What is it and what is it used for?
Efexor ER is an antidepressant that belongs to a group of medicines called serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Efexor ER contains the active ingredient venlafaxine, which affects the function of certain endogenous transmitters in the brain (especially norepinephrine and serotonin) and thus improves mood in depression and other conditions such as anxiety.
Efexor ER capsules are intended to be taken once a day. ER stands for Extended Release, which means extended release of active ingredients.
Efexor ER is used only as directed by a physician in adults for the treatment of diseases of varying severity and for a variety of reasons. Efexor ER is also indicated for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder (anxiety about social situations), and panic disorder. Efexor ER can also prevent recurrence of depression symptoms and new episodes. Efexor ER treatment is also suitable for elderly patients.
Gloomy states are expressed in depression, sadness, joylessness, exhaustion, feelings of worthlessness and guilt, slow thinking, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, feeling unwell, lack of interest in daily activities, agitation and / or fear. Getting the right treatment for your depression or anxiety disorder is important in helping you recover. If left untreated, your condition can continue, become more serious and difficult to treat.
Efexor ER usually works for 1 to 4 weeks.
What should you consider before using?
When should you not use Efexor ER?
In case of known hypersensitivity to one of the substances contained in Efexor ER.
Efexor ER should not be taken together or within the first two weeks after stopping so-called MAO inhibitors (used to treat depression or Parkinson’s disease, among other things), as this combination can lead to serious side effects. At least 7 days should elapse between discontinuation of Efexor ER and the initiation of MAOI therapy. Change of therapy can only take place under close medical supervision.
Efexor ER should not be used by children and adolescents under 18 years of age.
Under what circumstances should caution be exercised while taking Efexor ER?
Other medicines and Efexor ER / serotonin syndrome.
A life-threatening situation called serotonin syndrome (severe changes in brain, muscle, and digestive tract function due to high levels of serotonin in the body) can occur during treatment with venlafaxine, especially when taken with other drugs. medications that reduce the effects of serotonin balance. These are drugs for the treatment of migraine called tryptans, drugs for depression such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants, amphetamines, methylphenidate (drugs used to treat attention deficit disorder) hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).)), Lithium, the pain reliever tramadol, fentanyl and tapentadol, dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant), methadone, St. John’s wort (a natural remedy for mild depression), MAO inhibitors (including the antibiotic linezolid and methylene blue) (tryptophan supplement) for sleep disorders and depression). Tell your doctor if you are taking or planning to take any other medicines, including herbal substances or dietary supplements.
Serotonin syndrome can manifest as a combination of some of the following symptoms: excessive reflexes, tremors, loss of consciousness, muscle cramps, anxiety, restlessness, delirium, irritability, delirium and coma, rapid heart rate, rapid changes in blood pressure, increased body temperature, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea … See your doctor or healthcare professional right away if you develop any of these symptoms.
You should also exercise caution when using the following medicines at the same time as Efexor ER, and you must inform your doctor if you are taking medicines containing the following active substances: ketoconazole (fungal infections), haloperidol, risperidone and clozapine (called antipsychotics for psychiatric illnesses). metoprolol (high blood pressure and heart problems), cimetidine (sour stomach), medications such as sedatives, and medications for depression. Since there may be interactions, your doctor will adjust the dose as needed.
Efexor ER should not be taken with appetite suppressants. Tell your doctor if you areare taking AIDS medications.
Efexor ER should not be taken at the same time or within the first few months after you stop taking medicines for irregular heartbeat containing the active ingredient amiodarone.
Suicidal thoughts and worsening depression or anxiety disorder.
When you have depression and / or anxiety disorder, you may sometimes have thoughts of hurting yourself or killing yourself. These thoughts may be aggravated the first time you use antidepressants because these drugs take time (2 weeks or more) to take effect. These thoughts are more likely if you have had these thoughts in the past or if you are a young person. Data from clinical trials have shown that young people under the age of 25 may have an increased risk of suicidal behavior when taking antidepressants. If your symptoms of depression get worse, you should see your doctor right away.
Aggression and manic episodes.
You should tell your doctor if you have previously suffered from violent behavior, if you have a history of manic episodes (feeling over-excited or euphoric) or bipolar disorder (alternating between depression and mania), or if someone in your family has suffered from it.
