Product Review of Effexor XR

Effexor XR acts on norepinepherine and serotonin, two naturally occurring neurotransmitters in the brain. This medication is usually prescribed to treat generalized anxiety disorder, depression, and/or social anxiety. Possible side-effects of Effexor XR include loss of appetite, insomnia, gas, vision abnormalities, nervousness, heart palpitations, tremor, abnormal ejaculation, confusion, constipation, nausea, dizziness, sweating, sloppiness, and/or dry mouth. However, these side-effects may diminish as your body adjusts to the medication. It is essential you call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms: seizures, increased heart rate, mania (a lack of need for sleep, persistent elevated mood, rapid speech, hyperactivity, and/or racing thoughts), or unexpected eye pain or changes in vision.

It is important to remember to continue taking Effexor XR as prescribed by your doctor, even if you do not notice any change in your mood. Sometimes it takes weeks before the medication has any effect on depression or anxiety. If you stop taking the medication suddenly, it is likely you will experience withdrawal side-effects, which may include agitation, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, sweating, seizures, tremor, headaches, twitching muscles, anxiousness, dry mouth, dizziness, nightmares, diarrhea, coordination difficulties, confusion, loss of appetite, insomnia, and/or tinnitus.

I originally began taking Effexor XR for my depression and anxiety almost two years ago, after trying numerous selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as Paxil, Zoloft, and Celexa. I have had tremendous improvement in my symptoms; I am less depressed than I used to be. When I started taking the medication, I experienced some dizziness and nausea; however, these side-effects subsided within two or three weeks. In addition, while medications such as Zoloft have stopped working for me after a period of time, Effexor XR continues to work effectively on my mood symptoms.

If you experience general anxiety, depression, and/or social anxiety symptoms, talk to your doctor to discover if Effexor XR may be a good anti-depressant for you. You should not take Effexor XR if you are taking another anti-depressant that acts on the neurotransmitter serotonin. Further, you should not take Effexor if you are allergic to any of its ingredients: venlafaxine HCI, cellulose, iron oxide, calcium oxide, ethylcellulose, hypromellose, or gelatin. Because Effexor XR may make some conditions and illnesses worse, discuss your medical history as well as medications you are currently taking with your doctor.