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Effexor XR - Uses & Side Effects

Generic name: Venlafaxine hydrochloride
Other brand name: Effexor XR

Effexor is prescribed for the treatment of depression--that is, a continuing depression that interferes with daily functioning. The symptoms usually include changes in appetite, sleep habits, and mind/body coordination, decreased sex drive, increased fatigue, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, difficulty concentrating, slowed thinking, and suicidal thoughts. Effexor XR is also prescribed to relieve abnormal anxiety (generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder). Generalized anxiety disorder is marked by persistent anxiety for a period of at least 6 months, accompanied by at least 3 of these 6 symptoms: restlessness, fatigue, poor concentration, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances.

Effexor Dosage

Effexor should be taken with a meal and dosages can vary depending upon other health factors. Most adults start with a 75-milligram dosage and it is recommended that you try to take the medicine at about the same time every day. Dosages can be increased safely to as much as 375 milligrams per day for short periods of time. Suddenly stopping prescribed amounts of effexor can increase symptoms of depression or anxiety. Most doctors prefer to slowly decrease dosage to avoid symptoms, so always let your doctor know if you want to stop medication.

Uses of Effexor

• This medication is an antidepressant (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor type) used in the treatment of depression in adults.

Side Effects of Effexor

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Effexor. Side effects of Effexor may include:

• Abnormal ejaculation/orgasm, anxiety, blurred vision, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, impotence, insomnia, nausea, nervousness, sleepiness, sweating, tremor, vomiting, weakness, weight loss
• Abnormal dreams, abnormal ejaculation, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, headache, insomnia, nausea, nervousness, sleepiness, sweating, weakness, weight loss

Warnings and precautions before taking Effexor:

• Effexor sometimes causes an increase in blood pressure. If this happens, your doctor may need to reduce your dose or discontinue the drug.
• In clinical studies, antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children and adolescents with depression and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of Effexor or any other antidepressant in a child or adolescent must balance this risk with the clinical need. Effexor has not been studied in children or adolescents and is not approved for treating anyone less than 18 years old.
• Effexor also tends to increase the heart rate, especially at higher doses. Use Effexor with caution if you've recently had a heart attack, suffer from heart failure, or have an overactive thyroid gland.
• Effexor may also cause cholesterol levels to rise in some patients who take it for 3 months or longer. This effect is more common among patients taking higher doses of Effexor.
• Effexor may cause you to feel drowsy or less alert and may affect your judgment. Therefore, avoid driving or operating dangerous machinery or participating in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness until you know how Effexor affects you.

Drug Interaction :-

• Combining Effexor with MAO inhibitors could cause a fatal reaction. (See "Most important fact about Effexor.").
• Although Effexor does not interact with alcohol, the manufacturer recommends avoiding alcohol while taking Effexor.
• If you have high blood pressure or liver disease, or are elderly, check with your doctor before combining Effexor with cimetidine (Tagamet).
• You should consult your doctor before combining Effexor with other drugs that affect the central nervous system, including lithium, migraine medications such as Imitrex, narcotic painkillers, sleep aids, weight-loss products such as phentermine, tranquilizers, antipsychotic medicines such as Haldol, and other antidepressants such as Celexa, Prozac, Tofranil, and Zoloft.

Overdose

An overdose of Effexor, combined with other drugs or alcohol, can be fatal. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of Effexor overdose include:

• Sleepiness, vertigo, rapid or slow heartbeat, low blood pressure, seizures, coma.