Effexor medication by Ray Sahelian, M.D. benefits and side effects of Effexor

Effexor, also called venlafaxine, is an antidepressant made by Wyeth, based in Madison, N.J. Deaths have occurred from Effexor overdose. Although effective in many users, doctors should consider natural antidepressants such as 5-HTP or SAM-e or St. John's wort before resorting to prescription medications such as Effexor. For additional information on venlafaxine. For information on natural ways to deal with depression.

Effexor Side Effects
There have been reports of deaths and serious injuries in patients who overdosed on Effexor, predominantly when taken with alcohol and/or other drugs. To limit the risk of overdose, doctors should prescribe the "smallest quantity of capsules consistent with good patient management," Wyeth wrote in a letter to doctors. Overdosing on any antidepressant can be fatal. But there may be a greater risk of deadly overdose associated with Effexor than with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors -- antidepressants like Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil and Lexapro.

Effexor for headache
For some patients seeking relief from frequent tension headaches, the antidepressant Effexor XR may reduce the number of days with headache. Dr. N. P. Zissis, at Wyeth Hellas in Athens, recruited patients with tension headaches that occurred more often than on five days per month. The 60 participants were randomly assigned to Effexor XR or an inactive placebo. They could also take aspirin or paracetamol / acetaminophen but no other pain killers. At the end of the 12-week trial, the average reduction in the numbers of days with headache was significantly greater in the Effoxor XR group (45 percent) compared with the placebo group (16 percent). Cephalalgia, April 2007.
   Dr. Sahelian comments: I wonder if 5-HTP would have a similar effect.

Effexor Emails
Q. A few weeks ago I had emailed you regarding bad side effects of excessive menstrual bleeding, poor control of depression when I added 5-htp and tryptophan to my Effexor treatment. I spoke to the School of Pharmacy at my local university and they advised that my heavy bleeding would have been caused by taking 5HTP, Tryptophan AND Effexor. They said this combination was too much and that I shouldn't be taking all 3. They said if I wanted to take either 5HTP or Tryptophan with Effexor, Tryptophan seems to have the best results for boosting depressive symptoms.  Since I have been doing this my period this month is fine and my depression is wonderful. Seems Tryptophan with Effexor is better than 5HTP with Effexor for me. I'm only on low doses of both to avoid excess serotonin though - 500 mg Tryptophan and 75 mg Effexor / day. Just wanted to let you know that your product is in fact very good but I was not using it in the right manner or amount. It's often a matter of trial and error but thought this info may help somebody else. I don't wish my name to be made public though if you choose to use this info. Thanks for your time and a best tryptophan product.

Q. I am a 39 year old female on Effexor for clinical depression. Libido is quite low and am interested in Passion Rx. Is it safe/effective to take in addition to Effexor, and if so, does it matter if I take it with the yohimbe or not?
   A. We don't recommend the use of Passion Rx the same day as an antidepressant such as Effexor since unexpected side effects could occur when potent drugs and herbs are combined. If your doctor approves and feels you can skip the Effexor on certain days if your depression is under control, you could try half a capsule of either Passion Rx formula on the days that you are not taking the Effexor. However, with this low dose, it may take a few days to notice a sexual enhancement.

Q. I'm currently taking Effexor 150mg a day for anxiety, I understand anxiety and depression go hand and hand - I've been on this medication for a few years now and I want to try a natural alternative. I'm 36 years old and I have a benign tremor. Taking Effexor I feel increases my tremor so my Dr. recommend I take propanolol to subside the tremors. I'm simply not happy with side effects from Effexor, I want to stop taking it and see who I'm with out it. I'm considering taking Sam-E, but before I ordered it from your website, what do you recommend my dosage be and how do I transition from Effexor to Sam-E?

Q. I take 150 of Effexor xr daily, have no sex drive. i am 51 will Passion Rx be a good product for me?
   A.  It is difficult to predict the reaction to the combination of Passion Rx with Effexor antidepressant medication. Effexor is known to cause loss of sex drive. Passion Rx can enhance sex drive but it may be more difficult since there is always the inhibition going on from the Effexor drug. If your doctor approves, you could try half a capsule of Passion Rx every other day, or two days on, one day off. And be patient for 2 weeks to one month. If you find you are having trouble sleeping, reduce the frequency of use of Passion Rx. Mind Power Rx may be taken at one capsule during the days when Passion Rx is not being used. If you notice any side effects with the combination, stop the herbs and resume at a lower dosage after two days. Your doctor may also advise you to perhaps reduce the dosage of the Effexor by half on the days that you take Passion Rx or Mind Power Rx or Prostate Power Rx which also helps with sexual enhancement. Or better yet if your doctor says ok to skip the Effexor on the day that you take Passion Rx, that would even be better.

Q. I have been taking Effexor since 1997. I started on 75 mg. I have gradually gone up on the dosages 150 mg. and now 225 mg. I have had many bouts of depression over the years. At Age 27 and i am now 61. I suffered many many years without taking anything until 1997 I had to give in and start on Effexor XR 75 mg. I have heard amino acids and another natural supplement is good together. I am wondering if I can cut back gradually on Effexor XR 225 and get on with the amino acids and natural supplements. I am very sleepy and fatigued. I am finding it hard to cope with my chores like this.
   A. It is possible that natural supplements could help. See the depression link at the top of the page. Each person is unique in terms of which supplements they respond to and in what dosage.

Q. I really like your conservative approach to supplements. I use Tryptophan and was recently put on Effexor 75mgm for severe depression (sudden onset--adjustment disorder) and the Dr. did not know about Tryptophan or if I could take them together?
   A. Tryptophan supplement use leads to enhanced serotonin production. Effexor also influences serotonin levels. Some people may tolerate the combination, others may not. Much depends on the dosages used. If the dosages are very low, they may be used together, but there is a wide range of response among individuals and each case is handled differently.

Q. Thanks for your honesty and responsible behavior on your website and in your newsletters. Very rare indeed especially when the comments are coming from someone that sells the products they are discussing. I can honestly say that I don’t think I have ever read anything from a supplements related company that wasn’t somewhat cluttered with their bias and desire to sell their products. You would be the exception. Thank You.
   I have a brief question. I’m sure you have probably already covered this so please accept my apology. I am going to try Passion RX even though I am not having any real problems. I’m 48 years old and take 37 mg of Effexor nightly. I’ve tried to stop taking it for a long time but it makes me too sick even when I wean off slowly. It’s the lowest possible dose so I guess I will deal with it until I’m able to get off of it. I’ve been taking it for about 10 years. What I notice is that my libido is pretty low and even though I do orgasm it is not very strong. I do not have a problem getting or sustaining an erection. My question is do you think that Passion Rx would benefit me as far as a stronger orgasm and increased libido? I know this may be hard to answer but I would appreciate your thoughts. I am currently not taking any other vitamins although I do drink Xango mangosteen daily.
   A. It is difficult to predict the response of any individual when taking a supplement, particularly when that supplement is combined with a medication. Effexor does decrease sexual interest and libido and could decrease sensation. Passion Rx helps in this area. However, unexpected reactions can occur when combining medications and herbs. If your doctor approves, you can start on a low dosage of about a quarter of a capsule (they can be easily opened by pulling on each side of the capsule) and use it 2 days on and 1 day off and be vigilant for any potential interactions. After a week, if needed, the dosage can be increased to a third of a capsule. It may take a couple of weeks or much longer for the results to occur but it is a safer approach.