Effexor

Effexor (Venlafaxine) is used to treat depression, certain types of anxiety disorders, and panic disorders.  Venlafaxine hydrochloride (marketed as Effexor®) is a prescription antidepressant first introduced by Wyeth in 1993. It belongs to class of antidepressants called serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI).

Important Information on Venlafaxine

  • Indications: Depression, anxiety disorders, panic disorders
  • Side Effects: Nausea, constipation, headache, dizziness, sexual side effects
  • Warnings: Antidepressants increase the risk of suicidal thinking in behavior in children and adolescents with major depressive disorder and other psychotic disorders.

 
Uses for this Medicine
As of August 2006, generic venlafaxine is available in the United States, and as of December 2006, generic venlafaxine is available in Canada. It was previously available only under the brand names Effexor and Effexor XR. It is also available in the UK under both names.  Venlafaxine is FDA indicated for:

  • Generalized anxiety disorder
  • Major depressive disorder
  • Panic disorder
  • Social anxiety


When this Medicine Should Not be Used
Venlafaxine should not be used in patients who are currently taking an MAOI due to the increased risk of serotonin syndrome.
Allow at least 2 weeks between stopping an MAO inhibitor and starting of Effexor.
Wait at least 1 week after stopping Venlafaxine before starting an MAO inhibitor.
Effexor should not be used in patients that have a history of mania, seizures, or kidney problems.
Dosing
Venlafaxine is available in 25 mg, 37.5 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, and 100mg tablets. It also comes in 37.5 mg, 75 mg, and 150 mg extend-release capsules.
Dosing varies between the different conditions. Most patients are started on 37.5 mg to 75 mg daily. Doses are then adjusted as needed to help better treat the disorder.
Overdosing
No information
Side Effects
Common side effects:

  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Sleepiness
  • Sexual side effects
  • Sweating
  • Dry mouth
  • Gas
  • Abnormal vision
  • Nervousness
  • Insomnia
  • Loss of appetite
  • Constipation
  • Confusion/agitation
  • Tremor
  • Yawning
  • Irregular heartbeat

Drug Interactions

  • Alcohol
  • Fluoxetine
  • Citalopram
  • Sertraline
  • Amitriptyline
  • Doxepin
  • Phenelzine
  • Isocarboxzid
  • Lithium
  • Tramadol
  • Indinavir
  • Ketoconazole
  • Cimetidine

How this Medication Works
Venlafaxine works by increasing the amount of two chemicals, serotonin and norepinephrine, in the brain.
Increasing these chemicals helps the brain maintain a balanced mental state.
Discussion Points for You and Your Healthcare Provider
Serotonin syndrome is a potentially fatal condition caused by excess levels of the chemical serotonin in the brain. Some symptoms include agitation, coma, increased heart rate, nausea, and vomiting. Serotonin syndrome can occur when a patient is using Effexor in combination with other antidepressants (MAOIs), anti-inflammatory, or triptans, a class of medications used for patients with migraines.
Do not chew or crush capsules. Swallow capsule whole. If the capsule can not be swallowed, it can be opened and the contents may be sprinkled on soft food and swallowed without chewing. Follow with a glass of water to ensure complete swallowing of the pellets
Talk to your physician about all of the medications you are taking including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements
This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects. Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or other healthcare provider for more information.
More Information on this Medication