Alternative for Effexor

Effexor is a prescription medication used to treat depression. It is grouped as part of serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor medication, antidepressants that block reuptake of serotonin and nerepinephrine, which can cause a chemical imbalance. Some of the side effects from taking Effexor include blurred vision, loss of appetite, nausea and insomnia. Natural remedies, counseling and different medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

Natural Remedies

• Taking a daily multivitamin supplement along with regular exercise can reduce symptoms of depression. Vitamin B12 and magnesium are important in mood stabilizing, as depression can occur when there is a vitamin B12 deficiency. Magnesium deficiency also can cause depression, which can be resolved by taking between 300 to 400 mg of magnesium daily. Exercising for at least 30 minutes can release endorphins that produce feelings of euphoria and lessen the severity of depression, according to Mayo Clinic. St. John's wort has been used as a natural antidepression remedy for centuries, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. St. John's wort should not be taken in combination with prescription medication, as it can interfere with the effectiveness of the medicine. This natural remedy should be used only to treat minor depression, as major depression requires prescription medication.

Alternative Medications

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are alternative antidepressant medications that work similarly to Effexor but have harsher side effects. SSRIs block reuptake of serotonin, which causes an elevation in mood. Side effects of SSRIs include dry mouth, insomnia, weight gain and nervousness. MAOIs are an older type of medication that can cause intercerebral hemorrhaging if it is mixed with tyramine, a chemical found in alcohol, chocolate, soy sauce, aged cheese and processed meat. Common side effects of MAOIs include nausea, decrease in sex drive and constipation.

Therapy

• Behavioral therapy is an alternative to Effexor as it does not use medications to treat your depression and instead focuses on problem-solving techniques and applying cognitive behavior therapy skills in your daily life to alleviate depression. Depression causes you to think negatively and your therapist can help you combat negative thinking by challenging those thoughts and ideas. According to depression.com, cognitive-behavioral therapy is effective and is long-lasting.