Effexor

Effexor - Venlafaxine

Venlafaxine, sold under the prescription drug Effexor, is in a new class of anti-depressant medications that affects chemical messengers within the brain. These chemical messengers are called neurotransmitters, and some examples are serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Neurotransmitters are manufactured by nerve cells and are released by the cells. The neurotransmitters travel to nearby nerve cells and cause the cells to become more or less active. Many experts believe that an imbalance in these neurotransmitters is the cause of depression and also may play a role in anxiety. Effexor is believed to work by inhibiting the release or affecting the action of these neurotransmitters. Effexor is taken orally through tablets and should always be taken with food. Effexor is commonly prescribed for the treatment of depression, depression with associated symptoms of anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, and social anxiety disorder.

Important details to know about Effexor include that life-threatening interactions can occur in combination with MAO inhibitors such as Nardil and Parnate. MAO inhibitors and Effexor should not be taken together, and a waiting period of 14 days between taking these two classes of medications is strongly advised. Also, most medications affecting the brain such as Effexor have the potential to slow reflexes or impair judgment. Therefore, caution is advised especially early in the course of treatment. Lastly, safety has not been established in children below the age of 18 years. There have also been no tests to show what, if any, side effects exist due to the consumption of Effexor by pregnant women.

Effexor, like most anti-depressants, can cause nausea, headaches, anxiety, insomnia, drowsiness, and loss of appetite. Increased blood pressure can occur, and blood pressure should be closely monitored. Seizures have also been reported. It is advised not to stop taking Effexor abruptly since many side effects can occur. Dizziness, headache, nausea, changes in mood, or changes in the sense of smell, taste, etc, are all potential side effects (such symptoms even may occur when even a few doses of anti-depressant are missed). Therefore, it is recommended that the dose of anti-depressant be reduced gradually when therapy is discontinued.

While you are taking Effexor you may need to be monitored for worsening symptoms of depression and/ or suicidal thoughts at the start of therapy or when doses are changed. This concern about the increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors may be greater if you are 18 years of age or younger and are taking Effexor. In patients younger than 18 years, the period of risk may extend beyond start of therapy or when doses are changed. Your doctor may want you to monitor for the following symptoms: anxiety, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, irritability, hostility, impulsivity, severe restlessness, and mania (mental and/ or physical hyperactivity). These symptoms may be associated with the development of worsening symptoms of depression and/ or suicidal thoughts or actions. Contact your healthcare provider if you develop any new or worsening mental health symptoms during treatment with Effexor.