Due to the fact that Effexor typically has strong side effects, it is generally recommended only to those patients who do not benefit from SSRIs (the most commonly used antidepressants).

In order to be prescribed with Effexor, a patient should be experiencing at least four of the following symptoms and not finding relief from any SSRI medicine:

• Changes in sleeping patterns
• Change in appetite
• Increased fatigue
• Loss of interest in everyday tasks or usual activities
• Impaired concentration and/or impaired thinking
• Feeling worthless or guilty
• Psychomotor agitation and/or retardation
• Suicidal thoughts and/or suicidal attempt

How Effexor Works

The medicine helps patients suffering from depression or other psychiatric disorders, like generalized anxiety disorder, get relief from the symptoms and experience improved energy levels and mood by restoring the balance of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain.

Serotonin and norepinephrine are naturally occurring neurotransmitters that are involved in the regulation of behavior, mood, and emotions.

Serotonin, commonly known as the happy hormone, controls the brain processes that regulate one’s emotions, mood, appetite, sleep, memory, and perception.

On the other hand, norepinephrine, also known as noradrenaline, is a stress hormone that controls parts of the brain related to attention and also plays a role in the flight or fight responses. It is also responsible for boosting the flow of blood to the muscles, releasing glucose from the reserved energy in the body, and increasing heart rate in certain situations.

Patients suffering from depression and anxiety feel down, sad, and hopeless because of the reduced levels of these regulatory hormones. According to mental health experts, the nerve cells of patients suffering from depressive disorders produce these neurotransmitters in lesser quantities.

To counter this condition, SNRI medications prevent the reabsorption of norepinephrine and serotonin into the nerve cells. Reabsorption of the neurotransmitters is a natural process, called reuptake, in which the nerve cells take back the neurotransmitters after they have performed their work.

Effexor’s effects on these neurotransmitters mainly depend on the dosage. When taken in smaller amounts, Effexor only blocks the reuptake of serotonin. But, when a higher dose is taken, Effexor prevents the uptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine.

Availability

The antidepressant medication is available in the form of an extended-release capsule.

Dosage

The dosage of Effexor varies across patients, depending on the severity of their condition and their body’s response. Usually, doctors start with a low dosage and then gradually increase it as the patient builds a tolerance.

The dosage of Effexor can range from 37.5 mg to 300 mg per day. But, on average, the extended-release capsule is prescribed to be taken once a day.

An important thing to note here is that it may take you several weeks to really experience the benefits of Effexor. Many people stop taking the medicine on their own because they can’t feel improvement in their condition, which is a mistake. Make sure to continue taking the medicine as per your doctor’s recommendation to experience the effects.

What to Do If You Miss a Dose?

In case you miss a dose of Effexor, take it as soon as you remember. However, you should skip the missed dose if it is almost time for the next dose. Do not take a double dose of Effexor at the same time to make up for the missed one.

What Should You Do In Case Of an Overdose?

If you mistakenly take too much of Effexor, immediately call your doctor, seek emergency medical treatment, or call a poison control center.

How Should The Medicine Be Taken?

The medicine should be taken orally with food, at the same time every day. Do not crush, chew, divide or dissolve the medicine in water. However, if you have difficulty in swallowing the capsule, you can sprinkle its contents onto a spoonful of apple sauce and immediately swallow it without chewing. Also, drink a glass of water immediately after taking the medicine.[1]

How Long Does Effexor Remain in the Patient’s Body?

The amount of time for which the drug stays in a patient’s system depends on the dosage. Effexor has a half-life of about 5 hours (+/- 2 hours), which is less than that of most antidepressants.

This means half of the taken dosage is cleared from a patient’s system within the first 5 hours of administering it. It will take the body another 5 hours to clear half of the remaining amount from the system. This process continues until the patient’s body is completely free of the drug.

In addition to the dosage, some other factors also play a role in determining how long the body takes to flush the drug out of the system. These include age, liver function, genetics, and body composition. It is due to these factors that two people taking the same dosage of the drug at the same time may require different amounts of time to fully clear the drug from the system.

Possible Side Effects of Effexor

Just like all other prescription medicines, Effexor should only be taken when and as prescribed by your doctor. While most people do not experience any major side effects when taking Effexor, sticking to the prescribed dosage is recommended to avoid misuse, overdose, or addiction. However, in some cases, the side effects may occur even when the medicine is taken as recommended.

