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Venlafaxine HCL

 

Venlafaxine HCL (generic Effexor) Review

brand name: Effexor
generic names: Venlafaxine, Venlafaxine hydrochloride

How does it work?

Efexor tablets contain the active ingredient venlafaxine hydrochloride, which is a type of antidepressant known as a serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) . This type of medicine acts on nerve cells in the brain.

In the brain there are numerous different chemical compounds called neurotransmitters. These act as chemical messengers between the nerve cells. Serotonin and noradrenaline are two such neurotransmitters and have various functions that we know of.

When serotonin and noradrenaline are released from nerve cells in the brain they act to lighten mood. When they are reabsorbed into the nerve cells, they no longer have an effect on mood. It is thought that when depression occurs, there may be a decreased amount of serotonin and noradrenaline released from nerve cells in the brain.

Venlafaxine works by preventing serotonin and noradrenaline from being reabsorbed back into the nerve cells in the brain. This helps prolong the mood lightening effect of any released serotonin and noradrenaline. In this way, venlafaxine helps relieve depression. It is also helpful for relieving depression that is accompanied by anxiety.

Once you are feeling better, your doctor will usually ask you to continue taking this medicine to minimise the chances of your depression coming back, or to prevent you from becoming depressed in the future. The length of time you take the medicine will vary from person to person, but should be for at least six months after things are back to normal.

It may take between two to four weeks for the benefits of this medicine to appear, so it is very important that you keep taking it, even if it doesn't seem to make much difference at first. If you feel your depression has got worse, or if you have any distressing thoughts or feelings in these first few weeks, then you should talk to your doctor.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•anorexia or weight loss
•attempted suicide
•high blood pressure or heart problems
•kidney disease
•liver disease
•mania or bipolar disorder
•seizures (convulsions)
•suicidal thoughts or a previous suicide attempt
•an unusual or allergic reaction to Venlafaxine (Effexor), other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding

Do NOT use Venlafaxine (Effexor) if:

• you are taking a fenfluramine derivative (eg, sibutramine, dexfenfluramine), or tryptophan
• you are taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, selegiline, phenelzine), or St. John's wort within the last 14 days
• you are allergic to any ingredient in Venlafaxine (Effexor)

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Overdosage

An overdose of Effexor, combined with other drugs or alcohol, can be fatal. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

• Symptoms of Effexor overdose include:
  Sleepiness, seizures, low blood pressure, rapid or slow heartbeat, vertigo, coma

What is it used for?

• Depressive illness , including depression associated with anxiety .
  
  

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is less than two hours to your next dose, take only that dose and skip the missed dose. Do not take double or extra doses.