Effexor Medication - Uses & Side Effects

Pronounced: ef-ECKS-or

Generic name: Venlafaxine hydrochloride

Other brand name: Effexor XR

Effexor is an antidepressant drug created by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. Venlafaxine affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression. Effexor is believed to work by affecting the levels of 2 naturally occurring chemicals in the brain serotonin and norepinephrine. Effexor is prescribed for the treatment of depression-that is, a continuing depression that interferes with daily functioning. It was previously available only under the brand names Effexor and Effexor XR. It is also available in the UK under the name "Efexor XL". Wyeth-Ayerst misleadingly advertises through its Effexor labeling that only drug abusers are at risk of physical and psychological dependence, and withdrawal problems when tapering back or abruptly discontinuing Effexor usage. It affects chemicals in your brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression. Effexor is an SSRI.

Effexor Dosage:

• Effexor XR should be administered in a single dose with food either in the morning or in the evening at approximately the same time each day.
• The initial dose of venlafaxine was 75 mg/day.
• For patients with difficulty swallowing tablets or capsules, capsules of Effexor XR can be opened and the contents sprinkled on a spoonful of applesauce.
• For most patients, the recommended starting dose for Effexor XR is 75 mg/day, administered in a single dose.
• For some patients, it may be desirable to start at 37.5 mg/day for 4 to 7 days, to allow new patients to adjust to the medication before increasing to 75 mg/day.

Uses of Effexor:

• Venlafaxine is used to relieve symptoms of depression such as feelings of sadness, worthlessness, or guilt; tiredness; insomnia; and thoughts of death or suicide.
• Venlafaxine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
• Venlafaxine affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression.
• Venlafaxine is also used to relieve symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder.

Side Effects of Effexor:

Some common side effects reported with this medicine include:

• Increased blood pressure can occur.
• Headache.
• Abnormal dreams.
• Insomnia.
• Skin rash or hives
• Nausea and fatigue.
• Weight loss.
• Nervousness.
• Dry mouth.
• Changes in the sense of smell.
• Drowsiness.
• Swelling of your face.
• Dizziness.

Warnings and precautions before taking Effexor:

• Do not stop taking the drug without consulting your doctor.
• Before taking venlafaxine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any medications, or if you have cirrhosis or other liver disease.
• Tell your doctor if you have a bleeding or blood clotting disorder.
• Your doctor will check you regularly if you have glaucoma (high pressure in the eye), or you are at risk of developing it.
• Effexor sometimes causes an increase in blood pressure. If this happens, your doctor may need to reduce your dose or discontinue the drug.
• If you develop a skin rash or hives while taking Effexor, notify your doctor. Effexor may also cause bleeding or bruising of the skin.

Drug Interaction:

• Life-threatening interactions can occur in combination with MAO inhibitors such as Nardil and Parnate.
• Most medications affecting the brain such as venlafaxine have the potential to slow reflexes or impair judgment.
• If you have high blood pressure or liver disease, or are elderly, check with your doctor before combining Effexor with cimetidine (Tagamet).
• Effexor has been found to reduce blood levels of the HIV drug Crixivan.
• The best way for you to avoid harmful interactions is to tell your doctor and/or pharmacist what medications you are currently taking, including any over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbals.

Overdosage:

• After taking Effexor, If you feel that overdose is suspected, then contact with your doctor immediately.
• Symptoms of a venlafaxine overdose may include dizziness, sleepiness, nausea, and numbness or tingling in your hands or feet.
• An overdose of Effexor, combined with other drugs or alcohol, can be fatal.
• US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222.

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