????? about Effexor

[Guest guest]

To the knowlegable people with depression:

I was tsking Effexor XR 75mg, 1 capsule in am and 2 capsules in the

pm.

Now i am talking Effexor 75mg, 2 tablets in am and 2 tablets in the

pm.

So my ????? is what is the difference between capsules and tablets

and what does the XR mean?

Thanks

[Guest guest]

Effexor is the extended release version.here is some info 'straight from

the horses web page':

EFFEXOR XR (venlafaxine HCI) adds the convenience of once-daily dosing

to the well-established antidepressant efficacy of immediate-release

EFFEXOR XR (venlafaxine HCI.1 Once-daily dosing may make EFFEXOR XR

more acceptable to many patients who might benefit from it, including

those with associated symptoms of anxiety, and those taking multiple

medications who might be at risk of drug interactions.

What is the mechanism of action of EFFEXOR XR?

EFFEXOR XR is a potent inhibitor of the reuptake of serotonin and

norepinephrine2- two neurotransmitters thought to play important roles

in the pathophysiology of depression.3,4 However, it has virtually no

affinity for other receptors which are hypothesized to be associated

with the anticholinergic, sedative, and cardiovascular effects seen with

other psychotropic drugs, including the tricyclic antidepressants.2,5 As

with SSRIs, anticholinergic-like side effects may occur with EFFEXOR XR.

What are the benefits of combining reuptake inhibition of serotonin and

norepinephrine?

Research suggests that changes in the serotonergic and noradrenergic

systems have different effects on behavior and emotion. Serotonin (5HT)

has been associated with the mood aspects of the depression, especially

anxiety and depressed mood, while norepinephrine has been primarily

associated with the psychomotor components, and only secondarily with

mood.6 Thus, an antidepressant with a combined mode of action should be

able to affect the actions of both neurotransmitters.

How does EFFEXOR XR differ from EFFEXOR?

EFFEXOR XR provides all the efficacy of immediate-release venlafaxine,

with the additional benefit of once-daily convenience, especially for

patients on the go and those with complicated medication schedules.

In premarketing studies of EFFEXOR, the rate of discontinuation of

treatment due to adverse events was 19%. In premarketing studies of

EFFEXOR XR, the rate of discontinuation of treatment due to adverse

events was approximately 11%.

http://www.athealth.com/consumer/Mcabinet/EffexorXR.html for more...

[Guest guest]

Effexor xr is Effexor extended release. I would think that the capsules and

the tablets are just the maker of the drug.

Norma

wrote:

So my ????? is what is the difference between capsules and tablets

and what does the XR mean?

[Guest guest]

XR is entended release. Helps prevent the sleepiness. Capsules and tablets are

the same - some people find one easier to take than another.

> From: sqbear2@...

Now i am talking Effexor 75mg, 2 tablets in am and 2 tablets in the

pm. So my ????? is what is the difference between capsules and tablets

and what does the XR mean?

[Guest guest]

They are not the same drug, but are in the same category of anti-d's. By taking

you off, your pdoc reduced the amount of anti-d's you're taking. For me, this

would be enough to get a new pdoc.

From: wseone56@...

I am wondering about being taken off Effexor by my new Psychiatrist who said

that I was taking Wellbutrin and Effexor and that they were the same acting

drug. Well now over ten days without and find myself being more weepy, Has

anyone had any experience with this?