What Is Venlafaxine Used For? -- An Overview
Venlafaxine hydrochloride is a prescription medication used to treat
depression. It is sold under the brand name
Effexor®. It is also available as a generic, sold as Venlafaxine tablets. Finally, there is an extended release form of venlafaxine available as
Effexor XR®. There is no
generic Effexor XR available.
This article will discuss venlafaxine.
Venlafaxine as Treatment for Depression
Venlafaxine has been licensed to treat depression.
Depression is more than just "feeling sad." Some common
symptoms of depression include:
- Changes in sleep (sleeping too much or not enough)
- Eating too much or too little (and weight gain or weight loss)
- Having little interest in things that you used to enjoy
- Physical pain
- Feeling hopeless or worthless
- Suicidal thoughts.
In large clinical trials, venlafaxine has been proven to help adults with depression. However, it is important keep in mind that many
antidepressants (including venlafaxine) take several weeks to begin working. Sometimes, other people will notice an improvement in your depression symptoms before you do. Often, the physical symptoms of depression (such as pain or changes in sleep) will improve first, sometimes within the first few weeks of treatment. It usually takes at least four to six weeks before significant changes in mood occur. It is important to give venlafaxine a chance to work before becoming discouraged.
Counseling and therapy
(see Psychotherapy for Depression) are often used along with antidepressant medication to treat depression. Ask your healthcare provider if counseling or therapy would be good options for you
(see Depression Treatment).
