Effexor - a strong cure from reuptake of serotin and norepinephrine - two neurotransmitters, that are the main causes of depression. Depression may be relieved by the correction of the imbalance of these two chemicals.
Effexor is a capsule that should be taken by mouth. It is usually taken with food once a day. Each capsule must be wholly swallowed with fluid without division, crushing, chewing, or with water, or it may be carefully opened and all the contents may be sprinkled on a spoonful of applesauce. Then you must immediately swallow this drug/food mixture without chewing. To completely ensure swallowing of the pletts the spoon must be followed with a glass of water.
A new class of anti-depressant medications Venlafaxine affects chemical messengers within the brain. They are called neurotransmitters. Here are some examples: serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. Neurotransmitters are produced and released by nerve cells. They travel from one nerve cell to another and make them less or more active. Experts think, that the cause of depression is an imbalance in these neurotransmitters, which also may play a role in anxiety. It is believed that Venlafaxine inhibits the release or affects the action of these neurotransmitters.The available release formulation of Venlafaxine (Effexor XR) was extended.
If you have missed the dose, take it as soon as you remember. But you must skip the missed dose, if it is almost time for the next one. Never take a doubled dose of the medication.
Venlafaxine must be stored at room temperature (68F to 77F or 20C to 25C). It also must be kept away from children.
Effexor Safety information
Tell your doctor about any medicines, over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements you're taking before you start treatment with Effexor. You must not take Effexor if you take MAOIs.If you are taking antidepressants, you must be watched closely because your condition may get worse or you may become suicidal, notably when the therapy is firstly started or when inccreasing or decreasing the dose. Also you should be watched for such signs as becoming agitated, irritable, hostile, impulsive or restless. If you notice such signs immediately report to your doctor. Blood pressure may be increased by Effexor, so you should look after your blood pressure regularly. Discontinuation sympthoms may occur if you suddenly stop using or decrease your daily dose of Effexor. Do not change your dose without consulting to your doctor. Effexor is prohibited to nursing or pregnant women without consulting to their doctor. Be careful driving a car or operating machinery until you see how Effexor affects you. Do not drink alcohol while taking Effexor.
Effexor Side effects
If you experience some of the following side effects, stop taking Venlafaxine and immediately contact your doctor for any emergency medical treatment: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); seizures; or an irregular heartbeat or severely high blood pressure (blurred vision, headache). It is more likely that some less serious side effects will occur. You may continue taking Effexor, but talk to your doctor if you are experiencing nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, abdominal pain, or loss of appetite or weight; dry mouth; drowsiness or dizziness; mild tremor, anxiety, or agitation; insomnia; abnormal dreams; sexual problems such as impotence, abnormal ejaculation, difficulty reaching orgasm, or decreased libido; sweating; yawning; or increase in blood cholesterol levels (detected by blood tests). Some other side effects may also occur. Talk to your doctor if there occurs some unusual or especially bothersome side effect.
