Effexor is different than other antidepressants because it
contains the drug known as venlafaxine, which is the active ingredient
in effexor, and should be prescribed only to people suffering from
major depression or extreme anxiety. Venlafaxine has been successful in
helping treat people with depression that have not responded to other
antidepressants. Effexor can take anywhere from one to two weeks to
begin working. When beginning treatment of any antidepressant there is
also an increased risk for suicide, so patients beginning treatment
with effexor should be monitored.
Effexor is a relatively new drug and
the effects it can have on children, teenagers, pregnant or
breastfeeding women have not yet been studied. Effexor has however been
found to be safe for use by the elderly.
Side effects associated with effexor are: dizziness, fatigue, dry
mouth, unusual dreams, vomiting, chills, heartburn, weight loss, and
anxiety. Overdose symptoms are extreme fatigue or drowsiness. If you
have these symptoms you should seek medical help immediately. If you
have high blood pressure, heart disease, seizures, or liver or kidney
disease you probably shouldn’t take effexor because it increases blood
pressure and can make it harder for the liver and kidney to get rid of
toxins. People who are taking MAOI’s should not take effexor. If you
are changing treatment you should wait at least fourteen days after
stopping MAOI treatments before taking effexor. If you are switching
from effexor to an MAOI you should wait at least seven days before
beginning the MAOI medication.
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.
Home
Reader Comments 
Related Links 
Recent Posts