Effexor

Effexor information

Effexor is also called venlafaxine. It is an antidepressant medicine that belongs to class of drugs called SSNRIs. The role of Venlafaxine is to affect some unstable brain chemicals in people who suffer from depression. Venlafaxine is used to treat MDD (Major Depressive Disorder), panic disorder and anxiety.

How To Use

Effexor should be used exactly as prescribed by the doctor. Don’t give it to anyone who is below the age of 18 years. Take Effexor with food only. Also remember to take at the same time daily. The extended-release capsule should not be chewed but swallowed whole. If you cannot swallow it whole, then open the capsule and splash the contents of the medicine into a spoonful of applesauce. Swallow the whole amount right away without chewing at all or leaving some. The medicine might take a couple of weeks to cause an improvement. Keep taking it as directed by the doctor. Take regular blood tests. Also, let other nurses and doctors you may encounter that you are taking Effexor.

Side Effects

Effexor can cause the following common side effects:

• Insomnia
• Altered vision
• Anxiety, nervousness
• Nausea, vomiting
• Diarrhea,
• Lack of appetite, a shift in your weight
• Mouth dryness, constant yawning
• More sweating
• Reduced sex drive, impotence, not having an orgasm
• Dizziness
• Sleepiness

If you notice severe side effects, let the doctor know.

Precautions

Prior to using Effexor, make sure you are not allergic to venlafaxine or desvenlafaxine. Also, let the physician know that you have:

• A bipolar disorder, also called manic depression
• A kidney disease
• A past with seizures
• A liver disease or liver cirrhosis
• A heart disease
• Diabetes
• A narrow-angle glaucoma
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• A thyroid disorder
• A blood clotting disorder
• A bleeding disorder
• Low amounts of sodium in the blood
• A pregnancy or a baby who is breastfeeding
• Any drug, prescribed or non-prescribed, you are using as some medicine may interact badly with Effexor.