Effexor Information

Effexor

Effexor/ Venlafaxine is in a new class of anti-depressant medications that affects chemical messengers within the brain. These chemical messengers are called neurotransmitters, and some examples are serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Neurotransmitters are manufactured by nerve cells and are released by the cells. The neurotransmitters travel to nearby nerve cells and cause the cells to become more or less active. Many experts believe that an imbalance in these neurotransmitters is the cause of depression and also may play a role in anxiety. Venlafaxine is believed to work by inhibiting the release or affecting the action of these neurotransmitters. Venlafaxine is available in an extended release formulation (Effexor XR).

Venlafaxine is prescribed for the treatment of depression, depression with associated symptoms of anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, and social anxiety disorder. Effexor XR is approved for the treatment of adults with panic disorder.

What's inside Effexor

Recent Effexor Side Effects

Posted by blythe007 4 months ago
I have been taking effexor for about 7 years now. I take 300 mg daily. I have had a very positive experience but would like to say that it is really important to take at the same time daily. On the weekends when I tend to sleep in I have missed taking it for several hours and you will be able to tell. I will feel light headed and just not good, and if for some reason you miss a dose entirely you will definitely notice as you will feel terrible and have like a brain buzz....sounds weird but not sure how to explain. My point is that I have had a great experience but also know that it is super important to take at the same time daily, and not to miss a dose.

Posted by vix52 4 months ago
Hey there! I have been on Venlafaxine/Effexor for 5 months now and have steadily had my dosage increased (I now take 150mg in the morning and 75mg at night) and I can say that out of all the other antidepressants that I've taken (Prozac, citalopram, sertraline) this is the one for me. Yes I did have some side effects such as slight nausea in the beginning but the one that gets me is sweating, and I mean I sweat a lot! But for me it is worth it so I am not an irritable, bed ridden depressive and I actually want to go out and enjoy life with my son. Effexor is the best medication I have come across for relieving the crushing anxiety that I felt in my chest and has really helped with OCD symptoms. It has taken me 3 years to come across this medication after numerous fails with the other meds, which in turn (on each occasion) made me doubt pharmaceuticals and my doctor, but if you are suffering on this drug then change it, there are so many slight variations to anti-depressants the one for you is out there, don't suffer in silence, just be brave and keep trying because when you find the one your quality of life will be unbelievably better. Much love and strength to you all

Posted by oyster 6 months ago
I was scripted this med today, along with Lamotrigine and Seroquel, in an attempt to overcome intense panic attacks, insomnia and anger issues associated with post traumatic stress disorder. I took all three, as prescribed, around 1pm today, and immediately took a 6 hour nap. I NEVER nap. I woke up around 7pm with the worse nausea and vomited up everything I had for lunch that day. I was dizzy and hot. I fell back asleep around 10pm, and awoke again at 3am to vomit up anything that could have been left in there. I feel like I've taken a strong psychedelic drug. I started this in an attempt to help me function in normal social situations but I don't see how that is possible when the walls are covered in intensely colored visual pattering and my computer screen is waving around as I write this. This drug sucks, I'm going to punch that shrink in the face.

Effexor in the News

AAPM: Drug for Fibromyalgia Boosts Multiple Outcomes - MedPage Today
AAPM: Drug for Fibromyalgia Boosts Multiple OutcomesMedPage TodayMilnacipran is chemically similar to the antidepressant venlafaxine (Effexor). However, milnacipran has three times the power to inhibit norepinephrine ...and more »
Fri Feb 05 20:23:56 +0000 2010

Stopping antidepressants? Go slowly, avoid symptoms - Chicago Tribune
Chicago TribuneStopping antidepressants? Go slowly, avoid symptomsChicago Tribune... I was able to reverse the 'brain zaps' I had when stopping Effexor XR, and then I came off the Prozac slowly with no withdrawal symptoms. ...
Sat Jan 23 09:47:10 +0000 2010

James Cameron Is Making People Sad - PW-Philadelphia Weekly (blog)
PW-Philadelphia Weekly (blog)James Cameron Is Making People SadPW-Philadelphia Weekly (blog)... appallingly bad — suggesting to me that the world is collapsing into a sea of poor taste. Even then, I think the Effexor will keep working.and more »
Tue Jan 12 21:30:12 +0000 2010

Effexor Chemical Information

venlafaxine hydrochloride - A synthetic ethyl-cyclohexanol derivative used for the treatment of depression, Venlafaxine Hydrochloride is metabolized to O-desmethylvenlafaxine, which potentiates CNS activity. Both venlafaxine and its active metabolite inhibit neuronal reuptake of norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin. (NCI04)