Common Side Effects

Common side effects of Effexor include:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Dry mouth
• Loss of appetite
• Constipation
• Trouble sleeping
• Excessive yawning
• Nervousness
• Blurred vision
• Excessive sweating

Effexor may also cause an increase in blood pressure, so it is highly important to regularly check your blood pressure while you are taking this medicine.

Serious Side Effects of Effexor

In rare cases, Effexor may cause some serious side effects. These include:

• Shortness of breath
• Excessive bleeding or bruising
• Chest pain
• Muscle weakness or cramps
• Pounding or severe headaches
• Tremors or shaking
• Vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• Bloody or black stools
• Swelling, redness, or pain in eyes
• Changes in vision, such as seeing rainbow colors around lights, at night.
• Widened pupils
• Seizures
• Decreased sexual desire and changes in sexual ability

Although it’s rare, Effexor may possibly cause an increase in the levels of serotonin in the body and could lead to ‘serotonin syndrome’. Therefore, it is important to be cautious of the symptoms you experience while taking venlafaxine and immediately consult your doctor if you experience any serious effects or symptoms that don’t go away within a few days of starting the medicine.

Following are some of the common symptoms of serotonin syndrome that you should watch out for when taking Effexor:

• An irregular or fast heartbeat
• Loss of coordination
• Twitching muscles
• Severe dizziness
• Unexplained fever
• Severe nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting
• Excessive or unusual restlessness or agitation
• Hallucinations

Long-Term Effects of Effexor

Just like all other antidepressants, taking Effexor for a long time can create dependency.

As it has long been identified by the Federal Drug Administration, antidepressants may also increase the risks for suicidal thoughts and/or suicidal attempts among patients.

While some healthcare professionals refute this claim, some believe that long-term use of antidepressants can lead to the development of type II diabetes.

In view of all these factors, it is highly important to be careful in using Effexor or any other anti-depressant and immediately report to your doctor if you experience any negative effects.

Effexor Addiction

While this antidepressant medication is not known to cause addiction like some other drugs, patients may develop a dependency on the effects. This is more likely to happen when antidepressants are taken without a prescription or when wrongly prescribed.

According to a research study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, majority of the people who are taking antidepressants do not qualify for them. Researchers found that around 69% of the people taking antidepressant medications did not meet the criteria for clinical depression, also called major depressive disorder. Furthermore, 38% of the people did not even meet the criteria for other psychiatric disorders that may need antidepressants, such as panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, or social phobia.

Following are some signs and symptoms associated with Effexor misuse, so if you or a loved one is taking the medicine, it is important to be vigilant for the following signs:

• Change in appetite
• Bloodshot eyes
• Slurred speech
• Changes in sleeping patterns or strange sleep habits
• Diminished appearance
• Difficulty in concentrating or managing things that often leads to financial difficulties

Who Should Not Take Effexor?

Effexor should be avoided during pregnancy, especially during the last three months, because it can cause harm to the fetus.

Effexor has also been found to transfer into breast milk and hence, should be avoided by nursing mothers.

It is important to tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or a nursing mother. Since Effexor can cause developmental damage to the baby, especially in the long-run, it is only prescribed to pregnant and nursing women when severely needed, even then for shorter periods.

You should also avoid Effexor if you are suffering from uncontrolled angle-closure glaucoma or are allergic to any ingredient present in Effexor.

Possible Drug Interactions of Effexor

Since many medicines can interact with other drugs and cause negative effects, it is important to tell about all the medications you are already taking whenever you go to a doctor for any problem.

Effexor may interact with many over-the-counter and prescription medicines and hence, should be avoided to be used with them. For example, taking Effexor with blood thinners, like Aspirin, may cause bruising and bleeding.

NSAIDs, like naproxen and ibuprofen, should also be avoided while taking this antidepressant medicine.

Medicines that fall into the category of inhibitors and inducers can affect the metabolism of Effexor by interfering with the enzyme that is responsible for the task. Inhibitors reduce its functioning whereas inducers cause enhanced activation of the liver enzyme that metabolizes Effexor.

