Weight Gain Or Weight Loss
Weight gain or weight loss can occur in people taking Effexor XR. But these were not common side effects reported in studies of Effexor XR.
What might help
If youre concerned about any unexpected weight gain or weight loss you experience while taking Effexor XR, talk with your doctor. They can help determine what your next steps should be.
What To Ask Your Doctor
Effexor XR may be an effective treatment for certain mental health conditions. But some people may experience side effects with this drug. Most side effects are mild, but some may be serious.
Its important to discuss potential side effects with your doctor before take Effexor XR so you know what to watch for. Here are some questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- How should I treat any side effects that I experience?
- Do I have a higher risk for side effects based on my other medical conditions?
- What should I do if I become pregnant while taking Effexor XR?
Consider signing up for Healthlines anxiety and depression newsletter if you take Effexor XR for either of these conditions.
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
You May Like: How To Help Severe Social Anxiety
Lets Get Specific: Which Ssri/snri Medications Are Best For Which Anxiety Conditions
What does it mean to be FDA approved? Before they can be marketed, prescription medicines must go through an extensive approval process to prove that they work and that their benefits outweigh their risks. It takes an average of 12 years for a new drug to hit the pharmacy shelves, and hundreds of millions of dollars are spent on research, development, and clinical trials. Note that the FDA does not actually perform testing it only reviews the testing process.
The FDAs decision to approve a medication is supported by reliable scientific data. A long, detailed document accompanies every FDA-approved prescription drug, referred to as the package insert or label. The approved label provides key information about the medication that includes the specific conditions that the drug is approved to treat as well as dosage and safety info.
Healthcare providers may choose to prescribe a medication for an off-label or unapproved use when they judge that it is medically appropriate for their patients. Off-label prescribing is very common for the treatment of various types of anxiety disorders but typically not before trying first-line options.
Recommended Reading: Are Stress And Anxiety The Same Thing
How Effexor Works With Panic Disorder
Effexor XR is an SSRI and a norepinephrine medication. Both of the neurotransmitters, serotonin, and norepinephrine, are considered to be linked to panic disorder, as both play an essential role in the regulation of specific functions and emotions that affect panic disorder.
Serotonin is thought to be connected to mood and sleep. Norepinephrine is thought to be responsible for how someone reacts to stress and anxiety. Since the drug contains medication that regulates these functions, it helps to alleviate panic attacks by reducing the feelings of anxiety and improves a persons mood.
If you or someone you know is experiencing recurring panic attacks, they may have panic disorder. A doctor can diagnose it and prescribe Effexor if it is the right medication to use.
You May Like: What Is Social Anxiety Means
What Are The Possible Side Effects
Effexor XR adverse effects may be linked to problems with sexual function. You may have erectile dysfunction, and experience lack of libido. Also, during the treatment with this medication, you may face the following side effects:
Some studies have reported that the discontinuation of treatment with Venlafaxine may lead to impairment in driving ability. Do not discontinue the use of the medication without your doctors approval if your drive.
Effexor XR has a potentiality to increase suicidal thinking in adults. Caution is required.
There were 20 reports of overdose events with Effexor XR with the symptoms of somnolence, nausea, numbness of extremities. Some of the events were associated with interactions of alcohol.
What Should I Know About Storage And Disposal Of This Medication
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture .
It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location â one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach.
Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.
You May Like: How To Tell Your Parents You Have Anxiety
Can You Take Effexor Xr While Pregnant Or Breastfeeding
There is no adequate evidence about Effexor XRs harmful effect on pregnant women. However, in animal studies, its use was linked to an increased level of stillborns.
After delivery, newborns to women who take Effexor XR in the last trimester of pregnancy may require artificial pulmonary ventilation and tube feeding. Doctors should prescribe this medication with caution, and only when benefits of such a treatment prevail the risks.
Effexor XR can be excreted into human milk. It is not recommended to take this medication when breastfeeding.
How To Get Effexor Prescribed In San Francisco
Individuals who have unnatural bouts of anxiety can have access to such medications as Effexor. To be evaluated, patients should contact their medical healthcare providers. During the visit, a complete history will be taken, and a medical exam will be performed to rule out any conditions that could be making the symptoms of anxiety worse. Once completed, the physician will determine the need for medication as well as any additional therapy such as counseling. Often, both treatments are used together to get the best results.
While many people have a hard time recognizing that their anxiety is at a dangerous level, others typically do. Working together with the patient as well as a loved one will help patients to achieve the best results.
Get your anxiety diagnosed and treated by clicking the button below.
