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Effexor
Effexor ® ( venlafaxine hydrochloride) is a prescription medicine used to treat depression (also known as major depression or clinical depression).
Effexor is manufactured by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. Generic Effexor is made by Teva Pharmaceuticals.
Effexor is part of a class of drugs called serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs for short. SNRIs, such as Effexor, act on specific chemicals within the brain known as serotonin and norepinephrine. Serotonin and norepinephrine are two of several chemicals used to send messages from one nerve cell to another.
As a message travels down a nerve, it causes the end of the cell to release serotonin or norepinephrine. The serotonin or norepinephrine enters the gap between the first nerve cell and the one next to it. When enough serotonin or norepinephrine reaches the second nerve cell, it activates receptors on the cell and the message continues on its way. The first cell then quickly absorbs any serotonin or norepinephrine that remains in the gap between cells. This is called "reuptake."
Normally, this process works without any problems. But when the levels of serotonin or norepinephrine become unbalanced, it can cause a variety of conditions, including depression. Effexor helps to block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine so that more remains in the space between the brain's nerve cells. This gives the serotonin and norepinephrine a better chance of activating the receptors on the next nerve cell.
Studies have shown Effexor to be effective for depression treatment in adults. In these studies, people taking it had more improvement in their depression symptoms than people who did not take it. Also, long-term studies showed that the medication is also effective for preventing depression relapse.
When and How Do I Take It?
Some general considerations for when and how to take Effexor include:
- The medication comes in tablet form. It is taken by mouth, usually two or three times a day.
- It is recommended that you take your dosage with food.
- It should be taken at the same times each day to maintain an even level of the drug in your blood.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Effexor will not work if you stop taking it.
The dosage that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be currently taking.
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects. However, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. When side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Some of the most common side effects include:
(Click Effexor Side Effects to learn more about the side effects of this drug, including serious side effects to look out for. You can also read about possible side effects by going to:
Drug Interactions With Effexor
Effexor can potentially interact with a number of other medicines.
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking this drug if you have:
Also let your healthcare provider know if you:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Depression, even in its most severe form, is highly treatable. As with many illnesses, getting depression treatment early is more effective and reduces the chance of recurrence.
The most common forms of treatment for depression are medication ( antidepressants) and psychotherapy ("talk" therapy). In some cases of severe depression, healthcare providers may recommend electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Some people may also try complementary or alternative treatments for depression (see Natural Remedies for Depression).
For most people, Effexor is quite effective at treating depression. It is also generally well-tolerated. However, it is possible that side effects will occur or that the medicine may not work as well as needed. In these cases, your healthcare provider may recommend an alternative to the drug. Some examples of substitute depression medications include:
People who take too much Effexor may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Increased heart rate (tachycardia)
- Seizures.
If you happen to overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
It should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture or heat. The tablets should be kept in an airtight container.
Keep Effexor and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your dose as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose of Effexor.
Generic Effexor
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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