Effexor can also interact with the medications used for:

• Anxiety
• Pain relief
• Seizure
• Migraine
• Weight loss

The medicine should also not be used with:

• Diuretics
• Sedatives
• Cimetidine
• Clozapine
• Duloxetine
• Haloperidol
• Imipramine
• Indinavir
• Ketoconazole
• Linezolid
• Lithium
• Methadone
• Methylene Blue
• Phentermine
• Ritonavir
• Sibutramine
• Tramadol

Do not take Effexor if you are taking or have taken, within the last 14 days, any medication that falls into the category of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).  MAOIs should also not be taken within 7 days of discontinuing Effexor. Methylene blue and linezolid are some of the common MAOIs.

Prescription Assistance for Effexor

Pfizer Rx Pathways, a patient assistance program that is jointly run by the Pfizer Inc. and the Pfizer Patient Assistance Foundation, connects patients to many assistance programs that offer free medicines, co-pay help, and insurance support.

If you have not already been registered with a prescription assistance program, visit the Pfizer Rx Pathways’ website, enter the name of the desired medicine, and answer a few questions to find out the right program(s) for you.

You can also check out the eligibility for Pfizer Patient Assistance Program at RX Assist’s website.

Since Effexor is manufactured by Pfizer, Pfizer Rx Pathways provides prescription assistance for the medicine.

[1] https://www.effexorxr.com/faqs#taking-eff

Quotes about Dealing with Depression

• “There are far, far better things ahead than anything we leave behind.” – C.S. Lewis
• “The greatest degree of inner tranquility comes from the development of love and compassion. The more we care for the happiness of others, the greater is our sense of well-being.” – Tenzin Gyatso
• “If you’re going through hell, keep going.” – Winston Churchill
• “Just when the caterpillar thought the world was ending, he turned into a butterfly.” – Ancient Proverb
• “Everything you have ever wanted is sitting on the other side of fear.” – George Addair
• “At the end of the day, tell yourself gently: ‘I love you. You did the best you could today, and even if you didn’t accomplish all you had planned, I love you anyway.” – Anonymous
• “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do, than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore, Dream, Discover.” – Mark Twain
• “There are two ways to live our life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” – Albert Einstein
• “When one door closes, another opens. But we often look so regretfully upon the closed door that we don’t see the one that has opened for us.” – Alexander Graham Bell
• “You are not your illness. You have an individual story to tell. You have a name, a history, a personality. Staying yourself is part of the battle.” – Julian Seifter
• “If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody.” – Chinese Proverb

Effexor XR Prescription Assistance

Effexor XR is an SNRI that helps treat anxiety and depressive disorders in adults. Effexor XR has also been shown to treat generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. If you need help paying for Effexor XR, contact The Rx Solution today!

Prozac Prescription Assistance

One of the most effective and classic anti-depressants, Prozac is an SSRI that has been shown to be effective in the treatment of major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder. Known by the generic name Fluoxetine, Prozac is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor that helps people live a life free from depression. Visit our contact page if you need help paying for Prozac.

The Cause of Depression

There are many factors known to cause depression. With many mental disorders, there can be a number of factors that can lead to a diagnosis of depression. The important thing to note is that there is help out there, and you are not the only one struggling with this disorder. The causes are wide-ranging and can include: 

• Hormones: Depression is common among people who are going through dramatic hormonal changes, such as pregnant women, teenagers going through puberty, women going through menopause, and people with thyroid issues. 
• Biology: There are certain people who are pre-disposed to depression due to a genetic link in the chain. While many people argue that it can be hereditary, more understanding and research is needed in this field. 
• Brain Chemistry: Changes in neurotransmitters, such as Serotonin and Dopamine, can lead to a host of health problems. 
• Drug Abuse: Drugs and/or alcohol abuse and misuse can result in poor brain functioning, among other things. 
• Environmental Factors: Living in places with little to no sunshine, disruptive family life, poverty stricken areas, and war-torn or unsafe environments can all be contributing factors. 

Treatments for Major Depressive Disorder 

Always consult with a professional if you think you suffer from Major Depressive Disorder or any other mental illness. Depending on the course of action, you may be sent to either a psychologist, a psychiatrist, or both. A combination of both methods of practice have been shown to produce a positive benefit on those who suffer from Major Depressive Disorder. Depending on a patient’s needs, they may need to be hospitalized and stabilized depending on the severity of the illness. 

