Contents
Efectin is a drug that contains venlafaxine, which has antidepressant and anxiolytic effects. The preparation is in the form of extended-release capsules. It is used to treat all types of depression (including depression with anxiety disorders), anxiety disorders (including long-term ones) and social anxiety disorder.
Efectin – dosage
The drug is taken orally. It should be taken with a meal and the capsules should not be crushed or chewed. It is recommended to use the preparation at the same time of the day.
The dose of the preparation and the frequency of its use is determined by the attending physician. For the treatment to have the desired effect, follow its recommendations.
To treat episodes of severe depression and to prevent it from coming back, adults initially take 75 mg of the drug a day. If necessary, the dose is gradually increased, but not more frequently than every 2 weeks (and eventually at least every 4 days). The maximum daily dose is 375 mg. It is recommended that treatment should be continued for at least six months after achieving remission.
Adult patients use 75 mg daily (starting dose) to 225 mg daily (maximum dose) when treating generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder. There should be an interval of at least 2 weeks when increasing the dose.
For panic disorders (including agoraphobia), adults take 37,5 mg per day at the start of treatment. After one week, the dose may be adjusted to 75 mg daily. Then you can increase it every 2 weeks, up to a maximum of 225 mg per day.
Administration of Efectin to children and adolescents under 18 years of age is not recommended. In the elderly, treatment should be started with the lowest recommended dose.
Efectin – fatigue, insomnia and other side effects
Possible side effects of the drug include: fatigue, hypertension, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, flushing, abnormal dreams, dizziness, increased muscle tone, dry mouth, insomnia, nervousness, tremors, paraesthesia ( sensory disturbances), increased sweating (including night sweats), visual disturbances, dilated pupils, problems with urination, decreased libido or ejaculation or orgasm disorders in men.
Efectin may negatively affect psychophysical fitness, as well as the ability to drive and use machines.
When stopping treatment suddenly, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as agitation, anxiety, confusion, anorexia, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, headache, somnolence, fatigue, insomnia, sleep disturbances, nervousness, nausea. , paresthesia, hyperhidrosis, tinnitus, convulsions, vomiting.
Efectin – what should you inform your doctor about?
Before prescribing the preparation, the doctor should take into account the patient’s hypersensitivity to any of the drug components, as well as to some diseases (such as heart rhythm disturbances, renal or hepatic dysfunction, epilepsy). Special care should be taken if the patient is already taking other antidepressants, cimetidine, lithium, warfarin or indinavir. The physician should be informed about all recently used drugs, including over-the-counter preparations.
Pregnant women may use the drug only if the benefits to the mother’s health outweigh the possible risk of harm to the fetus. Breastfeeding women should not use the preparation.
Alcohol is effective
Efectin, like most antidepressants, should not be combined with alcohol. The preparation may increase the toxic effect of alcohol on the body. Alcohol, on the other hand, disturbs the action profile of the preparation, may intensify its side effects and weaken its therapeutic effect. It happens that patients who consume alcohol during therapy notice that the drug gradually stops working, and the symptoms of the underlying disease recur or worsen.
The intensity of the interaction of the preparation with alcohol may change over time and is individual for each patient. Even if no side effects have occurred after consuming alcohol, they may still occur the next time.
Efectin – recipe
Efectin is sold in pharmacies only with a prescription. Do not give it to other people or use it without medical consultation.
Effectin – dinner
The drug is reimbursed by the National Health Fund. Its full price is around PLN 40-42. Depending on the amount due, the product costs about PLN 17-18 after the refund or it is available free of charge.