Effexor (Venlafaxine)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs):

What is Effexor XR?

Effexor XR is a prescription medicine used to treat depression, anxiety, and panic disorders. It belongs to a class of antidepressant drugs called serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI). It contains the active ingredient Venlafaxine which works by increasing the levels of chemicals like serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. This helps to improve the mood of patients.

Uses and Benefits of Effexor XR

Effexor XR is used for the treatment of certain mental health conditions such as:

• Major Depressive Disorder or clinical depression

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder

• Social Anxiety Disorder or social phobia

• Panic Disorder with or without agoraphobia

Effexor helps to reduce anxiety, fear, unwanted thoughts, and panic attacks in the patients. It also boosts concentration, alertness, mood, and energy level. Ultimately these changes improve the daily functioning and quality of your life.

Side Effects of Effexor XR

Patients taking Effexor XR may experience common side effects including:

• Loss of appetite, constipation, diarrhea

• Nausea, vomiting, dry mouth

• Weakness, dizziness, sweating

• Insomnia, sleepiness

• Tremor, shaking

• Feeling anxious, and nervous

• Headache, blurred vision

• Sexual side effects

Effexor XR can cause some serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention, including:

• Tremor, shaking

• Suicidal thoughts, or attempts to commit suicide.

• Aggressive or violent behaviour, worsening of depression, and panic attacks.

• Enlarged pupils, eye pain, or vision changes.

• Serotonin Syndrome with symptoms such as hallucinations, coordination problems, muscle twitching, and fast heartbeat.

• Suicidal thoughts, or attempts to commit suicide.
  Aggressive or violent behaviour, worsening of depression, and panic attacks.

• Enlarged pupils, eye pain, or vision changes.

• Serotonin Syndrome with symptoms such as hallucinations, coordination problems, muscle twitching, and fast heartbeat.

• High blood pressure and cholesterol

• Anxiety, insomnia, seizures, and convulsions

• Low sodium levels in the blood

• Abnormal bleeding

• Lung diseases

• Severe allergic reactions such as hive, trouble breathing, swelling of the face, tongue, eyes, or mouth 

How to use Effexor XR?

Effexor XR comes in the form of capsules in three different strengths: 37.5 mg, 75 mg, and 150 mg. The capsule is usually taken orally with food once a day.

• Starting dosage of Effexor XR for a major depressive disorder: 75 mg once daily.

• Starting dosage for a generalized anxiety disorder: 75 mg once daily.

• Starting dosage for a social anxiety disorder: 75 mg once daily.

• Starting dosage for panic disorder: 37.5 mg once daily

The capsule should be swallowed whole without crushing, chewing, or dissolving it. Patients who can’t swallow the capsule can take it by opening the capsule and sprinkling the medicine on a spoonful of soft food such as applesauce. They should take the mixture immediately with a glass of water.

Drug Interactions

Effexor XR may interact with other medications and increase the risk for harmful side effects. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking including:

• Antidepressants or amphetamines

• MAOI such as linezolid, methylene blue, and isocarboxazid

• Aspirin, warfarin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or other blood thinners

• Weight loss agents, including phentermine

• Opioid pain relievers

Safety Information

• Do not take Effexor XR if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.

• Caution is advised in administering Effexor XR to patients with angle-closure glaucoma, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, bleeding disorder, and bipolar disorder.

• Do not take Effexor XR if you take, or have taken MAOI within the last 14 days. Patients should not take an MAOI within 7 days after stopping Effexor XR.

• Patients taking antidepressants should be watched carefully as these medications may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviours.

• Consult your doctor before discontinuing the medicine as you may develop serious discontinuation symptoms.

• Talk to your doctor about the safety of the medicine if you are pregnant or a nursing woman.

• Do not drive or use heavy machines after taking Effexor XR

• Do not consume alcohol while taking medicine.