My Depression Medication

Venlafaxine or Effexor is indeed one of the leading drugs nowadays that is normally prescribed for the treatment of depression.

Basically, it works by increasing the presence of the brain messenger chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine to prevent development or even occurrence of depression and the like.

Uses of Effexor

Effexor has actually a newly released variety or version – the Effexor XR (extended-release). And because of this, at present, it is not anymore just used to treat symptoms of depression but also even some of the abnormal anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder that is marked by persistent anxiety for a period of at least 6 months, and social anxiety disorder that is marked by a persistent fear of situations where in there’s a lot of people.

Common Side Effects

Effexor is indeed a very powerful drug capable of putting you in a miserable condition because of its side effects. Normally, its side effects last for some time and would really cause you quite a lot of pain and distress. In general, side effects of the regular Effexor is a little bit different from Effexor XR. However, there are also some side effects found common in two, just like:

• Abnormal ejaculation/orgasm
• Anxiety
• Blurred vision
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Impotence
• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Nervousness
• Sleepiness
• Sweating
• Tremor
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Weight loss

Special Considerations and Warnings

Effexor can’t actually be used together with MAO inhibitors because of some serious, at times even fatal reaction or complication; with some drugs that affect the central nervous system, like lithium; migraine medications known as triptans, narcotic painkillers, sleep aids; weight-loss products like tranquilizers, phentermine, antipsychotic medicines; other antidepressants that affect serotonin, like Prozac and Paxil; and herbal products because of some issues on blood levels.

Effexor on Pregnancy Issues

In general, Effexor can be used during pregnancy only if there’s a great need. Effexor when actually taken shortly prior to the delivery may cause the baby some withdrawal symptoms, that’s why doctors first and foremost outweigh the potential risk before actually prescribing it to pregnant women.

In case of nursing mothers, Effexor is also not normally advised as Effexor, just like most powerful drugs, also appears in breast milk and could actually cause some adverse, life-threatening effects on the nursing infant.