Effexor

What is Effexor?

It is a prescription medication (venlafaxine) that is prescribed to adult patients to manage major depressive disorder.. Effexor XR extended release (long-acting) capsules can also be utilised in the treatment of generalised anxiety disorders (GAD which is characterised by excessive worry that is difficult to manage) as well as social anxiety disorders (extreme anxiety about being around other people as well as performing for other people that hinders normal living) as well as the panic disorder (sudden unintentional attacks of extreme anxiety and anxiety over these attacks).Effexor is part of a class of medicines known as selective serotonin and norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Venlafaxine is a drug that increases the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine, the natural substances found within the brain that aid in keeping the mind in balance.

Side effects of Effexor

Contact a medical professional immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms that indicate you are experiencing an allergic reaction, Effexor causes hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of your lips, face, or tongue.Inform your doctor immediately if you notice any recent or sudden changes in your mood or behaviour, such as the onset of depression or, even worse, anxiety, panic attacks, or trouble sleeping.Feeling impulsive, angered, angry, frustrated and anxious. Also, feeling more active or talkative, or thoughts of taking a life or hurting yourself

Venlafaxine could cause severe adverse effects. Contact your physician immediately in the event of:

• Blurred vision blurred vision, eye pain, or redness eye pain or redness; seeing halos around lights;
• Cough and chest tightness trouble breathing
• A seizure (convulsions);
• Bleeding that is unusual, bleeding gums, nosebleeds, unusual vaginal bleeding that isn't stopping;
• Low blood sodium, headache and confusion, problems with memory or thinking, weakness, unsteadiness,
• Extreme nervous system reactions Very rigid (rigid) muscles and extremely high fever sweating, disorientation, rapid or irregular heartbeats, tremors, or tremors. Feeling like you're going to pass out.

You should seek medical attention immediately if you experience symptoms of serotonin syndrome like agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating or shivering, high heart rate, muscle stiffness, shaking, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

Common Effexor adverse effects include:

• Headache, dizziness, drowsiness, and tiredness;
• Your ears are ringing, and you feel nervous, anxious, or anxious.
• Insomnia, odd dreams;
• Tremors;
• Fast heartbeats;
• Blurred vision
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and  constipation;
• Changes in appetite or weight;
• Dry mouth, yawning;
• More sweating, more sweating
• Sexual issues.

It's not a comprehensive listing of all possible adverse consequences, but other reactions could be experienced. Consult your doctor for medical advice about adverse effects. It is possible to report any symptom to the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

It is not recommended to use Effexor in the event that you suffer from an uncontrollable narrow-angle glaucoma.Do not take Effexor for 7 consecutive days or 14 days following the last time you took one of the MAO inhibitors, like linezolid and isocarboxazid, as well as methylene blue injections, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine.

Many young people are prone to thoughts of suicide after first starting an antidepressant. Keep an eye on any changes to your attitude or signs. Inform your doctor if you notice any new or deteriorating symptoms, including mood or behaviour changes such as panic attacks, anxiety, insomnia, or feeling angry, irritable, impulsive,  or aggressive. Active, stressed (mentally as well as physically) or depressed. You may even be contemplating suicide or hurting yourself.Stop taking Effexor without first speaking to the doctor.Don't give Effexor to anyone who is younger than 18 years old without seeking the advice of a medical professional. Effexor isn't FDA-approved for use by children.

Before you Take this Drug

Do not use Effexor if you have an allergy to venlafaxine or desvenlafaxine (Pristiq).Don't use Effexor when you've taken an MAO inhibitor within the last 14 days. A potentially dangerous interaction with a drug can occur. MAO inhibitors are isocarboxazid, linezolid, Methylene Blue injection, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine.Consult your doctor if you are also taking stimulant medication, opioid medication, herbal products, or medicines to treat mental illness, depression, Parkinson's disease, migraine headaches, serious infections, or to prevent vomiting or nausea and vomiting. A venlafaxine-related interaction could result in a serious illness known as serotonin syndrome.

To be sure Effexor is suitable for you, inform your doctor if you have ever experienced:

• Bipolar disorder (manic depression);
• Coronary illness, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or triglycerides
• Diabetes;
• Lung disease;
• Glaucoma;
• A thyroid disorder
• A seizure;
• Sexual issues;
• Bleeding issues;
• Lower blood levels of sodium in the blood;
• Kidney or liver disease.

A few young people may experience an increased risk of suicide when they first begin treatment for depression. Be vigilant for any changes in your mood or symptoms. Family members or carers are also advised to be on the lookout for abrupt changes in your behaviour.The use of Effexor during pregnancy can affect the baby's health; however, stopping the medicine might not be suitable for you. Don't start or stop Effexor without consulting your physician.If you're expecting and you are a registered mother, your name could be included on the pregnancy registry to monitor what effects venlafaxine has on the child.Consult a physician to determine whether it is safe to breastfeed while taking Effexor.

