Effexor (Venlafaxine Hydrochloride)
Brand Names: Effexor, Effexor XR
Related Medications: Abilify, Aplenzin, Desyrel, Dexedrine Spansule, Elavil, Fetzima, Khedezla, Lexapro, Librax, Librium, Niravam, Nuvigil, Parnate, Pexeva, Pristiq, Provigil, Prozac, Serzone, Viibryd, Vivactil, Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, Zoloft
Tips on Taking Effexor Safely
Effexor is one of the most popular meds taken by patients to treat depression because it works improving their energy and mood levels while restoring their
interest in everyday living. This medicine belongs to SNRIs, and it acts restoring the natural balance of such chemicals as norepinephrine and serotonin in
the brain. Sometimes, Effexor is also taken to treat such conditions as nerve pain, anxiety, hot flashes and panic attacks.
How to Use It Correctly
It’s necessary to take Effexor orally 2-3 times a day with meals and according to recommendations of doctors. The right dosage is always based on a
particular health condition that must be treated, and patients should start with a lower dose to reduce the risk of developing unwanted side effects. In
rare cases they may develop such annoying symptoms as mood swings, unusual tiredness, sleeping changes and confusion while undergoing this treatment.
Other Side Effects
Like other available pills, the use of Effexor may result in experiencing certain adverse effects, such as:
However, most of those patients who take this medicine don’t have any of these symptoms. In very rare cases they may end up with more serious side effects,
including:
Besides, Effexor may boost serotonin levels and result in its toxicity, and this medical condition is characterized by such signs as losing coordination,
hallucinations, fever and agitation. Allergic reactions to its components are rare, but if patients notice such symptoms as itching, rash, swelling,
dizziness and others, they need to call doctors.
Set of Basic Precautions
Before starting this treatment, physicians should be aware of allergic reactions of their patients and their medical history, especially if they have
bleeding and heart problems, hypertension and glaucoma, kidney and liver conditions, high cholesterol levels and seizures, etc. In addition, the intake of
Effexor may make people feel drowsy and dizzy, so that they shouldn’t perform any activity that requires their full alertness, and it’s not advisable to
consume any alcoholic beverages. For senior and minor patients, they can be more prone to developing side effects, while nursing and pregnant women are
allowed to take this medication only when it’s really needed.
Unwanted Drug Combinations
There are some meds that may interact with Effexor, so that their combinations are not recommended. For example, this can be said for NSAIDs, other pills
that cause bruising and bleeding, MAO inhibitors, blood thinners, street drugs, SSRIs, antihistamines, sleeping pills, pain relievers and a few others.