Effexor is a prescription medication used to treat depression and anxiety. It’s one of the most popular drugs for these disorders, but it can also cause some serious side effects in some people.
These include nausea, headaches, and dizziness. What you experience when taking this drug will depend on your individual needs and symptoms.
Prescription antidepressants may not always be the solution for everyone. Fortunately, there are other options like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) therapy.
Be sure to consult with your doctor before making any decisions about whether or not Effexor is right for you.
What Is Effexor?
Effexor is a type of antidepressant medication that is prescribed for adults dealing with depression. It is also prescribed to help those with anxiety disorders.
The main ingredients in the medication are venlafaxine and its metabolite desvenlafaxine.
It may also have mild antihistamine effects which help people who suffer from high levels of anxiety and hyperactivity.
Side Effects of Taking Effexor
Side effects of taking Effexor can differ depending on the person, their age, and the dosage that they are taking.
Less common side effects include:
- Feeling as if your heart jumps or flutters
- Bad headache
- Feeling restless or confused
- Muscle problems (pain or weakness)
- Chest pain
- Blurred vision
- Hallucinations or nightmares.
Individuals should also be aware of the possibility of allergic reactions to Effexor.
Symptoms may include skin eruptions like hives and itching which can lead to difficulty breathing. Seek medical attention if you experience these symptoms.
Effexor can also cause headaches with prolonged use or higher doses; this may be reduced by changing the dosage or frequency of administration. Headaches occur in 11% of patients using Effexor.
Lowering the dosage or switching to a different antidepressant is also recommended as a treatment for headaches.
Potential Benefits of Taking Effexor
Some people see the benefits of taking Effexor outweighing the risks, such as it effectively treating their depression and anxiety disorders.
Other people who have tried Effexor reported finding that the medication had no effect or even made their symptoms worse, with one person experiencing exacerbated panic attacks when they first began taking it.
As previously mentioned, there are some potential side effects that may be experienced by those who take Effexor, although the severity of these will vary from person to person.
Some people find that they have no side effects when taking it, while others experience more serious ones ranging from nausea and headaches to dizziness.
In some cases, drug interactions between Effexor and other medications a person is taking can cause negative interactions, or even result in the discontinuation of taking another medication.
People’s experiences with Effexor vary greatly depending on their individual needs and symptoms; each person will have different levels of benefits and side effects when they take this medication.
How to Take Effexor Safely
It is very important to take Effexor exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions and keep all appointments. The dosage for the medication should not be increased unless specifically instructed by your doctor.
Unless you are taking Effexor for chronic pain, it is important that you do not drink alcohol or use any medications that may interact with Effexor without first discussing this with your doctor.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your physician before taking Effexor.
Do not become discouraged if the medication doesn’t work right away. It can take up to 4 weeks until there is a noticeable change in mood or other symptoms of depression or anxiety disorder.
Talk to your doctor if you are having side effects or if the medication isn’t working as expected. It may take some time to find the right medication and dosage level.
TMS Therapy is a Great Alternative
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a great alternative for people who are struggling to find the right medicine and dosage level for their ailments.
The goal of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation is to create an electric current that stimulates nerve cells and promotes growth in the area of the brain that is linked with depression or anxiety disorder.
Benefits of TMS Therapy
Alternative therapies may be necessary when SSRIs have been tried by a patient and they have experienced the downsides of antidepressants.
Patients with major depressive disorder and other mental health disorders can benefit from TMS treatment as it is safe and effective.
Non-Invasive
There is no need for anesthesia with TMS, which is administered by wearing a cap containing the coil. As part of this treatment, the technician or doctor calibrates the intensity of the stimulation. Following that, the stimulation is sent to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.
Clinical research has shown that this area of the brain regulates depression most effectively.
Little to No Side Effects
Unlike medications that have potential side effects including nausea, dizziness, fatigue, sleep problems, and even a sexual problem, NeuroStar TMS is usually free from side effects.
Among the most secure TMS therapies are NeuroStar Advanced TMS. TMS treatment with NeuroStar is non-invasive and has no side effects. During the procedure, you remain awake throughout, so there are no risks associated with anesthesia.
The side effects of NeuroStar TMS are usually mild. The treatment may cause headaches or lightheadedness.
Short Daily Treatment Sessions
In most cases, NeuroStar TMS treatments last 19 to 37 minutes. It takes place in a chair while you are seated comfortably.
During treatment, most patients enjoy listening to music, reading a book, or watching TV. Our patients’ ability to carry out normal daily activities is not affected by NeuroStar Advanced TMS treatment.
Is TMS Therapy Right For You?
Many people who experience depression and anxiety disorders are prescribed an antidepressant medication called Effexor.
While antidepressants like this one can be very effective for some, it does carry risks like nausea, headaches or dizziness.
For those looking to find a more alternative treatment option that may not have as many side effects, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a great way to go.
TMS Therapy works by stimulates nerve cells linked with mood regulation so you can see positive results much quicker than traditional medications like Effexor do.
If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of TMS Therapy and how it compares to taking Effexor for mental health issues, contact our team today!
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