Effexor Medication - Uses, Dosage, Warnings and Side Effects

Effexor is an antidepressant drug. It is created by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. Effexor is known as an SNRI (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor). It is belive by the medical researcher that it helps to treat depression and the associated symptoms of anxiety by affecting the level of two chemicals in the brain serotonin and norepinephrine . Since the drug is currently under patent, a generic will not be available until 2008 in America , and the European patent will hold until 2017.

Effexor Dosage

• The recommended initial dosage for Effexor is 75mg/day. Doctors tell that it should be given in two or three divided doses with food.
• Depending on tolerability and the need for further clinical effect, the dose may be increased to 150mg/day, increased further to 225mg/day if needed.

Uses of Effexor

• Effexor and Effexor SR are first approved to treat depression, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder.
• They have also been used to treat migraines, diabetic neuropathy, and hot flashes.
• Venlafaxine is also sometimes used to treat sudden strong feelings of heat and sweating in women who have experienced menopause('change of life'; the end of monthly menstrual periods) or who are taking medication to treat breast cancer.
• Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the risks of using venlafaxine to treat your condition.

Side Effects of Effexor

• Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction like skin rash or hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Headache, nausea, dry mouth, sweating, sleepiness or insomnia, and diarrhea or constipation, weight gain, loss of libido and a host of other sexual dysfunctions are also the side effect of effexor.

Warnings and precautions before taking Effexor:

Before starting Effexor, tell your doctor if you're taking, or plan to take, any prescription or over-the-counter drugs, including herbal preparations and nutritional supplements, since there is potential for serious interactions.

Drug Interaction

• If you are taking effexor with certain other drugs, then the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered.
• You should consult your doctor before combining effexor with other drugs that affect the central nervous system, such as lithium, weight-loss products such as phentermine, tranquilizers, and antipsychotic medicines such as Haldol, and other antidepressants such as Celexa, Prozac, Tofranil, and Zoloft.

Overdose

An overdose of Effexor, combined with other drugs or alcohol, can be fatal. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

Common s ymptoms of Effexor overdose include:

Sleepiness, vertigo, rapid or slow heartbeat, low blood pressure, seizures, coma

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