Medications for Major Depressive Disorder 

There are quite a few different classes of drugs that are used in the treatment of depression. We have SSRIs, SNRIs, and atypical antidepressants. 

The first class of drug is known as Selective Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). These drugs, along with therapy, are usually the first line of defense against depression. Some of the more common drugs include: 

• Celexa 
• Prozac 
• Lexapro 
• Zoloft 
• Pexeva 
• Paxil 

Serotonin-norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) 

Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are a class of drugs that are similar to SSRIs. SNRIs also have applications in chronic pain treatment – especially nerve pain – and anxiety. 

• Cymbalta 
• Effexor XR 
• Pristiq 
• Fetzima 
• Khedezla 

Atypical Antidepressants 

These medications do not exactly fit into one specific category, as the application of these drugs is approved for numerous issues. Due to sedative qualities, these medications are generally taken in the evening. 

• Vilazodone
• Vortioxetine 
• Mirtazapine 
• Trazodone 
•  

Prescription Assistance Programs for Depression

If you are an uninsured or under-insured American who is struggling to pay their prescription medication bills, The RX Solution is here for you. We believe that no one should have to choose between the rent and their medications; our company helps take the financial stresses of prescription medication off of your shoulders by expediting the approval process for many different prescription assistance programs. To find out if you qualify, give us a call today at (888) 823-0042 or visit us at our contact page. 

Do you need help with the cost of Seroquel XR? Health conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and severe depression are serious and interfere with everyday functions of life. Seroquel XR is used in the treatment of these disorders and is shown to be effective for some users. It is not for use by everyone, but many have found relief and have improved their quality of life with Seroquel XR.

Seroquel XR is distributed in sustained release tablets. It is an atypical antipsychotic. The mechanism by which it works exactly is still not known. Clinical trials are still underway to discover its specific functions.

How does Seroquel XR work?

This medication assists in affecting the production of certain substances in the brain. These have a domino effect upon other systems that affect mood and mental processes. In many cases, the results from using Seroquel XR have been positive with noted improvements in cognitive functioning.

What are the potential side effects of Seroquel Xr?

As with any medication, there is always the risk of allergic reaction to its ingredients. People who have low magnesium or low blood potassium levels should not use this product as it can worsen the condition. There is also the potential for interference with some medications such as antiarrhythmics, and with other antipsychotic drugs such as ziprasidone, pentamidine, thioridazine and other dugs in this class. It may also increase the risk of irregular heartbeat in some users. Your health care provider can work with you to determine if Seroquel XR is right for you based upon your past and current health history.

Potential side effects which are the most common include a feeling of sedation, drowsiness, dizziness, stomach and gastrointestinal discomfort, muscle rigidity and orthostatic hypotension. More severe reactions may occur less commonly and may include fever, body aches and pains, changes in vision, chest pain, restlessness, spasms, drooling, chest pain, mobility issues, slurring of speech, sweating, mouth sores, swelling in glands, legs, feet, arms and hands.

What are the benefits of Seroquel XR?

Seroquel XR is effective in reducing anxiety levels. It also has antipsychotic properties which aid in reducing hallucinatory episodes. The full extent of the advantages of this medication is not yet known. Current research is being conducted to assess the full spectrum of benefits as well as potential risks. What is presently known is that it has been effective in lessening anxiety and promoting a greater sense of well being in users.

Help with the cost of Seroquel XR

Not many people know that a number of Pharmaceutical companies run programs called the Patient Assistance Programs or prescription assistance programs that help with the cost of Seroquel XR. These programs are designed to help people with low income and little to no prescription insurance coverage by providing the medications at little or no money.

The Rx Solution is an organization that was founded to help such people. Here at The Rx Solution, we help a number of patients without prescription drug coverage to get medications through the various prescription assistance programs.

We bring together our nation’s largest pharmaceutical companies along with other medical professionals to help patients qualify for such programs for very low monthly fees. Our mission is to spread awareness of such programs and help eligible people get into such programs easily and without hassle.

If you need help with the cost of Seroquel, call us today at (888) 823-0042 to enroll in our widely successful program. Join us today and let us lend you a helping hand.