How does effexor work for anxiety

The generic version will have a lower copay, and the brand name may have a higher copay or may not be covered. Zoloft is usually covered by both insurance and Medicare prescription plans. Generic Zoloft will have a lower copay, whereas brand name may have a higher copay or may not be covered at all. As insurance plans vary and are subject to change, contact your health insurance plan for current coverage information.

The most common side effects of Effexor XR are nausea, sleepiness, dry mouth, sweating, sexual problems, decreased appetite, and constipation. The most common adverse reactions of Zoloft are nausea, diarrhea, sexual problems, dry mouth, insomnia, and sleepiness. Other adverse effects may occur. Consult your healthcare professional for a complete list of side effects. MAO inhibitors should not be used within 14 days of Effexor or Zoloft.

The combination may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome , a life-threatening medical emergency due to excess serotonin. Triptans used to treat migraines, as well as other antidepressants, opioids, dextromethorphan, or St.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs such as Advil, Motrin, and aspirin, or anticoagulants such as warfarin, should not be taken with Effexor or Zoloft because of increased bleeding risk.

Other drug interactions may occur. Consult your healthcare provider for a full list of drug interactions. Effexor is an SNRI antidepressant. Effexor treats depression also called major depressive disorder or major depression in adults.

Effexor XR extended-release treats depression, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. The generic name of Effexor is venlafaxine. Zoloft sertraline is an SSRI selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Effexor and Zoloft are not the same.

Effexor is part of a drug class called SNRIs, or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. SNRIs work on serotonin and norepinephrine.

Zoloft is part of a drug class called SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. SSRIs work on serotonin. Either drug can be effective, but everyone responds differently to different medications. The best medication can be determined by your healthcare provider, who can consider your medical history and other medications you take that could interact with Effexor or Zoloft.

Taking Effexor or Zoloft in the third trimester can cause serious complications to the baby, resulting in prolonged hospitalizations, tube feeding, and breathing support. Effexor or Zoloft is only prescribed in pregnancy when the benefits outweigh risks and if no other safer alternative is available. If an overdose occurs, call your doctor or You may need urgent medical care. You may also contact the poison control center at Increased heart rate, low blood pressure, increased salivation, irregular menstrual cycle, increased frequency of urination, changes in taste, low sodium symptoms of low sodium levels may include headache, weakness, difficulty concentrating and remembering , teeth grinding, difficulty urinating, angle closure glaucoma symptoms of angle closure glaucoma may include eye pain, changes in vision, swelling or redness in or around eye.

Serotonin syndrome symptoms may include shivering, diarrhea, confusion, severe muscle tightness, fever, seizures, and death. SNRI antidepressants including venlafaxine may increase the risk of bleeding events. Combined use of aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs e.

This may include gums that bleed more easily, nose bleed, or gastrointestinal bleeding. Some cases have been life threatening. To date, there are no known problems associated with long term use of venlafaxine.

It is a safe and effective medication when used as directed. Venlafaxine should not be taken with or within 2 weeks of taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors MAOIs. Venlafaxine may increase the effects of other medications that can cause bleeding e. Sleep, energy, or appetite may show some improvement within the first weeks. Improvement in these physical symptoms can be an important early signal that the medication is working.

Depressed mood and lack of interest in activities may need up to weeks to fully improve. Depression and certain other psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with increases in the risk of suicide. This risk may persist until significant remission occurs.

In short-term studies, antidepressants increased the risk of suicidality in children, adolescents, and young adults when compared to placebo. Short-term studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults beyond age Adults age 65 and older taking antidepressants have a decreased risk of suicidality.

Patients, their families, and caregivers should be alert to the emergence of anxiety, restlessness, irritability, aggressiveness and insomnia. All patients being treated with antidepressants for any indication should watch for and notify their health care provider for worsening symptoms, suicidality and unusual changes in behavior, especially during the first few months of treatment.

Last Updated: January This information is being provided as a community outreach effort of the College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists. This information is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. This information contains a summary of important points and is not an exhaustive review of information about the medication.

Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified medical professional with any questions you may have regarding medications or medical conditions. Never delay seeking professional medical advice or disregard medical professional advice as a result of any information provided herein. The College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists disclaims any and all liability alleged as a result of the information provided herein. Search Close Menu.

Sign In About Mental Illness. About Mental Illness Treatments. About Mental Illness Research. Your Journey Individuals with Mental Illness. It has been found to increase the risk of suicidal thinking, especially in children, teenagers, and young adults. A missed dose should be taken as soon as the person remembers to take it, but if it is nearly time for the next dose, they should skip the missed dose. Other effects include tremor, vertigo , headache, hallucinations, impaired concentration, fatigue , and paresthesia, which is a sensation of pricking, tingling, or creeping on the skin.

If anyone takes too much venlafaxine, someone should call their local poison control center for advice on If the person collapses or stops breathing, call Like all medicines, venlafaxine should be stored in a locked cabinet, out of the reach of children. It is important also to keep the doctor informed of any other medications, supplements, and health conditions the user might have. People who are using venlafaxine should attend all their medical appointments, because the doctor will need to monitor for blood pressure and other signs.

If you wish to stop taking this medication, you should do so gradually and under medical supervision, because withdrawal symptoms can occur. In a new study, universally screening students for depression meant that more students were initially identified and started treatment. A recent study examined how air pollutants impact brain networks to mediate changes in cognitive function and enhance the risk of depression.

A new study investigates whether or not regularly consuming mushrooms might reduce the risk of developing depression. The authors conclude that it…. New research compares rates of depression among adults in the United States before and after the pandemic and finds that COVID may have severely…. What you need to know about venlafaxine Effexor. Medically reviewed by Alan Carter, Pharm. How it works Uses How to take it Adverse effects Precautions Missed dose or overdose Stopping Venlafaxine, also known as Effexor, is one of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants in the United States.

How it works. Share on Pinterest Venlafaxine is a commonly used antidepressant drug. How to take it. Adverse effects.