If you live in the San Francisco area and are ready to seek treatment, EZCare Clinic is here to work with you. Our team of caring professionals is dedicated to helping you achieve all your healthcare goals. Not only do our patients have access to the best medications for their condition, counseling, and therapy services are also available as well.
EZCare Clinic is open from 11 am to 7 pm, Monday to Sunday. While appointments are encouraged, walk-ins are welcome. Stop by today and start the road from treatment to recovery. Living a normal life is just around the corner.
Don’t Miss: How To Get Through An Anxiety Attack Alone
Side Effects Of Venlafaxine
- ringing in the ears
- feeling like you have got flu
These symptoms should stop after one to two weeks for most people, but some people can get them for longer.
Most people get mild symptoms, but for some people they can be very intense.
Go and speak to your doctor if you have missed a few doses or have decided to stop taking your medication.
When you agree with your doctor to stop the venlafaxine, it is usually best to come off slowly over a few weeks. This will lower your risk of getting withdrawal symptoms.
Stopping The Use Of Venlafaxine
Stopping this medicine quickly, or reducing the dose too much at once, may cause uncomfortable symptoms.
You can stop taking it safely by stepping down the dose gradually with your doctors help.
Once you start taking venlafaxine, the brain adjusts to having a new level of serotonin and noradrenaline around. If you stop taking venlafaxine suddenly, you could get some withdrawal symptoms.
Venlafaxine is not addictive, but you may get uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it suddenly, as your body begins to miss it. It is better to agree stopping with a doctor who will reduce your dose gradually over several weeks.
Some of the withdrawal symptoms you might get include:
- dizziness, feeling light-headed or having headaches
- tingling feelings like pins and needles or electric shock feelings
- sleep disturbances
- feeling anxious, nervous, agitated or confused
- feeling sick or being sick
- dry mouth and losing your appetite
- ringing in the ears
- feeling like you have got flu
These symptoms should stop after one to two weeks for most people, but some people can get them for longer.
Most people get mild symptoms, but for some people they can be very intense.
Go and speak to your doctor if you have missed a few doses or have decided to stop taking your medication.
When you agree with your doctor to stop the venlafaxine, it is usually best to come off slowly over a few weeks. This will lower your risk of getting withdrawal symptoms.
Also Check: Can Anxiety Cause Rheumatoid Arthritis
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.
Overview Of Pharmacological Treatment Of Panic Disorder
Pharmacologic treatment, often in combination with cognitive-behavioral therapies, can be tailored for the individual patient based on specific anxiety symptoms, comorbid disorders, and history of side effects .
Pharmacotherapeutic interventions that have demonstrated efficacy in treating panic disorder include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors , the serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor venlafaxine XR, tricyclic antidepressants , and benzodiazepines. Current published guidelines from Canada, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Australia and New Zealand generally recommend antidepressants as first line therapy for the treatment of panic disorder . SSRIs and TCAs have demonstrated equivalent efficacy, but most guidelines suggest that TCAs are less well tolerated. Generally, antidepressants are preferred over benzodiazepines as first line treatment because, unlike benzodiazepines, antidepressants treat comorbid depression without risk of dependency and the potential for side effects such as excessive sedation, cognitive impairment, and ataxia.
Recommended Reading: How Do You Help Someone With Anxiety
Which Anxiety Medication Is Best For Me
Every day, millions of people search the internet for answers about treating their anxiety. Which anxiety medication is best? Which antidepressant actually works? What should I take for panic attacks? The search results can be conflicting because there is no one-size-fits-all answer for the best medication to treat anxiety. Since every individual is different, a medication that helps your friends anxiety may not work for you.
In the United States, starting on anxiety medication requires communicating with a healthcare professional to have a prescription issued for you. If you do not already have a family doctor, we can help you find a healthcare provider.
Family doctors or primary care providers tend to have their own shortlist of anxiety medications that they consistently prescribe from, based on their professional experience. After discussing your anxiety symptoms and reviewing your medical history, he or she may prescribe an SSRI or SNRI from their go-to list.
Most people would prefer to play an active role in their healthcare. With evidence-based guidelines and a few considerations, you can go into the discussion as an informed consumer. You can familiarize yourself with the best available options and prepare your own suggestions.
Final Thoughts On Taking Effexor For Anxiety
If you are looking for a medication that can be taken long-term for anxiety treatment, it may be worth discussing Effexor with your prescribing doctor, nurse practitioner, or Minded psychiatric provider.
