Does Effexor help panic attacks? (3+ treatment options)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article, we will explore whether Effexor helps panic attacks. Additionally, we will discuss the effectiveness of Effexor in reducing panic attacks, the time it takes to work, recommended dosages, and other treatment options for panic disorders.
Does Effexor help panic attacks?
Yes, Effexor helps in reducing panic attacks. Effexor is an antidepressant that reduces the number and severity of panic attacks, improving the quality of life for patients. You may find Effexor a safe and effective antidepressant with mild side effects, but it is important to note that not everyone has a similar response.
Effexor, also known as Venlafaxine, belongs to the serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) class of drugs and is FDA-approved for treating anxiety and depression.
Additionally, Effexor may also be prescribed for stress, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), premenstrual dysphoric disorder, nerve-related problems with diabetes, and various pain-related issues. Effexor inhibits the reuptake of serotonin (in low doses), norepinephrine (at medium doses), and dopamine (at higher doses) in brain cells (1).
Panic attacks are often associated with sudden and extreme fear or discomfort. You may experience symptoms of panic attacks such as fast heartbeat, sweating, body aches, shivering, dizziness, tingling or numbness (2).
How effective is Effexor in reducing panic attacks?
In a clinical trial, Effexor was given to patients with panic disorder to check their response to the medication. Effexor was not found to be effective in making the patients recover from panic disorder completely; however, the number of panic attacks and their severity were reduced.
Only a few anxiety symptoms were experienced by the patients while taking Effexor and the side effects associated with Effexor were also mild. This study proved the safety and efficacy of Effexor for patients with panic disorder (3).
In another clinical study, patients experienced an improvement in their symptoms of panic disorder when used for extended periods, it also prevented the return of illness.
Some common side effects were observed in patients taking Effexor, such as sleep disturbances, nausea, sexual side effects, or hypertension, therefore monitor the patients vigilantly with kidney or liver problems (4).
How long does Effexor take to work for panic attacks?
Effexor generally takes 4 to 6 weeks to start working. However, you may start to notice improvements in 1 or 2 weeks. Some patients may also experience complete therapeutic benefits after 8 to 12 weeks of Effexor treatment.
While taking Effexor for panic attacks, it is important to be patient and wait for the complete benefits of the medication. The treatment for panic disorder is longer compared to depression, and studies suggest continuing the treatment of panic attacks for up to 2 years.
Behavioural therapies are also started during this phase of treatment and after these 2 years, Effexor is gradually reduced over 6 months monitoring the patient regularly (5).
What are the dosage recommendations of Effexor for panic disorder?
Your doctor may start Effexor with a lower dose of 37.5mg daily, to determine the effective dose for you. Once you get adjusted to this dose after a week or two, your doctor may increase the dose up to 150mg per day if needed.
If the desired effect is not achieved at 150mg per day, your doctor may increase the dose of Effexor up to 225mg per day. A dosage of more than 225mg is not recommended as there is not enough clinical data available for higher doses of Effexor.
Therefore, Effexor should be started in low doses and increased gradually if needed, depending on the patient’s response, and monitoring throughout the treatment (4).
What other treatment options are available for panic attacks?
Selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and Benzodiazepines are considered the first line of treatment for panic disorder. If patients do not respond or these medications are not suitable for any patient, in such case second line of treatment, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) can be prescribed.
Some people may also respond well to Buspirone, Beta-blockers, or Hydroxyzine, which are considered the third line of treatment. In some cases, anticonvulsants or antipsychotics may be used, but more research is needed for their use in panic disorders.
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is also recommended by many healthcare providers for panic disorder. Some newer approaches are also being introduced in the clinical setting, such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), but more research is needed for their benefits for panic disorders (6).
Conclusion
In my opinion, Effexor reduces the frequency and intensity of panic attacks and is a safe and effective antidepressant. The dosage of Effexor for panic disorder varies among individuals due to differences in specific needs.
Always take antidepressants exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider and do not stop taking them before consulting your doctor.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
Singh D, Saadabadi A. Venlafaxine. 2022 Oct 10. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 30570984. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30570984/
2.-
Cackovic C, Nazir S, Marwaha R. Panic Disorder. 2023 Aug 6. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 28613692. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28613692/
3.-
Bradwejn J, Ahokas A, Stein DJ, Salinas E, Emilien G, Whitaker T. Venlafaxine extended-release capsules in panic disorder: flexible-dose, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Br J Psychiatry. 2005 Oct;187:352-9. doi: 10.1192/bjp.187.4.352. PMID: 16199795. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16199795/
4.-
Katzman MA, Jacobs L. Venlafaxine in the treatment of panic disorder. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2007 Feb;3(1):59-67. doi: 10.2147/nedt.2007.3.1.59. PMID: 19300538; PMCID: PMC2654536. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2654536/
5.-
Kjernisted K, McIntosh D. Venlafaxine extended release (XR) in the treatment of panic disorder. Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2007 Mar;3(1):59-69. doi: 10.2147/tcrm.2007.3.1.59. PMID: 18360616; PMCID: PMC1936289. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1936289/
6.-
Ziffra M. Panic disorder: A review of treatment options. Ann Clin Psychiatry. 2021 May;33(2):124-133. doi: 10.127788/acp.0014. PMID: 33529291. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33529291/
Find a supportive therapist who can help with Depression.
Discover the convenience of BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connecting you with licensed and accredited therapists specialized in addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, relationships, and more. Complete the assessment and find your ideal therapist within just 48 hours.
AskYourPharm is user-supported. We may earn a commission if you sign up for BetterHelp’s services after clicking through from this site
