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