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