Convulsions.
Tell your doctor if you have seizures (epilepsy). If you experience seizures during treatment with Efexor ER, you should inform your doctor immediately and stop taking Efexor ER.
Impaired kidney and liver function.
In patients with impaired renal and hepatic function, the physician should monitor therapy and, if necessary, reduce the dose in accordance with his instructions. Patients requiring dialysis receive a 50% dose reduction.
Cardiovascular diseases.
Efexor ER should be used with caution in patients with heart disease.
Tell your doctor if you have a history of heart disease, an irregular or slow heartbeat (irregular heartbeat), a recent heart attack, or an abnormal electrocardiogram (EKG) called a “prolonged QT interval.”
A dose-dependent increase in blood pressure may occur. Therefore, regular monitoring of blood pressure is recommended. Tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure.
Dry mouth.
Dry mouth occurs in more than 10% of patients treated with venlafaxine. This can increase the risk of tooth decay. Therefore, special attention should be paid to dental hygiene.
Bleeding.
Patients with a predisposition may experience increased bleeding from the skin or mucous membranes during treatment with Efexor ER. Tell your doctor if you have a tendency to bruise or bleed (previous bleeding disorders) or if you are taking other medicines that may increase your risk of bleeding.
Cholesterol level.
Tell your doctor if you have high cholesterol.
Glaucoma (glaucoma).
Efexor ER should be used with caution in patients with glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye).
Water and mineral balance.
Efexor ER should also be used with caution in patients with insufficient fluid intake or increased water loss (urine, sweating), including elderly patients or patients taking diuretics (a means to increase water excretion). Tell your doctor if you have had low blood sodium levels (hyponatremia) in the past.
Hypersensitivity / allergy.
If you experience an allergic reaction such as a rash or nettle rash, please notify your doctor immediately.
Restlessness / involuntary movements.
Efexor ER may make you anxious or unable to sit or stand still. You must tell your doctor if this applies to you.
Alcohol.
You should avoid drinking alcohol while taking Efexor ER.
Withdrawal reactions when treatment is stopped.
Efexor ER treatment should not be discontinued abruptly due to potential side effects. The following withdrawal symptoms have been observed: anxiety or agitation, headache, flu-like symptoms, sleep disturbances (including insomnia and intense sleep), nausea, vomiting, sensory disturbances (including paresthesia [discomfort, such as tingling or numbness, painful burning sensation]), dizziness and trembling. Most withdrawal symptoms are not severe and resolve spontaneously.
Laboratory tests.
Efexor ER may interfere with certain lab tests that show the presence of other drugs or drugs. If you need a lab test, tell your doctor or hospital that you are taking Efexor ER.
Responsiveness / ability to drive a car.
This medication may impair your ability to react, drive, and use tools or machines! Individual reactions at the start of treatment and their significance with the use of machines and vehicles must be assessed by a physician.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have or have suffered from other medical conditions andIf you are allergic to or are taking or using other medicines (including those you bought yourself)!
How is it used?
The dosage and duration of treatment will be selected by the doctor individually for you.
What are the possible side effects?
Don’t be alarmed if you see tiny white granules or balls in your stools after taking Efexor ER. Efexor ER capsules contain spheroids (small white spheres) that contain the active ingredient and release it as it passes through the gastrointestinal tract. The spheroid framework remains undissolved and is excreted in the feces.
Side effects are more likely to occur at the beginning of treatment or when taking high doses. In general, symptoms decrease in intensity and frequency as treatment continues.
Allergic reaction.
If any of the following side effects occur, stop treatment immediately and contact your doctor or go to the nearest hospital emergency department: chest tightness; wheezing, difficulty swallowing or breathing, swelling of your face, throat, hands, or feet; Nervousness or anxiety; Dizziness; a feeling of pulsation; sudden redness of the hands and / or feeling of warmth; severe rash; Itching or hives.
Serious side effects.
You may need urgent medical attention if any of the following symptoms appear:
- Heart problems (fast or irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure).
- Wheezing, shortness of breath and high fever, shortness of breath, chest pain.
- Discomfort in the eyes (blurry vision, dilated pupils).
- Nervous system discomfort (dizziness, needles, movement disorders, convulsions or seizures).
- Psychiatric complaints such as hyperactivity and euphoria.
