Does Effexor give you energy?

Does Effexor give you energy?

Effexor may improve your mood, energy levels, and overall concentration. However, it only happens in people who respond well to this antidepressant and their symptoms of depression start to get better. 

Effexor is not an energy pill per se, but being an antidepressant it reverses laziness and lack of motivation caused by depression. It is a known fact that people who suffer from depression start to lose interest in almost everything and their brain doesn’t allow them to be productive (1). 

Effexor reverses that and it makes you feel good when it starts to counteract depression. However, Effexor can take 4-6 weeks to start working. 

Some people may take longer to adjust to the medication, but Effexor may not increase energy levels in every other individual when it starts to work. This is because Effexor can cause sedation and tiredness in some people. 

Antidepressants affect people differently and it’s hard to predict how these meds make you feel before actually taking them. Make sure you properly take your antidepressant and reach out to your healthcare provider if you are concerned about any of the side effects. 

What does research suggest?

Research suggests that some individuals may experience an increase in energy levels while taking Effexor. The specific incidence of this effect varies among individuals and may not occur in everyone.

The mechanism behind the increase in energy levels with Effexor is not fully understood. however, experts suggest that it could be related to the mechanism of action of Effexor.

Effexor belongs to a class of medications known as serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It works by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters, namely serotonin and norepinephrine, in the brain (2,3). 

These neurotransmitters are involved in regulating mood, emotions, and energy levels. It is believed that the increase in energy levels may be related to the impact of Effexor on the levels of these neurotransmitters. 

By affecting serotonin and norepinephrine, Effexor may influence brain activity and promote a sense of increased energy and motivation in some individuals. This can also help reverse symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome (4).

It’s important to note that the effects of Effexor can vary from person to person, and not everyone will experience increased energy levels. Additionally, Effexor is primarily prescribed for the treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, and other mental health conditions. 

The overall goal of treatment is to improve overall well-being and alleviate symptoms, rather than solely focusing on increased energy levels.

What to do if Effexor makes you restless or anxious?

If you experience restlessness or increased anxiety while taking Effexor, it is important to discuss these symptoms with your healthcare provider. 

While some individuals may experience increased energy levels as a positive effect, it can sometimes lead to restlessness and anxiety, which are not always desirable.

Your healthcare provider will evaluate your specific situation and determine the best course of action. They may recommend adjusting the dosage of Effexor or trying other treatment options.

In the meantime, there are some self-care strategies you can try to manage restlessness and anxiety:

  • Practice relaxation techniques: Engage in activities that promote relaxation, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, or listening to calming music. These techniques can help reduce restlessness and anxiety.
  • Engage in physical activity: Regular exercise can be beneficial for managing anxiety and restlessness. Find activities that you enjoy and incorporate them into your routine. Exercise helps release endorphins, which can improve mood and reduce anxiety.
  • Maintain a balanced lifestyle: Ensure you have a healthy and balanced lifestyle by getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, and managing stress levels. Establishing a routine and practising good self-care can contribute to overall well-being.

It is important to note that proper use of antidepressants is crucial to make the most out of them. So make sure you properly follow your doctor’s direction and don’t forget to take your Effexor. It is important to take this antidepressant for as long as your doctor has recommended.

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References

1.-

Ghanean H, Ceniti AK, Kennedy SH. Fatigue in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder: Prevalence, Burden and Pharmacological Approaches to Management. CNS Drugs. 2018 Jan;32(1):65-74. doi: 10.1007/s40263-018-0490-z. PMID: 29383573. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29383573/

2.-

Singh D, Saadabadi A. Venlafaxine. 2022 Oct 10. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 30570984. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535363

3.-

Sansone RA, Sansone LA. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors: a pharmacological comparison. Innov Clin Neurosci. 2014 Mar;11(3-4):37-42. PMID: 24800132; PMCID: PMC4008300. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4008300/

4.-

Goodnick PJ. Treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome with venlafaxine. Am J Psychiatry. 1996 Feb;153(2):294. doi: 10.1176/ajp.153.2.294a. PMID: 8561218. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8561218/

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