Effexor XR (Venlafaxine XR)

Effexor is the brand name for the active ingredient Venlaxfaxine which is according to some studies in 2006 shown to be the sixth most commonly prescribed drug for depression. It usually comes in pentagon shaped tablets, and the extended release version is available in capsule form. Effexor is not approved for use in pediatric patients. Effexor in many cases is not the "stand alone" remedy that it has been advertised to be. Patient in accepting treatment with Effexor are not being forewarned that by their use of Effexor -- sleeping medication, blood pressure medication, and anti-anxiety medication might become a concurrent necessity.

Effexor XR is formulated as an extended-release capsule for once-a-day oral administration. Effexor affects various neuro chemicals in the body which are responsible for nervous system regulation. It inhibits specifically norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake, and also weakly inhibits dopamine reuptake. Effexor has been shown to be effective in adults, and to have fewer side effects in adults. Childhood depression is different from adult depression; their developing brains are different from adult brains.

Effexor XR may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Effexor should be taken with food. Swallow the controlled-release capsule (Effexor XR) whole, without crushing or chewing. Effexor (venlafaxine HCl) is an SNRI used to treat major depressive disorder. Wyeth's letter says that patients who overdose on Effexor may have a higher risk of death than patients who overdose on SSRIs, but a lower risk of death than those who overdose with tricyclic antidepressants.