Effexor

If this drug sounds familiar, chances are, your doctor have already mentioned this to you. But just how effective is Effexor? What is it prescribed for and what are the side effects?

Effexor is generically named Venlafaxine – a major label of a drug also called antidepressant. Effexor is used to treat people with bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders and clinical depression. Effexor works by entering the body’s system and is absorbed by the liver. The therapeutic results of Effexor, according to medical experts, can be fully obtained after three to four weeks of treatment. However, half-life of Effexor is considered to be short, that is why patients need to observe stringent and prompt dosing. Doctors always insist on not missing out a single dose.

Doctors normally examine a patient before he prescribes Effexor. The patient must be checked of various conditions such as weight loss, suicidal tendencies, hypertension, kidney problem, liver problem, convulsion, allergic reactions to food and other drugs, breast feeding and pregnancy.

Effexor tablets are to be taken orally with a filled glass of water. Adhere to the doctor’s prescription and never allow skipping of dose. Check on the drug’s labeling to get further instructions on using Effexor. You may take Effexor with a healthy food. If you accidentally missed out on a dose, catch up the soonest time your remember just as long as it is not close to your next intake. Do not increase, decrease or cease Effexor treatment unless you are told so by your doctor.

Inform your doctor of any medication you are currently under. Drug interaction may occur with the following: excessive alcohol intake, almotriptan, sumatriptan, naratiptan, frovatriptan, rizatriptan and other migraine drugs, dextroamphetamine, cimetidine, linezolid, lithium drugs, furazolidone, drugs that regulate heartbeat, weight control pills, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine, procarbazine, anti-anxiety drugs, selegiline, hypericum perforatum and St. John’s wort.

On the first few weeks of the your treatment, you may experience some common side effects of Effexor, but if these side effects continue and reach intolerable levels of discomfort, see your doctor right away. The side effects are anxiety, dizziness, excessive sweating, drowsiness, drying of the mouth, constipation, nausea, weakness. In rare cases, the patient experiences difficulty in breathing, faintness, urination problems, unusual movement of some body parts, faster heartbeat, overactive behavior and blurry vision. Effexor impotence in sex is also a rare side effect, the patients lacks the sexual urge, experiences erectile pain and ejaculation problems. Do not stop treatment of Effexor right away or decrease your dosage to reduce side effects, consult with your doctor instead. If you display other side effects that are not mentioned, inform your doctor.

Regular check up is good while under Effexor medication. Your doctor will keep track of your progress until the fourth week of medication. If there are still no signs of development or positive results are already obtained within this period then your dosage will be adjusted. Reduce alcohol intake. Refrain temporarily from your usual routine like driving or other mind stressful chores.

Suicidal tendency is one feared result of Effexor misuse. Young patients who are taking Effexor may increase the chances of suicidal tendency. Adult patients can be affected too. This is certainly risky for patients who have previous records of suicide attempts. It is always good to have somebody around to watch you or a patient while taking Effexor medication. Serotonin syndrome is also one critical condition that could be a result of Effexor. If you take SSRIs, MAOIs or triptans, your chances of obtaining such syndrome is increased. Serotonin syndrome is often characterized by conditions like hallucination, agitation, confusion, fever, heartbeat irregularity and nausea.

Aside from strictly observing and following your doctor’s prescription, also, try to make sure to attend regular check up or laboratory test. Never miss out on a single session. This will help trace the progress of your medication. Proper rest and healthy diet should also accompany Effexor treatment, so ask your doctor about it.