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Generic Name : VENLAFAXINE

ABSTRACT –

The drug is used to treat the symptoms of depression and anxiety. It boosts the energy level and improves the mood to help the patients restore their interest in daily activities. Effexor is also called as serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). The drug helps the patients by maintaining a balance between the natural substances in the brain, mainly serotonin and norepinephrine. The medications also reduces fear, social anxiety disorder, unwanted thoughts and panic attacks rising from the brain.

DOSAGE –

• Effexor has to be taken as directed by the doctors.
• Adult dosages:

Oral Tablets- 37.5 mg orally twice a day or 25 mg orally 3 times a day

SIDE EFFECTS –

• Lack or loss of strength
• Severe headache
• Sweating
• Blurred vision
• Chest pain
• Fast or irregular heartbeats
• Mood changes
• Ringing or buzzing in the ears
• Suicidal thoughts

RARE SIDE EFFECTS:

• Actions that are out of control
• Seizures
• High fever
• Itching or skin rash
• Lightheadedness or faintness
• Menstrual changes
• Nervousness
• Problems with urinating or holding urine
• Severe muscle stiffness
• Breathlessness
• Pale skin

DRUG INTERACTIONS –

• Amoxapine
• Bedaquiline
• Crizotinib
• Doxepin
• Fentanyl
• Ivabradine
• Mesoridazine
• Nilotinib
• Paroxetine
• Rizatriptan
• Trazodone
• Zolmitriptan

Effexor has major interactions with 132 different drugs.

MODERATE DRUG INTERACTIONS –

• Aldesleukin
• Atazanavir
• Brivaracetam
• Cetirizine
• Clotrimazole
• Diazepam
• Halothane
• Isavuconazonium
• Lenvatinib
• Midostaurin
• Oxaliplatin
• Oxaprozin
• Pregabalin
• Urokinase

Effexor has moderate interactions with 461 different drugs.

PRECAUTIONS –

• Pharmacist must be consulted before the consumption of this drug as it contains components and inactive ingredients which may lead to allergic reactions.
• Any medical history related to high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, thyroid or any family history of glaucoma should be discussed beforehand.
• Since this drug makes a person dizzy so activities like driving and others which needs more attention should be avoided.
• Patients must be under continuous communication and supervision of their family or caretakers during drug course.
• Smoking and alcohol consumption should be prevented.

PREGNANCY AND LACTATION WITH EFFEXOR:

• Use of Effexor in pregnancy may be acceptable only if the benefits exceed the risks involved.
• Studies in animal pregnancy have shown adverse effects on fetus. But no adequate studies have been found in humans to access the damage involved.
• Do not nurse while on drug course, as this drug may transfer through breast milk and may harm a newborn.
• Pregnant women who take this medicine in the last three months of pregnancy might give birth to children having withdrawal symptoms in breast feeding and constant crying.

WARNINGS –

• The drug is not advised to be used with pediatric patients.
• Antidepressant drugs in some cases increases the risk of suicidal thoughts.
• One of the major consequences of using this medicine for long is hypersensitivity.
• Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.