EFFEXOR (VENLAFAXINE)

Effexor Description

Effexor belongs to a group of anti-depressant medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which means that it affects the way your brain uses mood-regulating chemicals like serotonin. It is thought that when depression occurs, there may be a decreased amount of serotonin and noradrenaline, important neurotransmitters, released from nerve cells in the brain.

Effexor comes in pill form, and should be taken orally. You will also find it by its generic name, Venlafaxine. A valid prescription is required to purchase Effexor and its other available formulas . The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

How Effexor Can Help with Depression

When serotonin and noradrenaline are released from nerve cells in the brain they act to lighten mood and when they are reabsorbed into the nerve cells, they no longer have an effect on mood. When taken as directed, Effexor will work by preventing serotonin and noradrenaline from being reabsorbed back into the nerve cells in the brain. This helps prolong the mood lightening effect of any released serotonin and noradrenaline.

Other Conditions Treated by Effexor

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is characterized by extreme low mood, low self-esteem, and a loss of interest in enjoyable activities, and can have wide-ranging effects on a depressed person's life, including their interactions with family and friends, ability to work, and eating and sleeping habits. There is no definite cause for depression, but most doctors believe that it is due to a combination of biological factors, such as brain chemistry and genetics, and mental factors, such as psychology and social environment.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) tends to create excessive worry and doubt. These conditions do have one thing in common: namely, that they caused by chemical imbalances, especially serotonin imbalances, in the brain. Effexor will help by correcting the imbalances, though it is not a cure. Your doctor may also recommend therapy/counseling to help you understand the symptoms of depression and help you to deal with them better.

Before You Take Effexor

Ask your doctor if Effexor is safe to take if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or are breast feeding. Discuss whether you have been diagnosed with bi-polar disorder, kidney disease, or liver disease before you start taking Effexor and let your doctor know about any thyroid, seizure, sodium, or cardiovascular problems in your health history. Certain blood thinner and migraine headache drugs are known to interact negatively with Effexor, as are many others.

Precautions to be Aware of When Taking Effexor

Do not use Effexor if you have uncontrolled glaucoma, are undergoing treatment with a methylene blue injection, or if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past fourteen days. Report immediately if symptoms become worse or if you have increasing thoughts of suicide while taking Effexor. You should not suddenly stop taking Effexor, as this may cause withdrawal symptoms. Consult your doctor before discontinuing treatment with Effexor.

Possible Side Effects of Effexor

• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Drowsiness and dizziness
• Insomnia
• Sweating
• Tremors or shakiness