Effexor (Venlafaxine) for Multiple Sclerosis

Overview
Effexor is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. Effexor may be mildly effective at managing neuropathic pain. Effexor is sometimes prescribed to treat depression associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). Effexor is also known by its drug name, venlafaxine.

Effexor is an antidepressant of the serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) class. Effexor is believed to work by changing the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain.

How do I take it?
Effexor should be taken exactly as prescribed.

Effexor comes in extended-release capsule form.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Effexor lists common side effects including drowsiness, dry mouth, sweating, nausea, constipation, loss of appetite, and sexual dysfunction.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Effexor include depression, suicidal thoughts, mania, abnormal bleeding, glaucoma, and increased blood pressure.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Effexor — Pfizer
http://labeling.pfizer.com/showlabeling.aspx?ID...

Depression-Treatment — National MS Society
https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Symptoms-Diag...

Pain, Pain, Go Away: Antidepressants and Pain Management — National Center for Biotechnology Information
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC27...