The generic form of Effexor xr is Venlafaxine er. Both are extended release formulations of the medication. It's in the same drug class as amphetamines and is prescribed to treat depression. It works by keeping serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain longer. The result is usually more energy and an elevated mood.
Typically prescribed for the treatment of major depression and anxiety, Venlafaxine er may also be prescribed for migraines and to treat some forms of nerve damage resulting from long term diabetes, and hormonal complications due to menopause.
Venlafaxine er can cause weight loss in some people. This is probably due to its stimulating and energizing effect. However, the weight loss phenomenon is inconsistent among patients. For this reason, the medication is not approved as a weight loss prescription.
Not surprisingly, many people have increased energy when taking Venlafaxine er or otherwise find it stimulating. A small percentage of patients will have the opposite experience and find it sedating instead. In addition to increasing energy, it may cause extreme mood swings, psychosis and hyper cycling through all phases of bipolar disorder. To counter these extremes, a doctor may prescribe a mood stabilizer such as lithium.
Venlafaxine er has several off label benefits, but the FDA has specifically noted that it is not approved for the treatment of the depressive phase of bipolar disorder. This is because it can exaggerate mood swings. It also can have deadly interactions with some medications such as MAO inhibitors. MAO inhibitors include, but are not limited to, Isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine.
Because of the life threatening potential of mixing Venlafaxine er and MAO inhibitors, it is critical that a patient wait at least a week after they have stopped Venlafaxine er before they begin taking a prescribed MAO inhibitor. Also, mixing with Methylene blue injections is very hazardous. Another life threatening possibility is thoughts of self-harm and self-destruction.
Thoughts of suicide, if they result from the use of Venlafaxine er, will usually occur soon after beginning the treatment, if at all. This is one of many reasons it is important that a patient keep their doctor informed of their moods and thoughts. It is equally important that the people in the life of the patient are aware of changes in behavior, moods and thinking.
People who are allergic to Venlafaxine er will also be allergic to the generic desvenlafaxine and its branded equivalent, Pristig. These people must not take these medications. Another note of warning is these meds will test positive for amphetamines during a drug screening. For this reason, it is important to give the test administrators a copy of your prescription.
Typically prescribed for the treatment of major depression and anxiety, Venlafaxine er may also be prescribed for migraines and to treat some forms of nerve damage resulting from long term diabetes, and hormonal complications due to menopause.
Venlafaxine er can cause weight loss in some people. This is probably due to its stimulating and energizing effect. However, the weight loss phenomenon is inconsistent among patients. For this reason, the medication is not approved as a weight loss prescription.
Not surprisingly, many people have increased energy when taking Venlafaxine er or otherwise find it stimulating. A small percentage of patients will have the opposite experience and find it sedating instead. In addition to increasing energy, it may cause extreme mood swings, psychosis and hyper cycling through all phases of bipolar disorder. To counter these extremes, a doctor may prescribe a mood stabilizer such as lithium.
Venlafaxine er has several off label benefits, but the FDA has specifically noted that it is not approved for the treatment of the depressive phase of bipolar disorder. This is because it can exaggerate mood swings. It also can have deadly interactions with some medications such as MAO inhibitors. MAO inhibitors include, but are not limited to, Isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine.
Because of the life threatening potential of mixing Venlafaxine er and MAO inhibitors, it is critical that a patient wait at least a week after they have stopped Venlafaxine er before they begin taking a prescribed MAO inhibitor. Also, mixing with Methylene blue injections is very hazardous. Another life threatening possibility is thoughts of self-harm and self-destruction.
Thoughts of suicide, if they result from the use of Venlafaxine er, will usually occur soon after beginning the treatment, if at all. This is one of many reasons it is important that a patient keep their doctor informed of their moods and thoughts. It is equally important that the people in the life of the patient are aware of changes in behavior, moods and thinking.
People who are allergic to Venlafaxine er will also be allergic to the generic desvenlafaxine and its branded equivalent, Pristig. These people must not take these medications. Another note of warning is these meds will test positive for amphetamines during a drug screening. For this reason, it is important to give the test administrators a copy of your prescription.
About the Author:
Venlafaxine er has a plethora of benefits and has assisted a lot of patients manage their depression. However, it may also have considerable side effects in some people. To learn more about the side effects of Venlafaxine er, visit: Venlafaxine er side effects. The causes of depression are often complex. To hear a survivor of severe depression tell his story, visit: Surviving Depression.
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