Buy Effexor XR

What is Effexor?

Effexor (generic: venlafaxine) is one of the newer drugs available to treat depression. Structurally different from other antidepressants, it affects two neurotransmitters (chemical messengers to the brain) involved in depression: serotonin and norepinephrine. Approved for use in the United States at the end of 1993, its novel chemical action and low incidence of side effects make it a significant addition to the range of drugs used to treat depression.

How is Effexor different from other antidepressants?

Effexor is a chemically unique antidepressant drug. Like the newer class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and setraline (Zoloft), it affects the absorption of serotonin. In addition, Effexor acts on the norepinephrine system. No other available drug affects both neurotransmitters without causing the side effects of the older tricyclic antidepressants.

Are there other advantages of Effexor?

Effexor is less likely to induce seizures, to have toxic effects on the heart, and to cause lethal reactions.

For what kind of patient would Effexor be appropriate?

Effexor is recognized as a front line option (that is, first time drug for patients who have recently become ill with depression, whether they are hospitalized or treated on an outpatient basis. It can also be useful for patients who have had long-standing depressive illness and have not responded adequately to previous treatments. Almost 40 percent of so-called refractory patients (those who have not had positive results from past treatment) have had success with Effexor. Patients who have benefited from other antidepressants but have had less than complete success may want to discuss switching to Effexor with their health professionals.

How long does it take to work?

Like most other drugs used for depression, Effexor may take several weeks before it is fully effective. It is important to give the drug sufficient time before judging whether it will work for a given person. There is evidence, however, that Effexor may take effect more quickly than other antidepressants.

Can Effexor be taken with other drugs?

Effexor does not interact significantly with many other drugs, including lithium, diazepam (Valium), and cimetidine (Tagamet, an anti-ulcer drug). However, patients taking cimetidine who have high blood pressure or liver disease or are elderly should use caution in taking Effexor because the interaction can be more pronounced when these disorders are present.

Effexor definitely should not be taken at the same time as the MAOIs (such as Parnate or Nardil). Interactions with these compounds could be lethal. Patients who have been taking an MAOI and are switching to Effexor must allow sufficient time (usually 14 days) for the MAOI to clear out of the body. The same time should be allowed if changing from Effexor to an MAOI. However, switching from Effexor to other drugs is easy because Effexor is quickly removed from the body.

What is the standard dose?

The dose range is generally between 75 and 375 mg per day. The average effective dose is about 125 to 150 mg per day. Higher doses are necessary for sicker patients. It is recommended that the total dose be divided into two or three doses per day and taken with food. Dosage adjustments for elderly people are not usually necessary.

Will Effexor work for everyone?

No. Everyone responds to drugs differently. Effexor will work well for some people, and not so well for others. It is important to give the drug a trial of several weeks and to be in close communication with your health professional about signs of effectiveness, side effects, and personal factors affecting one’s response to the drug.