Dr. Sidawi is an Orlando based, UF trained physician who is happy to be serving the community he grew up in by offering a combination of psychiatric medication management and psychodynamic psychotherapy.
Effexor XR is an antidepressant medication commonly prescribed to treat major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders (including GAD, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder), and sometimes other conditions like chronic pain. It belongs to a class of medications known as serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
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Effexor XR is used as a first-line medication option to treat symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). It can help with panic disorders and those with social anxiety disorder. Off-label it can be used to reduce neuropathic pain with diabetes and as a migraine preventative. It also targets symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and is considered a second-line alternative for patients who do not respond to SSRIs. Effexor XR is also considered an off-label treatment for narcolepsy.
Effexor XR is effective for managing major depressive disorder (MDD) by helping to improve low mood, energy levels, and overall functioning. For those with anxiety and panic disorders it can help reduce excessive worry, fear, and panic attacks. It can help with trauma symptoms related to PTSD. It eases pain brought on by migraines and aids those with pain resulting from nerve damage brought on by diabetic neuropathy. Another benefit of Venlafaxine is the alleviation of severe mood swings, irritability, and depressive symptoms associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). In those with narcolepsy it can help by reducing the frequency and intensity of cataplexy (sudden muscle weakness).
The most common side effects experienced by those taking Effexor XR are excessive sweating (diaphoresis), weight loss, gastrointestinal issues (Anorexia, nausea, and reduced production of saliva), dizziness, drowsiness, and insomnia.
Effexor XR works by increasing the levels of two key brain chemicals, serotonin and norepinephrine, by preventing them from being reabsorbed into neurons. At lower doses it works similarly to SSRIs, which mainly target serotonin. At higher doses it affects both serotonin and norepinephrine, making it more powerful in treating mood disorders and anxiety.
Effexor XR is commonly taken once, sometimes twice, per day at a dose ranging from 37.5mg and 225mg. Doses typically begin at 37.5mg to 75mg and may be increased over time depending on tolerability. Dosing depends on the patient’s specific situation and should always be discussed with their physician.
Other names for the brand Effexor XR include its generic name, Venlafaxine.
Dr. Sidawi is happy to be a part of your journey towards mental health, or at least point you in the right direction. Please either fill out the contact form below, call or email and we will get back to you as soon as possible. We are now scheduling adults age 18 and up residing in Florida for initial appointments. Unfortunately, due to laws around cash pay we cannot see patients who have Medicare or Medicaid.
Email: Info@AnalyzePsych.com
Phone: 407-900-9656
Dr. Sidawi is happy to be a part of your journey towards mental health, or at least point you in the right direction. Please either fill out the contact form below, call or email and we will get back to you as soon as possible. We are now scheduling adults age 18 to 64 residing in Florida for initial appointments. Unfortunately, due to laws around cash pay we cannot see patients who have Medicare or Medicaid.
Email: Info@AnalyzePsych.com
Phone: 407-900-9656
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