Effexor OCD Treatment

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By Sheila Wilson

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Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental illness that causes intrusive obsessions and compulsive behavior. Some medications and special therapeutic interventions have been success for treating OCD. Effexor OCD treatment is one of those treatments that have been effective for some people suffering from OCD.

Obsessions are disturbing, repetitive thoughts that cause anxiety. This anxiety is temporarily relieved when the person performs ritualistic, compulsive behavior. Excessive hand washing, arranging items in a particular order, cleaning, and checking and rechecking items are examples of compulsions. The compulsions are often related to the obsessions that the person experiences. For example, if a person has an obsessive thoughts related to a fear of germs or illness, the person may have compulsive hand washing or cleaning to alleviate this fear.

Treating OCD often includes a combination of therapy and medication. Exposure and cognitive behavioral therapy are two types of therapy for OCD. A psychiatrist may prescribe medication to lower the levels of anxiety and help the person control the OCD symptoms. Effexor is an OCD medication that is often prescribed when other medications have not been effective in treating OCD symptoms.

 Effexor is an antidepressant known as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). Effexor and other SNRIs work by increasing the amount of two neurotransmitters, serotonin and norepinephrine, that remains between the neurons of the brain. Low levels of serotonin and norepinephine has been associated with depression.

 

 

Venlafaxine HCl is the generic name for Effexor XR. Effexor XR is extended release capsules that come in dosages of 37.5 mg, 75 mg, and 150 mg. The starting dosage is typically low and increased over time if necessary. The psychiatrist may prescribe a combination of capsules for the desired total dosage.

Effexor XR is taken once a day with food. Effexor XR should be taken at the same time every day. Common Effexor side effects are dry mouth, insomnia, dizziness, nausea, loss of appetite, sweating, and constipation. Other possible side effects of Effexor include weight gain, sexual side effects, and nervousness.

Antidepressants can take weeks to reach therapeutic levels and treat the symptoms. If the person is still experiencing difficulty with OCD symptoms or if the side effects of Effexor are bothersome, the person should talk to the doctor. People should not stop taking Effexor without consulting the doctor first.

 

Comments

foreignpress 24 months ago

Wow. You're very knowledgable on these meds. I am concerned about the long-term effects, though. That's one thing these pharma companies can't predict. I wonder how ObamaCare will handle these much-needed medications? Thanks for the insightful hub.

Sheila Wilson profile image

Sheila Wilson Hub Author 24 months ago

Thank you. Psychology, psychiatry, and neuropsychology are passions of mine.

michael regan 3 months ago

I like 2 drink alcohol with my medicine effexor I usually drink around 6:00 pm until 9:pm I sometimes have 4 0r 5 beers I have no side effects. What do you think

michael regan 3 months ago

I forgot 2 mention I take 2 busbars pills during the day I do not feel groggy or drowsy. I can function very well I do not slam them down I take my time and eat

Sheila Wilson profile image

Sheila Wilson Hub Author 3 months ago

If you are drinking alcohol when taking medication, I would suggest discussing this with your doctor. You may not think you are having any side effects, but you don't know what damage or effects it could be having on your body. For example, many people who develop liver disease do not realize they have this problem until they are dying from it. Several psychiatric medications are hard on the liver and so is drinking alcohol. If you discuss your drinking with the doctor, the doctor may be able to make sure that you are on medication that will not react badly with alcohol.

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