|  | Conditions Treatments | Depression

How to Adjust to Effexor

Effexor is a medication that is used to treat major depression as well as anxiety. It is unique in that it's a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI).The majority of other antidepressants increase serotonin levels and are referred to as SSRIs. As Effexor is an SNRI, it increases the levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine. This makes it an effective medication for those who have not had success with SSRIs. The fact that it works on two different neurotransmitters also means that the potential for side effects is quite high.

There is no way to know ahead of time whether or not you will experience persistent side effects while taking Effexor. Most people experience some of them, at least in the beginning. The side effects generally start to dissipate after the first month. Common side effects of Effexor are dry mouth, nausea, weight gain, fatigue, constipation, decreased sex drive and dizziness. There are several things that can be done to help your adjustment to Effexor.

Things You'll Need

  • Water
  • Fruits and vegetables
Show More

Instructions

  1. Instructions

    • 1

      Increase your water intake. Drink a minimum of eight glasses of water per day. To counteract possible dehydration while taking this medication, it's best to drink at least 10 glasses of water per day. This will help prevent dry mouth as well as nausea and dizziness.

    • 2

      Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. The fiber contained in them helps to combat constipation. In addition, if you substitute them for other foods that are higher calorie, you will be less likely to gain weight from taking Effexor.

    • 3

      Maintain good sleep habits. Aim for a minimum of eight hours of sleep per night. Effexor is notorious for causing fatigue as well as insomnia. Do not consume caffeine after 1 p.m. Go to sleep at the same time every night.

    • 4

      Take Effexor at the same time of day, every single day. The reason that this is vital is that Effexor has a shorter half-life than most antidepressants. This means that it clears out of your system much more quickly. If it's taken at the wrong time of day, or if a dose is missed, you will start to experience withdrawal symptoms.

    • 5

      Always take Effexor with a full glass of water and on a full stomach. This will hopefully prevent extreme nausea and vomiting.

Depression - Related Articles