You'll notice that I've updated and edited my posts on the Effexor debate coinciding with the Andrea Yates retrial in Texas. That's because following the story has begun to feel like falling down the rabbit hole.

First a medical watchdog group and its "expert" executive director, a Texas M.D., go to the press about a rare but very serious side effect of Effexor XR, which was (apparently) quietly added to Wyeth's drug labeling a year ago with no publicity and no special alerts to practicing physicians prescribing it.

Today, another cadre of "experts" charges that Dolan, the watchdog physician, is a Scientologist and has her own agenda regarding mental health care and psychotropic drugs in general. That her professional opinions are not to be trusted. That she's a crackpot capitalizing on the Yates retrial for her own gain.

And guess whose fate is caught in the balance of these warring "experts"? Andrea Yates, who will get life in prison or life in a psychiatric care facility, depending upon the jury's verdict. Not to mention the millions of Americans who take Effexor XR and are now more baffled and worried about drug safety than ever.

For all the bizarre Effexor XR coverage as it unfolds, check links to these news stories:

"Psychiatrists Blast Claims of 'Homicidal' Drug"
Austin American-Statesman, July 11

"Group Criticizes Effexor Maker for Lack of Warning"
Austin American-Statesman, July 10

"Questions Raised on Yates Drug"
Associated Press (AP), July 10

"Group Warns of Drug Yates Took Before Deaths"
Associated Press (AP), Houston Chronicle, July 10

"Drug Warning Too Late for Andrea Yates"
press release from The Medical Accountability Network, July 10

"Antidepressant Used by Yates Questioned"
Associated Press (AP), July 9

"Group Criticizes Effexor Maker"
Associated Press (AP), July 9

What next?