Effexor (Venlafaxine)

What is Generic Effexor?

It is a drug belonging to a large group of antidepressants. It is used for curative therapy, to prevent the depression of various etiologies. Moreover, the capsule can be used in case of anxiety, both to treat and to prevent.

Existing reviews about Effexor which leaves patients with experience in taking the drug can form an objective evaluation of the quality of the drug. Thus, it is confirmed its effective action aimed at the treatment.

The drug is expressed in the possibility of potentiating the process of transmission of nerve impulses to the central nervous system. The active substance of Effexor is: strong inhibitors of the reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin, norepinephrine and weak enough inhibitors of dopamine reuptake.

As indicated by manufacturers, dependence or addiction to the drug does not occur in the treatment. Sometimes the exchange of components of the drug can affect some complex disorders and liver disease.

In what kind of disease treatment Effexor is helpful?

The main indications for use of Effexor are depressions as a therapy or as a prophylactic agent of repeated episodes.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take Generic Effexor?

Effexor has several contraindications:

• In severe violations of the kidneys;
• In case of damage of the liver;
• In the treatment with monoamine oxidase inhibitors;
• Patients younger than 18 years;
• During pregnancy and lactation;
• With high sensitivity or intolerance to components in the composition of medication.

Patients should be extremely careful during curative therapy in the following cases:

• In convulsions;
• Myocardial infarction;
• In hypertension;
• Angina of the unstable nature;
• In tachycardia;
• In closed angle glaucoma;
• In hanged intraocular pressure;
• With manic states in history;
• With a small body weight.

How should I take Effexor?

Capsules are also intended for oral use. It is necessary to swallow it and drink plenty of fluids. It is desirable to receive Effexor during meals, without chewing.

The daily dosage is 1 capsule; doctors recommend taking it at the same time. Usually, from the beginning of therapy there is a gradual increase in the dose and decrease the dosage by the end.

Dosage information

Stable dosage is 75 mg per day and it may be divided into two portions. In special cases, when a patient has severe depression or in case if after several weeks it is not seen significant improvement then the doctor may prescribe 150 mg of Effexor and also it can be divided into 2 doses. Possible immediately begin of reception with volume of 150 mg if the doctor considers that the severity of the disease requires a dosage. For stronger therapeutic effect of the dosage it can be increased to 75 mg every 2-3 days.

The largest allowable dose of Effexor per day is 350 mg. With the positive dynamics of treatment, the dose is gradually reduced; in the end you must use only the minimum amount of Effexor.

Medical therapy which will support the patient can last for about 6 months. In mild violations it is consumed in the smallest dosage.

In the case of renal failure:

In mild renal insufficiency: 30 ml;

The average degree of deficiency: 10-30 ml;

Severe renal insufficiency: 10 ml (doctor treatment is not advised).

What may interact with Effexor?

The drug increases the effects of alcohol on the CNS. It is contraindicated in joint appointment with MAO. With haloperidol amplifies its effect but Clozapine entails the development of side effects.

Cimetidine inhibits the metabolism of Venlafaxine so noted a slight increase in the pharmacological activity of the drug.

When you take it with Indinavir then may be changed the pharmacokinetic characteristics of the latter, the pharmacokinetics of Venlafaxine is not changed.

What should I watch for while taking Effexor?

Abrupt discontinuation of the drug may contribute to the withdrawal syndrome, so we need to gradually reduce the dose before the cessation of medication.

With depressive disorders are probable suicide attempts. To prevent this, it is advisable to start with minimal doses and under careful medical supervision.

To avoid symptoms of side effects and achieve maximum effectiveness in the treatment of drug it is necessary to adhere strictly to the dosage and course of treatment prescribed by the attending specialist.

During medical treatment doctors advise women to take strong contraceptives to avoid pregnancy. In case of pregnancy the patient should stop its using and seek medical advice.

All safety measures must be observed for elderly patients. In most cases, they are prescribed the lowest dosage.

Doctors strongly recommend at the end of therapy to continue the treatment for a further 7 days use of Effexor in the form of maintaining the body. Duration of the "support" therapy depend on the dosage during treatment and the duration of the treatment process.

In some cases, a patient during treatment may manifest aggression attacks. Effexor also causes mental stimulation.

During long-term treatment the doctor must take control of the level of serum cholesterol.

Treating requires the patient to refrain from driving and other activities that require high concentration.

What side effects may I notice from Generic Effexor?

Patients may experience disorders of such systems:

• Cardiovascular;
• Central and peripheral nervous system;
• Urinary system;
• Digestive System;
• Musculo-skeletal system;
• The sexual system;
• Violation of the senses;
• Various allergic reactions.

The following side effects may be observed in patients (also in case of decrease of dosage):

• Loss of appetite;
• Unusual dreams;
• Ejaculation disorders;
• Sweating;
• Arterial hypertension;
• Weakness, fatigue;
• Reduction in body weight;
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Insomnia, drowsiness;
• Severe headaches
• Disturbance of accommodation.

 Those effects pass very quickly without causing serious harm to the patient.

Where can I keep Effexor?

Effexor should be kept in a dry, dark place and away from children. Capsules can be used in 3 years from the date of producing.