When comparing Effexor to other common kinds of anxiety medications, it is important to remember that each type of medication comes with its own pros and cons. While there are some similarities between the different types of medications, there are also key differences. For example:
To find out if Effexor could work for your anxiety treatment, visit Minded to find out if youâre eligible for an online consultation. Minded offers video appointments with board-certified psychiatry providers within a week. If youâre new to mental health medication, our providers can help determine if Effexor could be a fit for you. If you already have an Effexor prescription, Minded can help you refill or renew it when appropriate. Our team of psychiatric professionals also can assist with adjusting your dose or advising you about other medications that might be a good fit for your needs.
You May Like: Does Adhd Medication Help With Anxiety
Drug Interactions Of Effexor Vs Zoloft
MAO inhibitors should not be used within 14 days of Effexor or Zoloft. The combination may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a life-threatening medical emergency due to excess serotonin. Triptans used to treat migraines, as well as other antidepressants, opioids, dextromethorphan, or St. Johnâs wort should not be used in combination with Effexor or Zoloft due to the risk of serotonin syndrome.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil, Motrin, and aspirin, or anticoagulants such as warfarin, should not be taken with Effexor or Zoloft because of increased bleeding risk.
Do not drink alcohol while taking Effexor or Zoloft.
Other drug interactions may occur. Consult your healthcare provider for a full list of drug interactions.
Aspirin
Recommended Reading: Is Ginger Good For Anxiety
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.
Read Also: What God Says About Anxiety
How Does Effexor Work
Effexor is an SNRI antidepressant. It is used to help balance serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain to decrease nervousness, agitation, and symptoms of depression, as well as to increase energy.
As a message travels down a nerve in the brain, it causes the end of the cell to release serotonin or norepinephrine. The chemicals then enter the gap between the first and second nerve cell and the one next to it. When enough serotonin or norepinephrine reaches the second nerve cell, it activates receptors on the cell, and the message continues to move along. The first cell then quickly absorbs any serotonin or norepinephrine that remains in the gap between the cells. This process is called reuptake.
How do you calm down anxiety?- Click below to get professional advice.
When the levels of serotonin or norepinephrine become unbalanced, it can cause a variety of conditions, including depression and anxiety. Effexor helps to block the reuptake of the serotonin and norepinephrine so that more remains in the space between the nerve cells giving the chemicals a better chance of activating the receptors on the next nerve cell.
Can I Use Effexor Or Zoloft While Pregnant
Taking Effexor or Zoloft in the third trimester can cause serious complications to the baby, resulting in prolonged hospitalizations, tube feeding, and breathing support. Effexor or Zoloft is only prescribed in pregnancy when the benefits outweigh risks and if no other safer alternative is available. If you are already taking Effexor or Zoloft and find out that you are pregnant, contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.
Recommended Reading: How To Reduce Anxiety Long Term
Also Check: How To Tell Anxiety From Depression
Effexor Xr And Children
Effexor XR is not approved for use in people under 18 years old.
In fact, the FDA has required the manufacturers of Effexor XR to include a boxed warning in the drugs label. A boxed warning is the strongest warning required by the FDA. It is used to alert healthcare professionals and patients about the risk of serious side effects seen with the drug.
The Effexor XR boxed warning describes an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in young people who take Effexor XR. The increased risk is seen in children under 18 years old and in adults ages 24 years old and younger.
Effexor For Anxiety Disorders: An Effective Anxiolytic
Effexor is a drug that was introduced in 1993 as a pharmaceutical antidepressant by Wyeth its marketing rights are now owned by Pfizer. Pharmacodynamically, it functions primarily as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor and is understood to be the first-ever dual reuptake inhibitor approved by the FDA for the treatment of major depressive disorder. Unlike selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors which solely modify serotonin levels, Effexor simultaneously increases extracellular levels of both serotonin and norepinephrine.
Following its initial approval for the treatment of major depression, it was subject to additional clinical trials as an anxiolytic. Thereafter, it was discovered to be efficacious and attained FDA approval for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder , panic disorder, and social phobia. Although it is understood that increasing extracellular norepinephrine can worsen symptoms of anxiety, Effexor predominantly affects serotonin facilitating an anxiolytic effect.
Despite the fact that Effexor is an older medication from the 1990s, it is still regarded as a clinically effective pharmacological intervention for the treatment of anxiety disorders. Many individuals prefer Effexor over other antidepressants for anxiety because it has a favorable side effect profile , and can mitigate comorbid depressive symptoms. Moreover, it is a well-researched drug and often kicks-in quicker than other antidepressant anxiolytics.
Don’t Miss: What Is The Best Anxiety Supplement