| Effexor is used primarily for the treatment | | | | effectiveness of the drug in helping |
| of depression, generalized anxiety disorder, | | | | depression. The black box warnings advise |
| and social anxiety disorder in adults. It is | | | | physicians to carefully monitor patients for |
| known as one of the most activating of the | | | | suicide risk at start of usage and whenever |
| newer antidepressants. While this can be | | | | the dosage is changed. Family members should |
| helpful to some, as a number of depressed | | | | be advised of this potentially fatal side |
| patients report feeling exhausted and | | | | effect so they may bring the patient to a |
| unmotivated, to others it poses the risk of | | | | hospital emergency for surveillance and |
| increased anxiety and agitation. | | | | protection. This drug is particularly risky |
| | | | for patients whose mental condition includes |
| Effexor is an effective antidepressant for | | | | poor impulse control such as Borderline |
| many persons; however, it seems to be | | | | Personality Disorder, and if there is |
| especially effective for those with | | | | comorbid substance abuse. |
| treatment-resistant depression. Some of these | | | | |
| persons have taken two or more | | | | Effexor is sometimes used for the treatment |
| antidepressants prior to Effexor with no | | | | of depressive phases of bipolar disorder. |
| relief. It has also been found to reduce the | | | | However, this has some potential danger, as |
| severity of 'hot-flashes' in menopausal | | | | Effexor can induce mania, mixed states, rapid |
| women. | | | | cycling and/or psychosis in some bipolar |
| | | | patients, particularly if they are not also |
| In addition, a September 2004 Consumer | | | | being treated with a mood stabilizer. |
| Reports study ranked Effexor as the most | | | | |
| effective among six commonly prescribed | | | | Another risk is developing Serotonin |
| antidepressants. However, this should not be | | | | syndrome. This is a serious effect that can |
| considered a definitive finding, and | | | | be caused by interactions with other drugs |
| responses to psychiatric medications vary | | | | and is potentially fatal. |
| significantly from individual to individual. | | | | |
| | | | Some common side effects of using Effexor |
| Substantial weight loss in patients with | | | | include: |
| major depression, generalized anxiety | | | | |
| disorder, and social phobia has been noted in | | | | * Insomnia |
| taking Effexor, but the manufacturer does not | | | | |
| recommend use as an anorectic either alone or | | | | * Nausea |
| in combination with phentermine or other | | | | |
| amphetamine-like drugs. | | | | * Sleepiness |
| | | | |
| As with most antidepressants, lack of sexual | | | | * Increased blood pressure |
| desire can be a very disturbing side-effect | | | | |
| for some persons. Effexor can raise blood | | | | * Vertigo |
| pressure at high doses, so it is usually not | | | | |
| the drug of choice for persons with high | | | | * Dry mouth |
| blood pressure. Effexor should not be used in | | | | |
| children. Caution should also be used in | | | | * Sexual dysfunction |
| those with a seizure disorder. | | | | |
| | | | * Dizziness |
| The energizing effect of the drug may come | | | | |
| unwanted to some, possibly leading to an | | | | * Vivid dreams |
| increased anxiety or depressed mind state. | | | | |
| While the specific modality of effect is not | | | | * Sweating |
| well understood, a Black Box Warning has been | | | | |
| issued with Effexor and with other SSRI and | | | | Disclaimer: The information presented here |
| SSRN anti-depressants advising of risk of | | | | should not be interpreted as medical advice. |
| suicidality. | | | | Please talk to your doctor for more |
| | | | information about Effexor. |
| Some studies have questioned the | | | | |