Back to Psychiatry Drug Index

Back to Serotinine Reuptake Inhibitors

Brand Name: Effexor XR
Name: Venlafaxine

Pregnancy Category C

Drug classes of Effexor

• Antidepressant
• SSRI

Mechanism of action of Effexor

Acts as an antidepressant by inhibiting CNS neuronal uptake of serotonin; blocks uptake of serotonin and norepinephrine with a weak inhibitory effect on dopamine reuptake.

Indications of Effexor

Treatment of depression and generalized anxiety disorder.

Contraindications of Effexor

• Hypersensitivity to Effexor or any component of the formulation.
• Should not be taken concurrently with MAO inhibitors. MAO inhibitors can only be initiated 7 days after discontinuation of serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

		Are you a doctor or a nurse? Do you want to join the Doctors Lounge online medical community? Participate in editorial activities (publish, peer review, edit) and give a helping hand to the largest online community of patients. Click on the link below to see the requirements: Doctors Lounge Membership Application

Adverse Reactionsof Effexor

• CNS: Headache, somnolence, dizziness, insomnia, nervousness.
• GIT: Nausea, xerostomia, constipation, anorexia.
• Genitourinary: Abnormal ejaculation / orgasm.
• Neuromuscular & skeletal: weakness.
• Other: diaphoresis

Overdosage of Effexor

• Tachycardia
• Somnolence

Toxicity from the drug is not lethal & can be tolerated with supportive therapy.

send to a friend printer friendly version

The Psychiatry Discussion Board     Psychiatric Topics       Antidepressants Topics       The Psychiatry Articles