Effexor XR

What is Effexor XR?

Effexor XR is the extended release form of Effexor. The generic equivalent is known as Venlafaxine hydrochloride. This drug is used to treat symptoms of depression, but it is also routinely used to treat anxiety, panic attacks and social fears.

Effexor EX is designed to help alleviate the following symptoms…

• Changes in appetite
• Changes in sleep habits
• Decreased sex drive
• Difficulty concentrating
• Fatigue
• Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• Impaired thinking
• Increased fatigue
• Irritability
• Mind/body coordination issues
• Restlessness
• Sleep disturbances
• Suicidal thoughts

Important information about Effexor XR

MAO inhibitors should not be used in conjunction with Effexor XR. Patients should wait two weeks without the use of MAO inhibitors before using this drug. They should also wait at least a week after the discontinuation of use before using an MAO inhibitor again. This warning should not be minimized. Fatalities can occur when combining these two drugs.

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What to avoid while taking Effexor XR

This drug may not work well with other medications used to treat the central nervous system. It may also lower the blood pressure of HIV patients who use the drug indinavir. Individuals with liver disease of high blood pressure may find a conflict between Effexor XR and cimetidine. While the drug does not interact with alcohol it remains the manufacturers recommendation that patients who use Effexor XR stay away from alcohol while using the medication.

Possible side effects of Effexor XR include, apprehension, abnormal ejaculation, constipation, dry mouth,  headache, lack of energy, nausea, sleepiness or sleeplessness, sweating, unusual dreams, vertigo, and, weight loss.

What do I do if I overdose on Effexor XR?

Some of the symptoms of overdose include low blood pressure, sleepiness, vertigo, rapid or slow heartbeat, coma or seizures. Medical attention should be sought when it is suspected that an overdose has occurred. The same is true in the event Effexor XR is taken with drugs that may provide a negative interaction.

Warnings

Effexor XR should not be used by anyone younger than 18 years of age due to the fact that this drug has shown to bring about suicidal thinking in some patients. While it can be effective in reducing anxiety, fear and depression you and your doctor will need to discuss the risks and benefits involved in the use of the drug.

Caregivers are encouraged to monitor patient behavior and help identify problems with the treatment using Effexor XR.

In some patients fluid retention and elevated cholesterol have been noted in those using this drug.

While not medically habit forming there can be a psychological addiction to Effexor XR and doctors may elect to reduce the level of use over time when a change in health management is needed.

Where can I get more information?

Wyeth Pharmaceuticals is the manufacturer of Effexor XR and provides a helpful guide to the drug here. A more complete manufacturer’s guide can be found here. The FDA supplies a report here. You will need an Adobe Acrobat reader to view these files. You can freely download this software here.