate the most, making lots of phone calls.) The good news is that the company does have
three products that they know to be gluten-free. They are as follows:
Triphasil - an oral contraceptive
Inderal - a drug for the heart, high blood pressure, etc.
Premarin - for menopause
These drugs have been tested in the final form and can be guaranteed gluten-free. I hope you
are all well and enjoying your gluten-free life. I will be soon.

Angela Taylor (Tulsa, Oklahoma)


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