RSD Alert
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RSD Alert is a voluntary
organisation publishing RSD/CRPS
information, mostly provided by
our readers.
Every approved medical drug works for some people but not for others.
Don't be alarmed by what you read. If in doubt consult your medical
advisor.
To make personal contact with one of the RSD Alert Team click CONTACT.
To pass on information for publication in "Drugs on RSD Alert"
click Submit Info.
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Drugs |
Drugs on RSD Alert
(notes and comments from correspondents) |
Venlafaxine |
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Description |
Venlafaxine is an antidepressant used to treat depression, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder or major depressive disorder. It has an unusual chemical structure and is defined as a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Taken as tablets (with food) it is normally started on a low dose (say 37.5 -75 mg/day) and increased over days or weeks up to a normal maximum of 225 mg/day (exceptional cases may be prescribed 350-375 mg/day). Also marketed as Effexor. |
Side effects(Don't be unduly alarmed. All drugs cause side effects for some patients) |
Reported side effects include appetite loss, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, insomnia, of, nausea, nervousness, sweating and weakness. Some women report changes to their menstrual cycle after taking this drug. |
Warnings(These are standard cautions but may not apply in your case) |
Venlafaxine
is not approved for use in children and teenagers as it may increase
risks of suicidal behaviour or thinking. Adult patients should also
be watched for signs of suicidal tendencies, especially when they
begin treatment of change their dosage. Talk to the doctor before
stopping the drug or reducing the dosage. Avoid drinking alcohol
while taking this drug and take extra care when operating machinery
or driving. Before taking this drug tell the doctor if you have bleeding or blood clotting problems, liver disease, kidney disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, seizures or epilepsy, glaucoma, history of mania or bipolar disorder or raised cholesterol levels. Discuss with your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. If you are breast-feeding a baby, do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor as the drug is passed into breast milk. |
Comments |
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Anti-depressants I have used:- Effexor (Venlafaxine HCL), Paxil (Paroxetine HCL), Zololf (Sertraline), Celexa (citalopram hydrobromide), Prozac (Fluoxetine HCL), Wellbutrin (Bupropion HCL) and Elavil (Amitriptyline HCL). I have even taken Buspar (Buspirone HCL) and Xanax (Alprazolam) which technically are anti-anxiety meds). Of this list the only one that I have had BAD adverse reactions to is Elavil. Trish Pennsylvania, USA I have a very bad period of depression. I have been on 325mg of Venlafaxine and 300mg of Trazadone daily. This combination of medications has helped with the depression. However, my concentration, short term memory and sleep have suffered. Gary I was prescribed Zopiclone and Venlafexine following a severe depressive period and suicide attempt in March 2002. I take 225mg of venlafexine each 24 hour period and 3.75mg of Zopiclone each night. I have a long history of substance misuse and although Ihave been clean from drugs and alcohol for fifteen years, I am easily addicted to almost anything. When I was prescribed these medications Iasked about their addictive qualities and was assured that they were non-addictive. Now I find I cannot stop. Mike (address supplied) Hi I've been on Venlafaxine (Effexor xl) for a year now and have
discovered it does me more harm than good. My memory, sleep, appetite,
vision, stomach etc have been severely affected. I also suffer
blackouts and severe dizzy spells. It also does nothing for my
anxiety. So now I'm slowly getting off the drug. |
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