Efexor XR 150mg

Efexor general information

What is Efexor used for?

Efexor XR capsules 150mg are used to treat major depression and symptoms of depressive illness, including anxiety, loss of interest in usual activities, disturbed sleep, change in appetite, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, difficulty thinking or concentrating, and recurrent thoughts of suicide.  Efexor XR capsules 150mg are also used to treat other mood disorders that affect daily activities and relationships with others including, social anxiety disorder (Social Phobia), panic disorder (panic attacks) and generalised anxiety disorder.   Efexor XR capsules 150mg help manage the emotional and physical symptoms of depression and other mood disorders to help improve ability to function at work, in family, social life and in leisure activities.

How does Efexor work?

Efexor XR capsules 150mg contain venlafaxine which is an antidepressant belonging to the class of drugs known as Serotonin-Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), but is structurally and chemically different to other antidepressants.  Venlafaxine in Efexor XR capsules 150mg acts in the brain to correct the chemical imbalance caused by a lack of certain neurotransmitters (brain chemical that allows nerve cells to communicate) that is thought to be one of the major causes of depression and other mood disorders, particularly a lack of serotonin, which controls many body activities, including regulating mood.  Venlafaxine is a potent inhibitor of the reuptake of serotonin and noradrenaline, and also weakly inhibits dopamine reuptake, which means that it blocks the re-uptake of serotonin and noradrenaline from the synapse (the gap between nerve cells across which chemical messages are sent from one nerve cell to another).  If the re-uptake of serotonin and noradrenaline by the first nerve cell (pre-synaptic) is blocked, this means that there is more neurotransmitter remaining for the receiving nerve cell (post-synaptic), which allows nerve cells to communicate with each other for longer.  The action of Efexor XR capsules 150mg helps relieve symptoms of depression and other mood disorders by increasing the amount of serotonin and noradrenaline in the brain, which in turn increases stimulation of nerve pathways that control mood.  Efexor XR capsules 150mg are formulated so that venlafaxine is released slowly from spheroids within the capsule into the digestive system for extended-release of the drug. 

What does Efexor contain?

Efexor XR capsules 150mg contain the active ingredient venlafaxine hydrochloride, an antidepressant belonging to the class of drugs known as Serotonin-Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) used to treat depression and other mood disorders.  They also contain gelatin, Hypromellose, Iron oxide red CI 77491, Iron oxide yellow CI 77492, microcrystalline cellulose, purified talc, TekPrint white ink SB-0007P, titanium dioxide.

Treating depression with Efexor

Efexor XR capsules 150mg contain venlafaxine which is an antidepressant belonging to the class of drugs known as Serotonin-Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), used to treat symptoms of depression, including anxiety, loss of interest in usual activities, disturbed sleep, change in appetite, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, difficulty thinking or concentrating and recurrent thoughts of suicide.  One of the major causes of depression is thought to be an imbalance of neurotransmitters (brain chemicals that allows nerve cells to communicate), particularly a lack of serotonin that controls mood.  Efexor XR capsules 150mg works by specifically blocking the reuptake of serotonin and noradrenaline from the synapse, or gap between nerve cells across which chemical messages are sent to allow nerve cell to communicate with each other.  By preventing the reuptake of serotonin and noradrenaline by the first nerve cell (pre-synaptic) there is more neurotransmitter remaining for the receiving nerve cell (post-synaptic), so that nerve cells can communicate with each other for longer which increases stimulation of nerve pathways that control mood changes, relieving symptoms of depression. 

Efexor for anxiety

Efexor XR capsules 150mg contain venlafaxine which is an antidepressant belonging to the class of drugs known as Serotonin-Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), used to treat several anxiety-related conditions, including social anxiety disorder (Social Phobia), panic disorder (panic attacks) and generalised anxiety disorder, where excessive anxiety causes constant and uncontrollable feelings of worry and distress, feeling irritable, and difficulty thinking and sleeping.  Other common symptoms associated with anxiety may include muscle tension, dry mouth, a lump in the throat, cold clammy hands, diarrhoea and nausea.  One of the major causes of anxiety is thought to be an imbalance of neurotransmitters (brain chemicals that allows nerve cells to communicate), particularly a lack of serotonin that controls mood and noradrenaline that is related to drive and motivation.  If there is a lack of serotonin, the brain cells involved in nerve pathways that control mood changes generate feelings of anxiety and panic instead of well-being, which is associated with high levels of serotonin.  Efexor XR 150 works by specifically blocking the reuptake of serotonin and noradrenaline from the synapse, or gap between nerve cells across which chemical messages are sent to allow nerve cell to communicate with each other.  By preventing the reuptake of serotonin and noradrenaline by the first nerve cell (pre-synaptic) there is more neurotransmitter remaining for the receiving nerve cell (post-synaptic), so that nerve cells can communicate with each other for longer which increases stimulation of nerve pathways that control mood changes, relieving symptoms of anxiety. 

What are the side effects of Efexor?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Efexor XR capsules 150mg include decreased or loss of appetite, dry mouth, diarrhoea, nausea, sleeplessness, fatigue, drowsiness, increased sweating, vasodilation (hot flashes), hypertension (increase in blood pressure), sexual problems. 

When should Efexor not be used?

You should not use Efexor XR if you:

• are allergic to venlafaxine or any ingredients in Efexor XR
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding
• have liver or kidney disease, without discussion with your doctor
• have a recent history of myocardial infarction or unstable heart disease
• taking any monoamine oxidase inhibitor medications (such as phenelzine and tranylcypromine) as these can cause serious reactions if taken with Efexor XR or within 14 days
• are taking medication that affects blood clotting like warfarin as these may increase risk of bleeding if taken with Efexor
• are taking medicines that interact with Efexor including, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) for depression, other antidepressants like lithium and Imipramine, the analgesic tramadol, tryptophan, or phentermine (weight-reducing medicines), migraine medicines like sumatriptan, the antipsychotic pimozide, herbal remedies containing St. John´s Wort, bupropion, for nicotine dependence, the antifungal ketoconazole, the antibiotic erythromycin, clozapine for schizophrenia

What medications interact with Efexor?

Several medications interact with Efexor XR capsules 150mg and should either not be taken while you are taking Efexor or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:

• Drugs that cause a serious reaction with Efexor: monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) for depression, medication that affects blood clotting like warfarin, as these may increase risk of bleeding if taken with Efexor XR
• Drugs that affect Efexor: the analgesic tramadol, sibutramine (weight-reducing medicines), medicines used to treat migraine like sumatriptan, St John's wort, a herbal remedy used to treat mood disorders, cimetidine for reflux and ulcers, antifungals like ketoconazole, antibiotics like erythromycin
• Drugs that are affected by Efexor: antidepressants like lithium and Imipramine, clozapine for schizophrenia, the anticoagulant warfarin

How should Efexor be taken and for how long?

You should take your Efexor XR capsules 150mg with a glass of water, swallowed whole with food once a day, at the same time each day, for several weeks or months, depending on your condition and your doctor’s recommendations.  Your doctor may increase your dose, depending on what you are being treated for.  You should continue to take your Efexor XR capsules 150mg regularly for as long as recommended by your doctor, usually for several weeks or months and you should continue your medication even if you feel well.

Missed dose of Efexor

If you miss a dose of Efexor XR capsules 150mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Efexor be stored?

You should store your Efexor XR capsules 150mg below 25°C in a cool dry place.