Facts About Effexor Depression Drug

Wyeth Pharmaceuticals produces Effexor, the brand name for the antidepressant venlafaxine. Effexor is a selective serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. The brain produces serotonin and norepinephrine, chemicals that make us feel good. When you suffer from depression, your brain cells use up these chemicals too quickly after they are released into the space between the nerve cells. When that happens, other brain cells don't get enough of the chemicals, and that causes the imbalance responsible for depression and other mood disorders. Effexor slows down the use of the chemicals, a process known as reuptake, and so gets all the cells the chemicals needed to function properly.

Conditions

• Effexor is used to treat major depression, anxiety and panic disorders. It is not used to treat bipolar or manic depression, as it may bring on episodes of mania. According to the Mayo Clinic, Effexor is not prescribed to people who just need a boost to help with the stress of everyday life. If you have been diagnosed with major depression (a depressed mood that goes on for at least two weeks and is so severe that it disrupts your life) or if you have a persistent and excessive sense of apprehension, Effexor may help.

Dosage

• If you have generalized anxiety or major depression, you probably will start off with the 75 mg Effexor dosage, increasing to 100 mg if needed. Patients with panic disorders start with the 37.5 mg dosage, and then increase to 50 mg if needed.
  Effexor must be taken at the same time each day with food and a glass of water. Effexor capsules must be swallowed, not dissolved in the mouth. Keep the capsules must out of intense cold or heat.

Effectiveness

• According to Drugs.com, it can take up to four weeks to notice a reduction in your symptoms. In some cases, patients have said they are able to sleep and eat better within one to two weeks of taking the drug. The amount of time it takes to see an improvement varies, so it's important to stick with the drug for at least four weeks.

Minor Side Effects

• The Mayo Clinic lists a number of side effects that do not warrant medical attention. These include strange dreams, impotence or loss of interest in sex, increased sweating, insomnia, dizziness and muscle tension. Wyeth notes that 3 percent of participants in clinical trials experienced changes in weight, while 3 percent also experienced some form of sexual dysfunction.

Severe Side Effects

• Though rare, some users experience fainting, swelling, difficulty breathing, suicidal thoughts, chest pain, cognitive impairment and heart palpitations. If you have allergies of any kind, or pre-existing conditions such as hyperthyroidism, kidney disease or epilepsy, let your doctor know. Any of these factors could set off dangerous side effects, such as seizures or a racing heartbeat.

Discontinuation

• Stopping Effexor cold turkey can be dangerous. Wyeth stresses that you must quit taking the drug gradually. The tapering process can take from a few weeks to a few months. Patients who have abruptly stopped taking the drug report changes in vision, severe headaches, vomiting, vertigo and verbal and physical aggression toward others.