Venlafaxine belongs to the class of antidepressant and anxiolytic medications known as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It is used to treat major depressive disorder, anxiety, and panic disorder. Venlafaxine affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression. This medication works on the central nervous system (CNS) to elevate the mood in people with depression by increasing the amount of two chemicals called serotonin and norepinephrine, which are available in certain parts of the brain. Symptoms may begin to improve within two weeks of starting venlafaxine, but it may take several weeks before the full beneficial effects of this medication are felt.
Manufacturer Information
We currently have the brand (is also known as Efexor-XR) from Turkey and the generic from India and UK. It may come from other international suppliers. Effexor XR is available in capsule form and strengths of: 37.5 mg, 75 mg, 150 mg, and 225 mg.
Seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
• Agitation, hallucinations, fever, fast heart rate, overactive reflexes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of
coordination;
• Cough, chest tightness, trouble breathing;
• Easy bruising;
• Headache, slurred speech, severe weakness, and muscle cramps, feeling unsteady, fainting, shallow
breathing (breathing may stop);
• Seizure (convulsions);
• Very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling
like you might pass out
Common side effects include:
• Blurred vision;
• Changes in appetite or weight;
• Decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm;
• Drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, feeling nervous;
• Dry mouth;
• Increased sweating;
• Mild nausea, constipation
Antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in children, teenagers, and young adults. However, depression and certain other mental problems may also increase the risk of suicide. Speak to your doctor to make sure that the benefits of using the medication outweigh the risks. There may be an interaction between venlafaxine and other medications such as alcohol, anticoagulants (e.g. warfarin), clozapine, dextromethorphan, lithium, metoprolol, tramadol, etc. Consult with your doctor if you are taking any of these medications.
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