Antidepressant Effexor XR

The other name used for this psychotropic medication is Venlafaxine. It belongs to the group of antidepressant drugs known as selective serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSNRIs). People suffering from depression, have chemical imbalances in the brain. This medication makes significant changes in the neurotransmitters present in the brain to minimize the symptoms associated with particularly depression, and other types of psychological disorders. Particularly the norepinephrine and serotonin are altered in the brain. It is also used for treating anxiety related disorders.

Uses of Effexor XR

As mentioned above, Effexor XR has several uses. They are:

• Major depressive disorder
• General anxiety disorder
• Panic disorder
• Social phobia
• Vasomotor symptoms

Some of the off-label uses involved are:

• Migraine phphylaxis
• Diabetic neuropathy
• Reducing the symptoms of hot flashes experienced by women in menopause.

Side-effects of Effexor XR

Any medication, especially a psychotropic one that can cross the BBB (Brain Blood Barrier) is supposed to bring about unnecessary side-effects along that may be severe in nature. The common ones are mentioned below:

Major Side-effects

• Severe headache
• Lack or loss of strength
• High level of blood pressure
• Sweating
• Chest pain
• Irregular or fast heartbeat
• Blurred vision
• Suicidal tendencies
• Buzzing or ringing inside the ears
• Mental or mood changes
• Convulsions
• Engaging in actions that cannot be controlled
• High fever
• Low or high blood pressure
• Nervousness
• Irritability
• Menstrual changes
• Severe level of muscle stiffness
• Trouble while breathing
• Pale skin
• Skin rash or irritability
• Difficulty in urinating or even holding the urine
• Dark urine
• Tarry, bloody, and black stools
• Agitation
• Diarrhoea
• Amount of urine is decreased
• Confusion
• Bloody urine
• Headache
• Restlessness
• Poor coordination
• Increased thirst
• Drowsiness
• General feeling of weakness or tiredness
• Nosebleeds
• Purple or red spots appearing on the skin
• Swelling on the fingers, hands, lower legs, or face
• Stomach pain
• Shivering
• Unusual bruising
• Twitching
• Yellow skin or eyes
• Vomiting blood
• Shaking or trembling that is not under control

Minor Side-effects

• Chills
• Diarrhoea
• Heartburn
• Abnormal dreams
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Gas or stomach pain
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Vomiting
• Weight loss
• Unusual weakness or tiredness
• Shaking or trembling
• Yawning

Contraindications

If any patient is suffering from any of the underlying medical conditions, he/she must not be allowed to use Effexor XR. They are:

• Suicidal thoughts
• Kidney impairment
• Mania in a mild degree
• Blood clotting disorder
• High blood pressure that cannot be controlled
• Weight loss
• Liver problems

Effexor XR and Pregnancy

Effexor XR is not really safe for an expecting mother; the doctor must be informed in advance in case the patient is planning to get pregnant. It has been assigned the pregnancy category B2 and C. Animal studies have shown potential risks.

Mode of Ingestion

Effexor XR is administered through the mouth.