Drug name: Generic Effexor (Venlafaxine)

Therapeutic effects:

Effexor is an an antidepressant, serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. By chemical structure, Venlafaxine can not be assigned to any known class of antidepressants (tricyclic, tetracyclic or other).

The mechanism of action is due to the ability of venlafaxine to potentate the transmission of nerve impulses and increase neurotransmitter activity in the CNS. Venlafaxine and its main metabolite are potent inhibitors of the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine and weakly inhibit the reuptake of dopamine by neurons. Effexor also reduces beta-adrenergic response.

Indications:

• Depression
• Prevention of depression recurrence

Generic Effexor may cause the following side effects:

• Digestive system: loss of appetite, constipation, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth
• Metabolism: increased level of serum cholesterol, weight loss
• Cardiovascular system: hypertension, vasodilation (flushing)
• CNS and peripheral nervous system: fatigue, weakness, unusual dreams, dizziness, insomnia, nervous irritability, paresthesias, stupor, increased muscle tone, tremor, yawning
• Urogenital system: ejaculation disorders, erectile dysfunction, anorgasmia, dysuric disorders
• Senses: accommodation disturbances, mydriasis, blurred vision
• Hematopoietic system: sometimes bleeding in the skin (ecchymosis) and mucous membranes
• Dermatological reactions: sweating, photosensitivity, alopecia
• Allergic reactions: skin rash

Drug interactions:

Effexor must not be used with the following drugs:

• MAO inhibitors
• Some antipsychotics
• Some anxiolytics
• Ethanol
• Histamine H2-receptor antagonists
• Anticoagulants (Warfarin)
• Antiretroviral drugs
• CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 inhibitors

Cautions and restrictions:

Effexor is contraindicated in the following cases:

• Hypersensitivity
• Simultaneous use of MAO inhibitors and the period to 14 days after their withdrawal
• Severe renal dysfunction
• Children under 18 years of age
• Pregnancy, lactation

Effexor is prescribed with caution in the following conditions:

• Liver and kidney diseases
• Heart and vascular diseases: recent myocardial infarction, unstable angina, hypertension, tachycardia
• A history of convulsive disorder
• Increased intraocular pressure, angle-closure glaucoma
• A history of manic state
• Predisposition to bleeding into the skin and mucous membranes
• Reduced body weight

Additional information:

Store the drug in a dry place inaccessible to children, at a room temperature (below 25 ° C).