Effexor is among the more common antidepressants prescribed by psychiatrists for the effects of depression, which can include moodiness, feelings of inadequacies and poor self worth. Most people go through bouts of depression, but they soon snap out of the sad state. For others, depression is a longterm problem.
For people who suffer from severe depression, there is a daily battle with suicidal thoughts to feelings of complete apathy. Antidepressants help people with these feelings by altering brain's chemistry.
Antidepressants such as Effexor are a part of the category called SSNRI’s (selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors).
Antidepressant's Mode of Action
Antidepressants such as Effexor work by inhibiting the neurotransmitters in the brain that control mood. If serotonin is low, mood is also "low" and it has been shown to cause depression in patients.
Antidepressants such as Effexor inhibit the reuptake of this neurotransmitter which creates more serotonin in the brain. This has been shown to improve mood and eliminate the symptoms of severe depression in many patients.
Side Effects of the Antidepressant Effexor
Antidepressants such as Effexor have been more recently introduced, so they have fewer side effects than their sister drug category, SSRI’s. Some common side effects of these antidepressants include nausea, drowsiness, and occasionally, severe headaches.
Many patients who use these antidepressants also experience decreased appetite, even though many report that they easily gain weight. As a matter of fact, weight gain is among the most common complaints from many patients who are on antidepressant medication.
In addition, any patient who wishes to stop the use of antidepressants should consider tapering since a form of withdrawal known as “discontinuing syndrome” is common. Patients should never discontinue a medication without first consulting the prescribing physician.
Antidepressants and Other Inhibitor Drugs
Antidepressants like Effexor that inhibit the reuptake of serotonin have serious side effects that can even cause death if taken with certain other drugs.
Effexor should not be taken with other antidepressants, nor should it be taken with organic or natural mood boosters such as St. John’s Wort. If taken with other serotonin reuptake inhibitors, antidepressants can cause a dangerous and fatal condition called serotonin syndrome.
Additionally, illegal drugs such as Ecstacy are also work as a reuptake inhibitor and should not be taken with Effexor.
If taken properly, Effexor is an effective antidepressant in many patients, improving mood and helping chronically depressed patients to recover. Consult your physician if you believe you are experiencing symptoms of depression.
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