Effexor Medication - Uses & Side Effects

Generic Name: Venlafaxine hydrochloride

VENLAFAXINE (Effexor®) is an antidepressant, a medicine that helps to lift mental depression. Venlafaxine is also effective for the treatment of anxiety or other nervous conditions. Effexor is in a class of drugs known as antidepressants. Effexor affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and that may cause depression, panic, or anxiety.

Effexor Dosage

• If you are taking effexor, then the usual starting dose is 75 milligrams a day, divided into 2 or 3 smaller doses, and taken with food.
• If you are taking effexor XR for both depression and anxiety, then the usual starting dose is 75 milligrams once daily, although some people begin with a dose of 37.5 milligrams for the first 4 to 7 days.

Uses of Effexor

• Effexor is used to treat major depressive disorder, anxiety, and panic disorder.
• Effexor may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Side Effects of Effexor

If you are taking this medication, then discuss the side effects with your doctor. If you feel any change in intensity, then you should tell your doctor. Because only your doctor can determine if it is safe to continue using Effexor. Side effects may include:

• Abnormal dreams
• abnormal ejaculation or orgasm
• anxiety
• appetite loss
• blurred vision
• chills
• constipation
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• dry mouth
• frequent urination
• flushing
• gas
• headache
• impotence
• infection
• insomnia
• muscle tension
• nausea
• nervousness
• rash
• sleepiness
• sweating
• tingling feeling
• tremor
• upset stomach

Warnings and precautions before taking Effexor:

• After taken Effexor, then you may feel drowsy or less alert and it may also affect your judgment. Therefore, you should avoid driving or operating dangerous machinery or participating in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness.
• Your doctor will check you regularly if you have glaucoma (high pressure in the eye), or you are at risk of developing it.
• If you have high blood pressure, heart, liver, or kidney disease or a history of seizures or mania, then your doctor will prescribe Effexor with caution. You should discuss all of your medical problems with your doctor before taking Effexor.

Drug Interaction :-

If you are taking certain drugs with Effexor, then it may decreased, increased or altered the effects of Effexor medicine. So, if you have high blood pressure or liver disease, or are elderly, check with your doctor before combining Effexor with cimetidine (Tagamet). Effexor does not interact with Lithium or Valium. However, you should consult your doctor before combining Effexor with other drugs that affect the central nervous system, including such as narcotic painkillers, sleep aids, tranquilizers, antipsychotic medicines such as Haldol, and other antidepressants such as Tofranil.

Overdose

When you are taking Effexor, and you feel that overdose is suspected then contact your doctor immediately. Symptoms of an Effexor overdose may include:-

• dizziness
• sleepiness
• nausea
• numbness or tingling in your hands or feet