Effexor (Venlafaxine)
Effexor is a Phenethylamine Monoamine Reuptake Inhibitor Antidepressant. Effexor is an antidepressant which is not related to the SSRIs such as Prozac and Zoloft or tricyclics such as Elavil. Effexor venlafaxine also available in extended release form, Effexor XR. It works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine in the central nervous system. These neurotransmitters play a key role in determine an individual's mood. The extended release form, Effexor XR, is also prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder.
Usual effexor dosage is 25mg three times a day with a maximum of 225mg in a 24 hour period and it is available in 25mg, 37.5mg, 50mg, 75mg, and 100mg tablet forms.
Effexor venlafaxine is an oral medication and available in XR and tablet form. It is used to treat mental depression. This drug is also used to treat certain anxiety disorders or to relieve the symptoms of anxiety. However, it usually is not used for anxiety or tension caused by the stress of day-to-day life.
You should use this medication as directed by your doctor. It might be up to four weeks before you start to see some result of effexor. Also, you will need to keep continuing this medication for at least six months to prevent the depression symptom return.
If you miss an effexor dosage, take it as soon as you can remember. however, if it is about the time for your next effexor dosage, skip the dose and continue with your regular schedule. DO NOT DOUBLE DOSE.
Important information to remember if you take this medication:
- It may take about 4 weeks for the effects of this medication to start.
- Take it as directed by your doctor, with food, and do not break, crush or chew tablets or open the capsules.
- If you miss a dose, do not take a double dose to make up.
- Be cautious for side effects when taking any over-the-counter medications with Effexor.
- Elderly persons or those with liver disease or high blood pressure should check with their physicians before combining Effexor with Tagamet (cimetidine).
- This medication may cause water retention in the elderly.
- Nausea is the most commonly reported side effect. The manufacturer says this will usually diminish within two weeks.
- Animal test results show that use of Effexor while pregnant or nursing may not be wise, and there have been no controlled studies to date in pregnant women.