How to use Effexor?

Take Effexor according to the prescription of your physician. Follow all instructions on your prescription label and go through all medication guides and instruction sheets. Your doctor may modify your dose.Consume your food at the right time every day.Take this extended-release capsule intact; don't crush or chew on it.

If you can't swallow the capsule completely, take it out and mix the medication with applesauce. Drink the mixture immediately without chewing.Inform your physician if you notice any changes in your sexual activity, like a loss of interest in sex and difficulty having an orgasm, as well as (in males) issues with erections or ejaculation. There are some sexual issues that are treatable.The symptoms you experience may not get better for a few weeks. Don't stop taking Effexor abruptly, or you may experience uncomfortable effects (such as anxiety, tingling, and electric shock sensations). Talk to your doctor prior to taking Effexor off.Your blood pressure needs to be monitored regularly.Effexor could result in false results when you take the urine test for drug screening. Inform the laboratory personnel that you are using Effexor.Keep at room temperature, free of heat and moisture.

Details on Dosage

Usual Adult Dose for Depression:

Release immediately:
Initial dosage: 37.5 mg orally twice every day or 25 mg taken orally three times per day.
Dose for maintenance: 75–150 mg daily In divided doses
-Maximum dose:
Moderately depressed outpatients: 250 mg/day
Inpatients with severe depression: daily 375 mg
Extended release:
Initial dose: 75 mg taken orally every day, once
Dosage for maintenance ranges from 75 to 225 mg once orally, every day.
-Maximum dose:
Moderately depressed outpatients: at least 225 mg/day
Patients with severe depression: daily 375 mg
Comments:
The daily dose of immediate-release formulations can be divided into two or three doses per day.
Healthcare providers should think about recommending starting with extended-release doses of 37.5 mg taken orally every day for between 4 and seven weeks (before increasing the dosage up to 75 mg a day) for patients who require more time to adapt to the medication.
Doses can be increased by daily increments of up to 75 mg per day in intervals of not more than four days.
Patients should be evaluated regularly to determine if they require treatment for maintenance and the right dose of treatment.
The use of doses that exceed the 225 mg/day limit is not recommended.

Usual Adult Dose for Generalised Anxiety Disorder:

Extended release:
Initial dosage: 75 mg orally, once a day.
Maintenance dose of 75–225 mg taken orally every day.
Maximum dose: 225 mg/day
Comments:
Healthcare providers should think about recommending starting with extended-release doses of 37.5 mg once a day for between 4 and seven weeks (before increasing the dosage to 75 mg per day) in patients who require additional time to adapt to the medication.
Doses can be increased by daily increments of up to 75 mg, orally, in intervals of not less than 4 consecutive days.

Usual Adult Dose for Social Anxiety Disorder:

Extended release: 75 mg orally every day, once
Comment: There isn't any proof that dosages of more than 75 mg/day provide any additional benefits.

Usual Adult Dose for Panic Disorder:

Extended release:
Initial dosage: 37.5 mg orally once per day for 7 consecutive days, followed by 75 mg orally every day after that.
Dosage for maintenance is 75–225 mg taken orally every day.
Maximum dose: 225 mg/day
Comment: Doses can be increased by daily amounts of up to 75 mg taken orally in intervals of not more than seven days.

What Happens If I Miss a Dose?

The medication should be taken promptly. But, you should avoid missing a dose in case you're getting close to the moment to take your next dose. Don't take two doses at a time.

What Happens If I Overdose?

For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What Should be Avoided?

Avoid drinking alcohol.Talk to your doctor prior to using a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID) like naproxen, aspirin, ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve, Motrin, and many more. When you take an NSAID along with Effexor, it could cause bleeding or bruises easily.Avoid driving or engaging in hazardous activities until you understand how Effexor can affect your body. Your reaction could be affected.

Interaction with Other Drugs

Utilising Effexor along with other medicines that cause you to become drowsy could cause more of this. Talk to your doctor prior to using an opioid drug, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medication to treat anxiety or seizures.

Consult your doctor about your medications that you are taking. A variety of drugs may be incompatible with venlafaxine, including:

• Any other antidepressant,
• Amphetamines;
• Fentanyl;
• Cimetidine;
• Tramadol;
• St. John's wort tryptophan (sometimes known as L-tryptophan);
• Weight loss pills. diet pills, weight-loss medication (such as phentermine),
• The blood thinners (warfarin, coumadin, and Jantoven);
• Medicine for treating depression, thought disorders, or mental illnesses, for example, buspirone, lithium, and a myriad of others, as well as
• Migraine medication: sumatriptan, zolmitriptan, and more.

This list isn't complete, and other medications may interfere with venlafaxine. This includes over-the-counter and prescription drugs, vitamins, and herbal remedies. There are many possible interactions between drugs, which are listed here.