Effexor XR and its Uses
Generic Effexor XR is an serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). Generic Effexor XR is a used to treat depression, generalized anxiety disorder (also called "GAD"), and social anxiety disorder in adults.
Generic Effexor XR seems to have the relative freedom from side-effects associated with the SSRIs [fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil), and fluvoxamine (Luvox)] and the impact on both serotonin and norepinephrine associated with the tricyclic antidepressants [amitriptyline (Elavil), imipramine (Tofranil), etc.].
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Working Mechanism of Effexor XR
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 acts 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. 5425051751686600 02/12 357
Generic Effexor XR 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, Generic Effexor XR helps relieve depression and anxiety.
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Effexor XR Dose
Missed Dose of Effexor XR
Take the missed dose of Effexor XR as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose of Effexor XR and take only the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of Effexor XR.
Excess Dose of Effexor XR
Generic Effexor XR in excess dose may show symptoms such as dizziness, drowsiness, numbness, nausea, irregular heartbeats, seizures, and unconsciousness.
Conditions for Storage of Generic Effexor XR
Store Generic Effexor XR at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Potencies of Generic Effexor XR
Effexor XR Tablets Effexor XR 37.5 mg, Effexor XR 75 mg & Effexor XR 150 mg
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- Generic Effexor XR must not be taken at the same time as, or within two weeks of taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). This includes MAOI antidepressants, eg phenelzine, tranylcypromine; the MAO-A inhibitor antidepressant, moclobemide; the MAO-B inhibitor for Parkinson's disease, selegeline; and the antibiotic linezolid. Conversely, an MAOI should not be started until at least one week after stopping Generic Effexor XR. This is because using these medication together can cause a serious and potentially life-threatening interaction.
- Generic Effexor XR may increase the blood levels of the following medication, and this may increase the risk of side effects from these medication:
- clozapine
- tricyclic antidepressants such as desipramine
- haloperidol
- Generic Effexor XR may decrease the blood level of the anti-HIV medicine, indinavir. This may possibly decrease the effectiveness of the indinavir, but the clinical importance of the interaction is not yet known.
- Cimetidine may increase the blood level of Effexor XR. This is not usually a problem, but if you are elderly or have impaired liver function you should be monitored more closely by your doctor if you are taking these two medication together.
- Generic Effexor XR may enhance the anti-blood-clotting effect of anticoagulant medicines, such as warfarin. If you are taking an anticoagulant your blood clotting time (INR) should be monitored when you start or stop taking Effexor XR medication.
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Contraindications with Effexor XR
Generic Effexor XR is contraindicated in the following:
- Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Children and adolescents under 18 years of age with major depression
- People who have taken monoamine-oxidase inhibitor antidepressants (MAOIs) in the last 14 days
- Allergy to one or any of its ingredients
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Generic Effexor XR should be used with caution in
- Decreased kidney function
- Decreased liver function
- Elderly people
- History of drug dependence or abuse
- History of fits (seizures), eg epilepsy
- History of mania
- Liver cirrhosis
- People also receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
- People at increased risk of bleeding
- People taking antipsychotic medicines
- People taking medicine to prevent blood clotting (anticoagulants, eg warfarin)
- People who have recently had a heart attack
- People with a known risk for closed-angle glaucoma
- Raised pressure in the eye (intraocular pressure), eg glaucoma
- Unstable heart disease
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Adverse effects with Effexor XR
The adverse effects associated with Generic Effexor XR are
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Difficulty in sleeping (insomnia)
- Drowsiness
- Confusion
- Sweating
- Disturbances of the gut such as diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain
- Visual disturbances
- Pins and needles (paraesthesia)
- Awareness of your heartbeat (palpitations)
- Dizziness
- Weakness or loss of strength (asthenia)
- Weight changes
- Nervousness
- Bleeding from the stomach or intestine
- Sexual problems
- Skin reactions such as rash and itch
- Abnormal dreams
- Increased bleeding time
- Pain in the muscles and joints
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