Venlafaxine is the name given to Effexor® Generic, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). SNRIs increase the levels of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Increasing the levels of these natural chemicals within the brain can help a person suffering from major depression and anxiety to feeling normal again.
Generic drugs are nearly identical to their name brand counterparts. However, there can be small differences in purity or dosage, as the quality control is not quite as strict. Most of the time, this is not a problem, but occasionally it can be. It is a good idea not to switch from a name brand drug to a generic without first consulting one's doctor.
Effexor® Generic is a medication often prescribed to people who suffer from major depression. The American Psychiatric Association considers major depression to be a mood disorder. Someone who feels hopeless or worthless, experiences a lack of energy, doesn't sleep or eat properly, and has lost an interest in the things they love, may suffer from major depression.
Most people experience anxiety from time to time due to stress in their life. This is normal. However, extreme levels of worry together with severe physical and emotional distress that remain consistent over time, without relief, may be a sign of depression or an anxiety disorder. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), and panic disorder (PD) are three common anxiety disorders. Effexor® Generic can be used to treat all three of these anxiety disorders in adults.
By treating depression and anxiety, and preventing them from coming back, Effexor® Generic helps people get back to their routine in life, and feel normal again. While Effexor® Generic helps a large number of people, it is not for everyone. Many people experience no side effects while taking the medication. Others will experience side effects that lessen over time and disappear.
Some may experience side effects that interrupt their life more severely than the depression or anxiety disorder did in the first place. Common side effects from taking Effexor® Generic include dizziness, drowsiness, nausea and headaches. Other side effects may include wheezing, hypotension, weight gain, insomnia and sexual dysfunction.
If these side effects are severe, then taking another SNRI may be necessary. This should only be done under the direct supervision and advice of a physician. Abruptly stopping the medication can cause mild to severe reactions.
These reactions may include diarrhea, headaches, fatigue, dry mouth, nervousness, nausea and vomiting. More uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms can include vertigo, confusion, agitation, and coordination impairment. Anorexia, anxiety, dysphoric moods, muscular twitching, hypomania, nightmares, sensory disturbances and tremors are examples of severe reactions. With every person being different, it is difficult for a physician to know who may or may not experience any or all of Effexor® Generic's side effects and withdrawal symptoms. As a result, dosages are generally adjusted gradually.
