EffexorXR

Understanding EFFEXOR-XR



EFFEXOR-XR is believed to work by affecting the levels of 2 naturally occurring chemicals in the brain — serotonin and norepinephrine. Because EFFEXOR-XR works on these 2 chemicals, it is known as an SNRI, or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor.

The information on this site should not take the place of your doctor's advice or instructions. If you do not understand all of this information or want to know more about EFFEXOR-XR, ask your doctor or health care professional.



Important Safety Information about EFFEXOR-XR

Suicide in Children and Teenagers

Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children and teenagers. Patients who are started on therapy should be observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior. EFFEXOR-XR (venlafaxine HCl) is not approved for use in children and teenagers.

People taking MAOIs should not take EFFEXOR-XR. Adult and pediatric patients taking antidepressants should be watched closely for signs that their condition is getting worse or that they are becoming suicidal, especially when they first start therapy, or when their dose is increased or decreased. Patients should also be watched for becoming agitated, irritable, hostile, impulsive, or restless. Such symptoms should be reported to the patient's doctor right away. EFFEXOR-XR may raise blood pressure in some patients. Your blood pressure should be controlled before starting treatment and should be monitored regularly. When people suddenly stop using or quickly lower their daily dose of EFFEXOR-XR, discontinuation symptoms may occur. Talk to your doctor before discontinuing or reducing your dose of EFFEXOR-XR. Pregnant or nursing women shouldn't take any antidepressant without consulting their doctor. Before starting EFFEXOR-XR, tell your doctor about any medicines you're taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements. Until you see how EFFEXOR-XR affects you, be careful doing such activities as driving a car or operating machinery. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking EFFEXOR-XR. In clinical studies, the most common side effects with EFFEXOR-XR (reported in at least 10% of patients and at least twice as often as with placebo) were constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness, sexual side effects, sleepiness, sweating, and weakness. Ask your doctor if EFFEXOR-XR is right for you.

When beginning treatment with EFFEXOR-XR, there are 6 things you should know:

1. Change doesn't happen overnight. It usually takes 6 to 8 weeks to feel the full benefits of therapy. Try to be patient about the treatment process. Just as depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and social anxiety disorder do not develop overnight, it also takes time to feel better.

2. You may experience side effects. As with any medication, EFFEXOR-XR is associated with possible side effects. If you experience side effects, talk with your doctor.

3. EFFEXOR-XR works best when taken as prescribed. A good way to help ensure that you reach your goal of virtual elimination of symptoms is to take your medication every day, as instructed by your doctor. It is extremely important that you continue to take EFFEXOR-XR even if you start feeling better. That is how the medication will work best.

4. Open communication is essential for effective treatment. Make your doctor a partner in your treatment. It's important to communicate all of your symptoms. As your therapy progresses, talk with your doctor about how you are doing, and how you feel your treatment is going. Working together, you and your doctor can strive to help you achieve your goal of being virtually symptom-free.

5. It's important to track your progress. Relieving symptoms of depression takes time. But one way to see improvement is to chart your progress. Think about keeping a progress journal to write down any symptoms or side effects you may be experiencing. Also note how you feel from day to day. You can then share the information with your doctor. It can help determine how well you are responding to therapy.

6. Adult and pediatric patients taking antidepressants should be watched closely for signs that their condition is getting worse or that they are becoming suicidal, especially when they first start therapy, or when their dose is increased or decreased. Patients should also be watched for becoming agitated, irritable, hostile, impulsive, or restless. Such symptoms should be reported to the patient's doctor right away.

You can find more information about this article at: http://www.crdrx.com

Hydrocodone,Lortab,Vicodin,10-325,Norco,Vicoprofen,Xanax,Alprazolam,Diazapam,rx,crdrx,online pharmacy,Anxiety Motivation Clinics,consultation,Pain Medication