Efexor



 
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Efexor - Basic Information

 

Indication of Efexor:

Efexor is used in the treatment of major depression. It may also be used in the prevention of relapse and recurrence where appropriate.Efexor-XR is appropriate for these indications, as well as the treatment of generalised anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder.

Action of Efexor:

Venlafaxine is an antidepressant unrelated to any other class of antidepressants. It may be useful where many others have failed It is believed to exert its antidepressant effect by increasing the availability of the neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) serotonin and noradrenaline to the brain. It strongly prevents their reuptake into cells, leaving them available to stimulate brain cells. Venlafaxine dose not have activity at a number of other sites in the brain, leaving it free of sedative and other side effects seen with other antidepressants.

Dose Advice of Efexor:

Usual dose is 75mg/day.This may be increased to 150mg if no response is seen in 2 weeks.Maximum daily dose is 375mg.Dose changes should be made no more often than 2-weekly.Venlafaxine should be taken once daily, preferably at the same time every day.Dose should be taken with food. Efexor tablets can be divided; Efexor-XR capsules should be swallowed whole.Patients should be regularly reviewed with regard to ongoing need for antidepressant medication.Renal impairment: dose should be reduced by 25-50% in patients with a creatinine clearance of 30ml/min or less.

Schedule of Efexor:

tablets S4

Common side effects of Efexor:

nauseavomitingappetite lossheadachesweatingrashanxietydizzinessfatiguefaintinghypertensionlightheadedness on standingtremor

Uncommon side effects of Efexor:

sexual dysfunction (eg. impotence)loss of libidodry mouthinsomniaoversleepingconstipationlow sodium levels in bloodECG changespalpitationsliver inflammationseizuresbleeding from skin and mucous membranes

Diseases treated by Efexor:

Frontotemporal Dementia (Picks Disease) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Seasonal affective disorder


GN: Venlafaxine hydrochloride

Con: depression