Q:  What is Effexor?

A:  Effexor, a venlafaxine, is used for treatment of depression. Effexor is produced by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Inc., and was granted its approval by the US Food and Drug Administration in 1993.

Q:  What is Effexor XR?

A:  Effexor XR, venlafaxine hydrochlorine; extended release capsules, has different formulation of Effexor for treatment of depression, generalized anxiety disorder or GAD, and social anxiety disorder or SAD.

Q:  Is there any special directions for taking Effexor?

A:  Effexor is taken orally and with food as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Without chewing or crushing it, take one capsule. Or, you may open the capsule, sprinkle the contents on a spoonful of applesauce, and take immediately without chewing and drink one glass of water.

Q:  Is there any recent news about Effexor?

A:  During the last several years, the US FDA coordinated closely with the manufacturers of all marketed anti-depressants, including Effexor, to completely assess the chances of suicidality in children, adolescents, and adults using this treatment. Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Inc, the manufacturer of Effexor, placed a black box warning to Effexor’s prescribing information defining the increased risks of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children and adolescents who are taking anti-depressants. Press here for more information.

US FDA announced a warning in July 2006, explaining that a fatal condition known as serotonin syndrome can happen when medicines called Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors or SNRIs like Effoxor, and medicines applied to treat migraine headaches known as 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor agonists or triptans, are taken simultaneously.

Q:  Who should not take Effexor?

A:  you must not take Effexor if you are taking other drugs for depression known as Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor or MAOI, or if you discontinued taking a MAOI within the last 14 days. Taking Effexor and MAOI within close period of time may lead to severe and fatal reactions which includes high body temperature, seizures or convulsions, and coma.

Q: Is there any chronic health risks related with Affexor?

A:  Sudden discontinuation of Effexor may lead to adverse side effects. Healthcare provider shall gradually reduce your dose. Other risks on health associated with the use of Effexor include suicidal thoughts or actions, hypertension or faster heartbeat, mania, seizures, bleeding problems, weight loss, and sexual problems. Another health problems linked with Effexor may breed if you are or may beome pregnant.

Q:  Is there any other side effects associated with Effexor?

A:  Other side effects linked with the use of Effexor are sleepiness, nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, sleeping difficulty, and constipation.

Q:  What should I tell the healthcare provider before he/she prescribes Effexor?

A:  Inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines, particularly if you have kidney, liver, glaucoma or heart disease. Tell him/her also if you are breastfeeding your baby or plan to breastfeed.

Q:  Is there any drug interactions between Effexor and other drugs and foods?

A:  Effexor and some medicines can interact with one another. Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you have taken, including prescription and non-prescriptionmedicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

A warning was released in July 2006 and it is significant to discuss with your healthcare provider before taking Effexor and triptan medicines simultaneously. If you have to take Effexor and triptan medicines together, you should know of the chances of getting serotonin syndrome. Find for medical attention right away if you think you are experiencing serotonin syndrome.

If you are planning to drink alcohol while taking Effexor, consult with your healthcare provider.

Q:  What should I do if I think I have been injured as a result of taking Effexor?

A:  If you or any of your family members have or are experiencing any of the harmful symptoms or rare medical medications which are associated to Effexor use, you must contact first your healthcare provider. Then, look for a reliable and experienced lawyer and discuss with him/her about your legal rights to remedy for the injuries sustained by use of Effexor.