Indications
Effexor XR is an antidepressant medication that is used to treat major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder. It is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that works by adjusting levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain.
Venlafaxine is a medication used to treat depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and social anxiety disorder (social phobia). It can help improve your mood and energy levels, as well as restore your interest in daily activities. In addition, Venlafaxine can also reduce feelings of fear, anxiety, unwanted thoughts, and the frequency of panic attacks.
Uses and Dosage
EFFEXOR comes in the form of a capsule, which should be taken by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily with food, either in the morning or evening. Do not crush, chew, or dissolve the capsule as this can release all of the medication at once, increasing the risk of side effects.
The dosage of Effexor is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose.
- For the treatment of depression, the recommended starting dose of Effexor is 75 mg per day, taken as one dose in the morning or evening. Some patients may need to start at a lower dose of 37.5 mg per day for 4 to 7 days before increasing to the full dose of 75 mg. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated, but the maximum dose is usually not more than 225 mg per day.
- For the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder, the recommended starting dose of Effexor XR is 75 mg per day, taken as one dose in the morning or evening. Some patients may need to start at a lower dose of 37.5 mg per day for 4 to 7 days before increasing to the full dose of 75 mg. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated, but the maximum dose is usually not more than 225 mg per day.
- For the treatment of panic disorder, the recommended starting dose of Effexor is 37.5 mg per day, taken for 7 days, taken as one dose in the morning or evening. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed and tolerated, but the maximum dose is usually not more than 225 mg per day.
- For social anxiety disorder: 75 milligrams (mg) per day, taken as one dose in the morning or evening.
Side effect
Common Side Effects of Venlafaxine Xr:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Yawning
- Dry mouth
- Unusual sweating
- Loss of appetite
- Constipation
- Insomnia or trouble sleeping
- Weight changes
Serious Side Effects of Venlafaxine Xr:
- Hypertension or high blood pressure
- Unusual bleeding
- Easy bruising
- Low sex drive
- Impotence
- Muscle cramps
- Shaking or tremor
- Eye pain or swelling
- Widened pupils
- Persistent cough
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Severe, pounding headache
- Seizure
- Serotonin syndrome (palpitations, hallucinations, loss of coordination, agitation, twitching muscle, severe dizziness, severe vomiting or diarrhea, unexplained fever)
Form and strength
Effexor XR (Venlafaxine Xr) is available in the following forms and strength:
Effexor XR: ER Capsule
- 37.5 mg
- 75 mg
- 150 mg
Venlafaxine Xr: Capsule
- 37.5 mg
- 75 mg
- 150 mg
Caution
- Your healthcare provider should check your blood pressure before starting treatment and regularly during treatment with EFFEXOR XR. If you have high blood pressure, it should be controlled before you start treatment with EFFEXOR XR.
- Taking EFFEXOR XR with aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or blood thinners may increase the risk of bleeding or bruising. If you notice any unusual bleeding or bruising, such as frequent nosebleeds, prolonged bleeding from cuts, or excessive bruising, avoid activities that increase the risk of bleeding, such as using electric razors or brushing your teeth too vigorously.
- Effexor can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults. Therefore, it is important to monitor closely for clinical worsening and emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in patients of all ages who are started on antidepressant therapy with Effexor.
- If you take EFFEXOR XR, it is important to be aware of the potential risk of developing angle-closure glaucoma. To determine if you are at risk, your healthcare provider may recommend an eye examination. Additionally, if you experience any eye pain, changes in your vision, swelling, or redness in or around the eye, you should contact your healthcare provider right away.
- Taking EFFEXOR may cause you to become dizzy or drowsy or cause your vision to become temporarily blurred. Avoid activities such as driving, using machinery, or anything else that requires alertness or clear vision until you know how the medication affects you.
- Alcohol consumption should be avoided, and you should talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long will it take for this medication to work?
Typically, it will take weeks for you to feel improvements from this medication.
When is the most appropriate time of day to take this medication?
The best time to take this capsule is in the morning to avoid trouble sleeping.
Does this medication cause weight gain?
Yes, there is a direct link between Effexor XR & weight gain.
Resources
- https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=53c3e7ac-1852-4d70-d2b6-4fca819acf26
- https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Treatments/Mental-Health-Medications/Types-of-Medication/Venlafaxine-(Effexor)
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/venlafaxine-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20067379?p=1
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-4896/effexor-xr-oral/details
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/020699s107lbl.pdf
- https://www.effexorxr.com/
It's important to purchase Effexor XR from verified Canadian pharmacy.
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