- Used to treat major depressive disorder
- Also used in the treatment of general anxiety disorder
- Sometimes used to treat social phobia, and panic disorder
- Used in the treatment of vasomotor symptoms, arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, IBS and eating disorders.
Effexor is the brand name of the generic drug Venlafaxine which was introduced by Wyeth but is marketed now by Pfizer. It is available in tablets of 25 mg, 37.5 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg and 100 mg.
Indications
Effexor is prescribed for depression and it helps to improve a patient’s mood as well as help to make his energy levels better. There are other conditions for which physicians prescribe it too.
Action
The drug Venlafaxine is classified as an SNRI – serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor and its action on the brain helps to control the balance of certain chemicals so there is a reduction of mood swings and the person feels a lot happier.
Side Effects
Venlafaxine does have side effects and though most people who take it will not experience any, there are some who will and this will have to be reported to the doctor at once because it could be dangerous. The side effects may seem very minor or it could be severe – whatever the case, medical support is necessary. Some of the side effects are sleeplessness or feeling sleepy all the time, constant tiredness, feeling anxious, headaches, nausea or a loss of appetite. The more severe ones could be seizures, elevated blood pressure levels, suicidal tendencies, hostile tendencies, restlessness, rapid speech or extreme restlessness. There could also be blurred vision, sexual ability changes, muscle weakness and tremors.
Caution
You must make sure you tell your doctor about any allergies to medication or even general allergies. You should also make sure you tell him about all the medication, vitamins and supplements you are taking as well as give him a detailed medical history about what illnesses you have had. If you are under 25, this drug could make you experience a worsening of your condition so you need to be in touch with your doctor just in case of any eventuality.
Contraindications
Effexor must be taken strictly according to the doctor’s instructions. The tablets must be taken with food. Pregnant women and nursing mothers would do well to avoid this drug as it could have a negative effect on the unborn or nursing baby. Though there have been no proven instances of this happening or of any malformation of the fetus, care should be exercised because not enough research has been done to totally rule out any effect. People with glaucoma should also be careful and make sure they have regular tests as this drug could cause a worsening of this condition. The drug causes an increase in the heart rate so people with a cardiac condition will have to be carefully monitored if they are taking this drug. People who are prone to seizures would do well to avoid this drug and it should never be used in conjunction with an MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitor).