Can Symptoms Occur If Effexor Is Discontinued
Itâs important not to discontinue use of the drug before talking with your doctor. Withdrawal symptoms of Effexor can include anxiety, agitation, vertigo, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, sleep problems, nightmares, headache, fatigue, and dry mouth. If the drug needs to be discontinued, it should be done very slowly over months if at all possible.
Missing A Dose Or Taking Too Much
Just missing one dose may trigger dysphoria, which is a state of anxiety, depression, or unease.
A missed dose should be taken as soon as the person remembers to take it, but if it is nearly time for the next dose, they should skip the missed dose.
No more than one extended-release capsule should be taken in one day.
Taking too much can lead to the following symptoms:
- dizziness, nausea, and vomiting
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How To Take It
You will usually take standard tablets twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening.
You will usually take slow release tablets or capsules once a day. You can take them at any time as long as you stick to the same time every day. If you have trouble sleeping, it’s best to take it in the morning.
How Does Venlafaxine Work
Venlafaxine is from a class of medications called SNRIs . SNRIs work by inhibiting serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake in the brain, thereby increasing these mood-enhancing chemicals’ levels. SSRIs , a similar medication, only work on serotonin and not norepinephrine.
Venlafaxine takes four to six weeks to build up in your system and reach full effectiveness. For this reason, it is critical to take the medication exactly as prescribed. Venlafaxine comes in both immediate and extended-release forms. Some key points to remember when taking this medication include:
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for the next dose
- Do not take two doses at once due to the risk of overdose
- Taking the medication with food can help prevent nausea
- Do not stop taking if it does not seem to work in the first few weeks allow time for your body to adjust
- Do not stop taking the medication cold-turkey, or risk withdrawal symptoms
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Mental Markers Of Depression
People with depression may:
- Be hopeless, assuming that nothing positive will happen in the future for themselves, for others, or for the world
- Believe it is not worth trying to think or feel differently, because of this hopelessness
- Feel worthless, as if who they are or what they do is not valuable
- Think about death due to a persistent belief that life is not worth living or that the individual is a burden on others. In cases of moderate to severe depression, more specific suicidal thoughts can be present.
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Feel hopeless about themselves, others, the world
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Believe it is not worth trying
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Think about death due to a persistent belief that life is not worth living
In major depressive disorder , these types of thoughts are persistent most of the day and more days than not for weeks on end. If a person vacillates between a very low and very high mood state, then a diagnosis of bipolar disorder may apply. For any variant of a mood disorder, the low mood state is likely to be characterized by the type of thinking described above.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database.
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How Does Effexor Work For Anxiety
As mentioned above, Effexor is a type of antidepressant and antianxiety medication called a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor . SNRIs work by boosting the levels of two neurotransmitters that help regulate moodâin this case, serotonin and norepinephrineâby stopping them from being reabsorbed into the neurons in your brain.
Effexor is available in immediate and extended release formulas:
- Effexor/venlafaxine tablet
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How Long Does Effexor Take To Work
It can take a number of weeks to notice symptom improvements after you start Effexor.
Continue to take the medication as prescribed and do not stop without consulting your doctor.
If you do not feel benefits after several weeks, you can discuss alternative medications or doses with a medical professional.
What Should I Do If I Overdose On Effexor
An overdose of Effexor could be fatal, so seek immediate help or call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 if you overdose. Overdose symptoms can include dizziness, vomiting, nausea, muscle pain, sleepiness, hot and cold spells, tingling or numbness in hands and feet, increased pupil size, seizures, changes in heartbeat, and coma.
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Are There Different Types Of Depression
If you are given a diagnosis of depression, you might be told that you have mild, moderate or severe depression. This describes what sort of impact your symptoms are having on you currently, and what sort of treatment youre likely to be offered. You might move between mild, moderate and severe depression during one episode of depression or across different episodes.
There are also some specific types of depression:
- Seasonal affective disorder depression that occurs at a particular time of year, or during a particular season. See our page on SAD for more information.
- Dysthymia continuous mild depression that lasts for two years or more. Also called persistent depressive disorder or chronic depression.
- Prenatal depression depression that occurs during pregnancy. This is sometimes also called antenatal depression.
- Postnatal depression depression that occurs in the first year after giving birth.
See our page on postnatal depression and perinatal mental health for more information. The PANDAS Foundation also has information and support for anyone experiencing prenatal or postnatal depression.
Is premenstrual dysphoric disorder a type of depression?
PMDD is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome . Many women experience PMS, but for some women their symptoms are severe enough to seriously impact their daily life. This is when you might receive a diagnosis of PMDD.
How Do You Take Effexor
Your doctor will prescribe an Effexor dose based on:
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The nature and severity of your condition
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Any other medical conditions you may have
They may prescribe a low dose to start with, then modify it over time to establish which dose works best for you.
The following information outlines widely used or suggested doses, but you should only follow the prescription your doctor gives you.
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Does Effexor Treat Anxiety
Effexor is one of several antidepressants used to treat anxiety disorders. Several studies have found that its effective at managing anxiety symptoms and helping people with anxiety enjoy a higher quality of life.
Four separate clinical trials of Effexor XR, two of which lasted for eight weeks and the other two of which lasted 26 weeks, found that it was effective at treating generalized anxiety disorder.
A meta-analysis published in the journal PLOS One looked at the evidence for venlafaxine — the active ingredient in Effexor — as a treatment for generalized anxiety disorder.
The researchers, who looked at findings from 14 separate studies, noted that extended release venlafaxine was significantly more effective at producing change in peoples Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety scores than a placebo.
They concluded that venlafaxine is an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for people that suffer from generalized anxiety disorder.
Other clinical trials have established that Effexor XR is an effective treatment for panic disorder and social anxiety disorder.
Other studies have found that Effexor is safe and effective as a treatment for several other types of anxiety disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder .
However, Effexor currently isnt approved by the FDA as a first-line treatment for these forms of anxiety.
Everything You Need To Know About Effexor For Anxiety
Data estimates that over 30% of adults in the United States will experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives.
Anxiety disorders can interfere with your life, including your ability to do everyday tasks, such as going to work and school, and may affect your ability to participate in personal relationships.
There are a variety of treatments available for anxiety, including therapies, lifestyle changes, and medications.
Effexor is one medication used to treat a variety of anxiety disorders.
In this article, Ill discuss what Effexor is and what research says about Effexor for anxiety.
Ill talk about its side effects and how to take it safely.
Finally, Ill explore some other treatments for anxiety and will go over precautions that should be taken while taking Effexor.
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Changing Your Thought Patterns Helps Put Your Fears In Perspective
Cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective type of psychotherapy. It helps you understand how your thoughts influence your feelings and behaviors.
Since social anxiety is often fueled by irrational fears, one goal of therapy could be helping you develop more realistic thought patterns. So, instead of always imagining worst-case scenarios in social settings, youll learn how to focus on more realistic scenarios.
An irrational fear would be thinking, Everyones judging me, or I look stupid.
A more realistic thought pattern would be: Everyones nervous, and most people are too focused on how they look and sound to be overly concerned about me.
When Does Low Mood Become Depression
We all have times when our mood is low, and were feeling sad or miserable about life. Usually these feelings pass in due course.
But if the feelings are interfering with your life and dont go away after a couple of weeks, or if they come back over and over again for a few days at a time, it could be a sign that youre experiencing depression. See our page on the symptoms of depression for more information.
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Potential Side Effects Of Effexor
Common side effects of Effexor include nausea, headache, dry mouth, drowsiness, sweating, and increased appetite. These side effects are usually mild and temporary.
Effexor can also cause more serious side effects, including:
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Fast or irregular heart rate
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Overactive reflexes
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Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands or feet
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Loss of coordination
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Feeling like you might pass out
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Changes in mood or behavior
The drug may also cause an allergic reaction. You might experience itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, or trouble breathing.
If you have any serious side effects or symptoms of an allergic reaction, get medical help right away.
Other Snris Ssris And Medications For Anxiety
Effexor is one of several antidepressants used to treat generalized anxiety disorder and other forms of anxiety.
If youve been diagnosed with a form of anxiety, your healthcare provider may suggest using one of several different types of medication.
In addition to Effexor, other medications that are commonly used to treat anxiety include:
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What Should I Do If I Miss A Dose Of Venlafaxine
If you remember later during the day, take it as soon as possible. However, if this is more than six hours after the dose should be taken, it is usually better to miss the dose and just start again at the next dose.
If you forget to take it by the next dose, just start again with the next dose.
Do not take a double dose.
Side Effects Requiring Immediate Medical Attention
Along with its needed effects, venlafaxine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking venlafaxine:
More common
Rare : Abdominal distention, buccoglossal syndrome, cheilitis, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, duodenitis, esophageal spasm, gastroesophageal reflux disease, gum hemorrhage, hematemesis, hyperchlorhydria, ileitis, increased salivation, intestinal obstruction, pancreatitis, parotitis, periodontitis, proctitis, salivary gland enlargement, soft stools, tongue discoloration
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Why Is This Medication Prescribed
Venlafaxine is used to treat depression. Venlafaxine extended-release capsules are also used to treat generalized anxiety disorder , social anxiety disorder , and panic disorder . Venlafaxine is in a class of medications called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors . It works by increasing the amounts of serotonin and norepinephrine, natural substances in the brain that help maintain mental balance.
How Long Does It Take For Effexor To Reach Full Efficacy
It may take several weeks or longer for the medication to be fully effective and for initial side effects to decrease. If patients are going to respond, they generally notice some improvement in 1-2 weeks, but it can take up to 8 weeks to experience benefit. If someone has not experienced benefit by week 8, they will likely not experience any benefit. Also, response may be gradual, with improvement continuing over several months. Response rates go up with antidepressant lifestyle changes such as incorporating a healthy diet, regular routines, mindfulness and exercise.
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Interactions With Other Drugs
Tell your doctor about any other medications , supplements, and herbal medicines you are taking or plan to take before starting Effexor treatment. This is especially important for those taking:
-
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as Nardil or Parnate
If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room.
Signs Of Destination Anxiety
There are several signs that you may be living with destination anxiety.
- If you find yourself constantly thinking about the future and what you need to do in order to be happy, this is a sign that you are not living in the present moment.
- Additionally, if you are always striving for more and feel unsatisfied with your current situation, this may also be a sign of destination anxiety.
- Other signs include feeling stressed or anxious about the future, as well as feeling like you are not good enough or that you have to achieve certain things in order to be happy.
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Effexor Side Effects & Interactions
Effexor is a common, widely-used medication thats prescribed to treat anxiety, depression and a range of related conditions.
Like other antidepressants, Effexor and generic venlafaxine may cause side effects. The most common side effects of Effexor XR are:
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Erectile dysfunction
These side effects are similar to those of other antidepressants, including similar medications in the serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor classes.
Data from clinical trials indicates that approximately 12 percent of people prescribed Effexor XR discontinue treatment or switch to other medication due to side effects.
If you are prescribed Effexor, Effexor XR or generic venlafaxine and experience side effects, its important to talk to your healthcare provider as soon as you can.
Make sure not to change your dosage or stop taking your medication without first talking to your healthcare provider.
Like other antidepressants, Effexor and generic venlafaxine can interact with other medications, including other medications used to treat anxiety and depression.
More specifically, Effexor may interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitors — a class of older medications that are used to treat depression.
These interactions may occur several days or weeks after stopping treatment with an MAOI.
Make sure to inform your healthcare provider if you currently take or have recently taken other medications before using Effexor.
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder
Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder is a condition that occurs in children and youth ages 6 to 18. It involves a chronic and severe irritability resulting in severe and frequent temper outbursts. The temper outbursts can be verbal or can involve behavior such as physical aggression toward people or property. These outbursts are significantly out of proportion to the situation and are not consistent with the childs developmental age. They must occur frequently and typically in response to frustration. In between the outbursts, the childs mood is persistently irritable or angry most of the day, nearly every day. This mood is noticeable by others, such as parents, teachers, and peers.
In order for a diagnosis of disruptive mood dysregulation disorder to be made, symptoms must be present for at least one year in at least two settings and the condition must begin before age 10. Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder is much more common in males than females. It may occur along with other disorders, including major depressive, attention-deficit/hyperactivity, anxiety, and conduct disorders.
Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder can have a significant impact on the childs ability to function and a significant impact on the family. Chronic, severe irritability and temper outbursts can disrupt family life, make it difficult for the child/youth to make or keep friendships, and cause difficulties at school.
Treatment typically involves and/or medications.
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