What is Effexor?
Effexor is a serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) prescribed to treat major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. In addition to its use as an antidepressant medication, Effexor may also be prescribed off-label as a treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
How does Effexor work?
As an antidepressant medication, Effexor works by increasing and regulating the levels of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. Norepinephrine affects things like stress response, heart rate, glucose release, and blood flow. Meanwhile, serotonin helps control processes relating to mood, anxiety, aggression, sleep, appetite, memory, and perception. Effexor inhibits the body from reabsorbing these neurotransmitters too quickly.