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Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) Prescription
Effexor (Venlafaxine) is an antidepressant in a group of selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It is used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, and panic disorder. Effexor is appropriate for persons with retarded depression, atypical depression, comorbid anxiety, and for those who do not respond or remit on SSRIs. Occasionally, Venlafaxine is prescribed "off-label" for fibromyalgia, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or perimenopausal hot flashes. The nasty thing about venlafaxine is frequent nausea. According to the studies, about 50% of people experience nausea during the first 8 weeks. Venlafaxine hydrochloride comes in two formulations: immediate-release (Effexor) and extended-release (Effexor XR). Extended-release form offers the convenience of once-daily dosing and may be better tolerated (less nauseous). Venlafaxine (Generic Effexor XR)
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Mechanism of action Venlafaxine has a dual mechanism of action. It works by altering the neurotransmission of serotonin and norepinephrine, two important neurotransmitters in the brain. Venlafaxine's degrees of inhibition of serotonin reuptake versus noradrenaline reuptake are dose dependent. At low doses (<150 mg/day), venlafaxine acts like the SSRIs. At intermediate to high doses, the additional effects on noradrenaline reuptake become more substantial. Thus, nonresponders at lower doses should try higher doses to be assured of dual SNRI action. How long it takes for Effexor to work? It has quick onset of effect and may work faster than Wellbutrin, Celexa, Cymbalta, or Prozac. But it may take several weeks before you begin to feel better. If it is not working within 6-8 weeks for depression, it may require a dosage increase or it may not work at all. However for anxiety, improvements may still occur after 8 weeks, and for up to 6 months after initial dose. Once symptoms are gone and remission is achieved, you may continue taking Effexor for up to 1 year to escape from future relapses of depression. Dosage Effexor XR For both depression and anxiety, the usual starting dose is 75 mg once daily taken with food, although some people begin with 37.5 mg for the first 4 to 7 days. The dose may be gradually increased, in steps of no more than 75 mg, up to a maximum of 225 mg daily. Do not divide, crush, or chew the capsule. However, if you have trouble swallowing, you may carefully open it and sprinkle the entire contents on a spoonful of applesauce, followed by a glass of water. Venlafaxine The usual starting dose is 75 mg a day, divided into 2 or 3 smaller doses, and taken with food. If needed, the dose may be gradually increased in steps of no more than 75 mg at a time up to a maximum of 37.5 mg per day. If you have kidney or liver disease, you will need a dosage adjustment. Effexor Withdrawal Effexor is known for horrible withdrawal symptoms. Taking it in the evening if it is usually taken in the morning or forgetting to take the dose just once may induce sudden and severe physical and mental disturbances. It is hard to come off Effexor without efforts. Venlafaxine requires very gradual tapering off before completely stopping it. Here are several tips how to cope with Effexor disaster. Some persons tolerate 50% dose reduction for 3 days, then another 50% reduction for 3 days, and then discontinuation. If withdrawal symptoms are intolerable, venlafaxine may need to be tapered over many months. Try to reduce dose by 1% every 3 days by crushing tablet and dissolving in 100 mL of fruit juice, and then disposing of 1 mL while drinking the rest; 3-7 days later, dispose of 2 mL, and so on. This is both a form of very slow biological tapering and a form of behavioral desensitization. If you are looking for Effexor without a prescription, you should have clear indications for its use and be aware of potential side effects. Venlafaxine is not appropriate for those who are sensitive to nausea, with borderline or uncontrolled hypertension or with cardiac disease. Concomitant use with MAOIs is contraindicated. |
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