Generic Effexor

Effexor is generically prescribed as venlafaxine and is commonly used to treat the symptoms of major depressive disorders, anxiety disorder, and panic disorders. These disorders are typically caused by an imbalance in the brain which Effexor tries to correct. Effexor is a selective serotonin and norephedrine reuptake inhibitor, also called an SSNRI.

Effexor is not always appropriate for every patient. A thorough medical history should be part of a prescreening process prior to prescribing this medication. Any medical history which includes bipolar disorder, liver disease or cirrhosis of the liver, kidney disease, glaucoma, high blood pressure, seizures, epilepsy, a bleeding or blood clotting disorder, or high cholesterol may preclude a patient from taking Effexor, or may require the patient to undergo careful monitoring while taking this medication.

Some patients experience a worsening of symptoms when they start taking a have taken an antidepressant for a long period of time. Careful monitoring should be a requirement to all patients, and should include monitoring of significant mood changes, anxiety attacks, irritability, and general worsening of symptoms, thoughts of self harm, or thoughts of suicide.

The American Food and Drug Administration has determined that Effexor present a category C pregnancy risk, meaning that this medication may cause harm or birth defects to an unborn baby. Effexor is likely to pass through the mother’s breast milk and affect a nursing infant. The prescribing physician should not prescribe this medication to women who are pregnant, women who are nursing, or to women who are likely to become pregnant.

There is a risk of side effects associated with Effexor, some of which have the potential to be severe. A serious side effect or an allergic reaction will require immediate emergency medical assistance. Allergic reactions often include symptoms like facial swelling, or swelling of the lips, tongue, mouth, or throat, difficulty breathing, and hives. Other serious side effects which will require emergency care include severe headache with blurry vision (which may be a sign of increased blood pressure) or easy bruising, easy bleeding, restlessness, overactive reflexes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, hallucinations, lack of coordination, fainting, coma, convulsions, and extreme thirst with headache and nausea or vomiting and weakness.

Other side effects are typically les serious and usually do not require emergency medical care although they should be reported to the prescribing physician. Side effects such as insomnia, drowsiness, dizziness, nervousness, anxiety, increased sweating, dry mouth, mild nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation, sexual dysfunction, headaches, blurry vision, tremors, chills, changes in appetite, or changes in weight may be alleviated by a dosage change.

Medications should always be taken as directed. If the patient misses a dose of Effexor, it should be taken as soon as it is remembered. However, if it is nearing time for the next regularly scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped to avoid the possibility of an overdose. Symptoms of an overdose may include dizziness, sleepiness, nausea, vomiting, numbness, tingling in the hands, tingling in the feet, and possibly coma or death if the overdose is quite high, and requires immediate emergency medical attention. An overdose taken with alcohol is almost always fatal.

There is a chance of drug interactions associated with Effexor and a thorough medical history should rule out any medications which may cause interactions prior to prescribing Effexor. Medications with known interactions include cimetidine, warfarin, ketoconazole, trypophan, haloperidol, almotriptan, and other antidepressants. Patients should never take additional medications, including over the counter medications, vitamins, or herbal supplements, without first speaking to the prescribing physician.