What is Effexor (Venlafaxine)?
Effexor (Venlafaxine) is a new antidepressant with a novel chemical structure. Effexor has a structure that does not resemble those of any currently used antidepressants. Effexor is not a tricyclic antidepressant or an MAO inhibitor. • How does Effexor differ from other antidepressants? Effexor seems to have the relative freedom from side-effects associated with the SSRIs [fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil), and fluvoxamine (Luvox)] and the impact on both serotonin and norepinephrine associated with the tricyclic antidepressants [amitriptyline (Elavil), imipramine (Tofranil), etc.]. It is hypothesized that the action of the Effexor molecule upon both serotonin and norepinephrine will cause Effexor to be a successful antidepressant for some people who have not responded to treatment with SSRIs. As Effexor and its active metabolite have relatively short half-lives, 4 hours and 11 hours respectively, Effexor should be administered in divided does, two or three ti
