Effexor

Other names used:

• Efexor®

Active Ingredients:

• Venlafaxine

How does Effexor work and what pharmaceutical group does it belong to?

Effexor is an antidepressant which inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin. The preparation works by potentiating the neural transmission in the CNS.

Which conditions are treated with Venlafaxine?

The drug is used in treatment of the following:

• Depression accompanied by anxiety
• Prophylaxis of depression relapse

What should a patient know before using Effexor?

The Venlafaxine should not be used in cases of:

• Hypersensitivity to any components of the preparation
• Pregnancy
• Breastfeeding
• Young age prior to 18 years
• Use of MAO inhibitors

The preparation should be used with caution in:

• Patients with cardiovascular disease
• Epilepsy
• Glaucoma or increased intra-ocular pressure
• Patients with maniac disorders
• Haemophilia

The use of the preparation must not be stopped abruptly due to possible appearance of withdrawal symptoms.

Which adverse effects may manifest when using the medication?

• Cardiovascular system: hypertension, hypotension, fainting, tachycardia, arrhythmia
• Gastrointestinal tract: decreased appetite, constipation, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, bruxism, change of taste, jaundice
• Haemopoietic system: mucous membrane bleeding, thrombocytopenia, increase of bleeding time, ecchymosis, agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, neutropenia
• Metabolism: increased levels of cholesterol, decreased or increase of body weight, hyponatremia CNS and peripheral nervous system: asthenia, weakness, nightmares, decreased libido, dizziness, increased muscle tone, insomnia, irritability, paresthesia, apathy, hallucinations, seizures, myoclonus
• Urogenital system: ejaculation changes, anorgasmia, erectile dysfunction, urination disorders, urine retention Dermatological reactions: itching, alopecia, photosensibilisation
• Allergic reactions: anaphylactic reactions, Steven-Johnson syndrome, multiform erythema
• Other: oscitation, increased sweating.

It is not necessary that the side effects will manifest in an individual but the possibility still exist. For more information please consult your health care provider.

Which groups of drugs or specific preparations may interact with Venlafaxine?

The drug is affected by the following:

• MAO inhibitors
• Anticoagulants
• Sedatives
• Anticonvulsants
• H2-histamine receptor inhibitors
• Neuroleptics
• Other antidepressants
• Psychostimulators

Tell your doctor about all the herbal preparations as well as prescription drugs that you are currently taking even if they are not on the list.

Important information for the patient:

Effexor is supplied for individual use. Do not use it to treat other conditions not listed in the leaflet. Keep the product out of children reach. Do not reuse any disposable materials if supplied with the preparation.