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What is Effexor?

Posted on 02. Apr, 2011 by Admin in Effexor

Effexor is commonly referred to as Venlafaxine, and is used as a medication to treat depression. There are extended release capsules that are used to treat GAD, or generalized anxiety disorder, which is the excessive worrying of anything that becomes difficult to control, as well as social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. The medication is in a class of prescription medications termed selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs. The medication works to increase the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine, which are naturally found within the brain to help maintain human mental balance.

How to Use Effexor

Effexor, or Venlafaxine, is prescribed in either the tablet or extended-release capsule form, indicated to be taken each day as prescribed by a physician. The tablet is typically prescribed to be taken either two or three times each day with a meal, while the extended-release capsule is generally prescribed to be taken once in the morning or in the evening with a meal. The medication should be taken each day around the same time, and all directions on the prescription label should be followed carefully. If there are any questions of the use of the medication, contact with a physician is recommended to ensure all information is fully understood concerning the use of Effexor.

Effexor should only be taken exactly as prescribed, no more or less, with no changes in the schedule within which it is taken to ensure proper reaction to the medication based on personal indicators. The capsule should only be taken whole, avoiding chewing, splitting, or crushing, but it may be opened and sprinkled within a spoon of applesauce, or swallowed whole without chewing.

Most physicians will prescribe Effexor at a very low dose, gradually increasing every 4 to 7 days. The patient is then evaluated to indicate any reaction to the medication that may not be expected, and to ensure that the medication dose is stopped where necessary. The medication will control depression moods, but cannot cure the disorder completely. The full benefit of the medication may actually take from 6 to 8 weeks to be felt, so discontinuing use is not advised without first contacting the prescribing physician. When stopping the use of Effexor, the physician will most likely follow the same steps as starting the medication but in reverse, gradually lowering dosage until discontinued altogether.

Risks of Use

There are various side effects of Effexor, including but not limited to drowsiness, headache, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, weight loss, and many others, with more serious effects to be discussed with a physician immediately. Any type of twitching, yawning, or sweating is to be expected, but should cease after continued and regular use, with increasing or severe effects to be taken seriously.

Goldberg & Osborne, a personal injury law firm, has provided this article for informational purposes only, written by an independent author, and has not reviewed or edited this article and is not responsible for its content or accuracy.

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