Effexor
Venlafaxine
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Effexor
Effexor is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) group of medicine. Effexor acts by balancing certain natural substances in the brain like serotonin and norepinephrine, which causes improvement in mood disturbance like depression.
Therapeutic Uses of Effexor
The main use of Effexor is in the treatment of depression. It can also be used in other conditions as your doctor decides.
Direction of use of Effexor
Use Effexor as your doctor asks you to use it. Read the label that is provided along with the medicine for the exact dosing of Effexor. It has an extra paitient information leaflet called Medication Guide. Read it carefully for more information about dosing of Effexor. Read it every time you get refill of Effexor.
Effexor is taken orally along with food and it works best if taken at the same time everyday without missing any dose. Effexor should not be stopped suddenly without consulting your doctor. There may be serious side effects for sudden withdrawal. Close observation is required if you start and for the first time and if any change in dosing has to be dons.
Dose of Effexor, if Missed
If a dose of Effexor is missed than take it as soon as you can remember it. If you miss for long time and it is almost due for the next dose than skip the missed dose and continue with the next dose at usual time. Effexor should never be taken double dose at a time. Keep taking Effexor even if you feel better and there is improvement of symptoms. Do not miss any of the doses of Effexor.
How to Store Effexor
Effexor ideally should be stored at room temperature away from moisture, heat and light. Keep it out of reach of children.
More Information About Effexor
If you have any doubt about Effexor or how to use and how long to use, consult your doctor or other health care provider. If you do not get any result after using Effexor or your symptoms become worse, consult your doctor.
Effexor should be used by the patient only, for whom it is prescribed. Never share it with anybody.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Effexor
Do not use Effexor if you are suffering from any of the medical conditions listed below and consult your doctor immediately:
- If you have allergy to Effexor or any of the ingredients of it.
- If you are using tryptophan, methylene blue, nefazodone, fenfluramine derivative like dexfenfluramine etc. presently.
- If you are on MAO (monoamine oxidase) inhibitors like phenelzine; selegiline etc. for last few days.
Some medical conditions may interact with Effexor and if they apply to you, inform your doctor or other health care provider immediately:
- If you are pregnant, become pregnant while taking Effexor, planning pregnancy or if you are breast feeding your baby.
- If you have allergy to any medicine, foods or any other chemical compounds.
- If you have any family history of bipolar disorder like manic depression, alcohol or other drug abuse/addiction, any suicidal tendency or suicidal thoughts, suicidal attempts, or any mood disorder.
- If you are presently on any prescription or non prescription medicine, diet supplementation or on any herbal medicine.
- If you have to undergo some electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) during treatment with Effexor.
- If you have any alcohol abuse problem, or dehydration or low sodium level in blood.
- If you have any history of abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG), recent heart attack, high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism, GIT (gastrointestinal tract) bleeding, any bleeding disorder, increased intraocular pressure (glaucoma), nervous system problems, metabolism problems, liver trouble, kidney problem, lung problem, heart problem like heart failure, irregular heartbeat etc.
Some medicines can interact with Effexor and you should inform your doctor if you are taking Effexor along with the following medications:
- Certain medicines can increase the serious side effects of Effexor like fever, rigid muscles, blood pressure changes (very high or very low), mental or mood changes, confusion, irritability, agitation, delirium, and coma. The medines that increase side effects are phentermine, fenfluramine, lithium, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, metoclopramide, nefazodone, rasagiline, 5-HT1 receptor agonists like sumatriptan, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine, serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine, tramadol, tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline, tryptophan, trazodone St. John's wort etc.
- Azole anti fungals like ketoconazole and cimetidine can cause increased risk of side effects of Effexor.
- Effexor may increase the side effects of haloperidol, aripiprazole, risperidone, phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, thioridazine etc.
- Cyproheptadine can reduce the effectiveness or reduce efficacy of Effexor.
- Diuretics like furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide can cause decrease sodium content of body.
- Aspirin, or other nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, diclofenac, aceclofenac, phenylbutazone, etc., oral anticoagulants like warfarin can cause the risk of bleeding, including stomach bleeding to increased.
Possible Adverse Effects
Effexor has certain side effects like any other medication. Some of them are common and some of them are not very common. Some of the side effects are serious and some of them are minor and can be ignored. The following are some of the common side effects of Effexor and you should consult your doctor if they become bothersome:
- Headache, nausea, vomiting, nervousness, anxiety, drowsiness, dizziness, increased sweating, dryness of mouth, loss of appetite, blurring of vision, insomnia, weakness, weight loss, stomach upset, decreased sexual desire, decreased sexual ability, constipation, changes in taste etc.
Seek medical attention immediately if you have any of the serious side effects listed below:
- Allergic reactions (itching, rash, tightness in the chest, difficulty in breathing), worsening of depression, unusual mood changes or severe mood changes, persistent headache, severe headache, dizziness, seizures, severe and persistent anxiety, nervousness, insomnia, severe and persistent cough, agitation, worsening of preexisting agitation, panic attacks, aggressiveness, hostility, restlessness and inability to sit still, irritability, impulsive behavior, bizarre behavior, persistent tinnitus (ringing of ears), breathlessness, suicidal attempt or tendency, weight loss, stomach ache, chest pain, chest discomfort, tremor, severe weakness, fast or irregular heartbeat, fever, chills, sore throat, short memory, loss of muscle coordination, vision problems, unsteadiness, unusual bruising or bleeding etc.
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