Effexor

Effexor is an antidepressant drug which is used in the treatment of anxiety, panic, and depressive disorders. Effexor is available in generic form, under the name venlafaxine. Effexor is available in tablet form, and also in capsule form as an extended-release version called Effexor XR.

Side effects of Effexor range from minor, such as drowsiness, nausea, and headache, to more serious, such as fainting, seizure, and increased bleeding or bruising. Some patients also report sexual dysfunction, such as impotence, as a side effect. Notify your doctor if you experience minor side effects, and seek immediate medical care if you have any major side effects or allergic reaction to Effexor. Effexor is a class "C" drug, so women who are pregnant should not take it without discussing the risks with their doctor. Effexor may be especially harmful in the third trimester of pregnancy. Women who are breastfeeding should also discuss Effexor use with their doctor before taking the medication. Taking Effexor and using alcohol is not recommended. Your doctor should be made aware of any medical conditions you have, especially liver or kidney disease, bipolar disorder, or seizure-causing conditions such as epilepsy. You may not be able to take Effexor if you have these conditions, or your doctor may need to lower your dosage. Patients on certain medications, such as MAOI drugs, also may not be able to take Effexor. Even common drugs such as Tagamet may interact poorly with Effexor, so your doctor must be told about any medications you are taking. Patients may experience suicidal thoughts when they first start taking Effexor. Children under 18 seem to be especially prone to this side effect. Tell your doctor if these thoughts do not go away or if they worsen. Seek immediate help if you feel as though you may act on such thoughts.

Effexor must be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Overdose is possible, and the symptoms of overdose are seizures and heart irregularities. Death may occur at large doses. If you feel you have overdosed on Effexor, do not ignore your symptoms. Get medical attention right away. Sudden withdrawal from Effexor or Effexor XR may cause symptoms such as mood changes, headache, insomnia, or even seizures. Do not stop taking Effexor or decrease your dosage without your doctor's approval. He or she will likely want to gradually reduce your dosage to try to avoid or minimize your withdrawal symptoms. Do not use or purchase Effexor without a prescription, so that your condition is properly monitored.