Uses and side effects of Tranax

Tranax is a prescription only drug in the benzodiazepine family. It is a brand of Alprazolam manufactured by Cipla pharmaceuticals, India. 

It is commonly prescribed by doctors to treat anxiety, phobias and panic disorders. In addition, some doctors prescribe this medication to alleviate sleep problems in certain patients.

Principal side effects of Tranax are drowsiness, tiredness and dizziness. One of the most important side effect of this medication is addiction. It can become habit forming and in certain individuals it can become a difficult to treat condition.

What are the common uses of this medication?

Panic disorder, Anxiety disorders and phobias are most common indications. It is effective in people who have social anxiety when they face social situations. 

Tranax 1mg tablets 

It is available as 1mg, 0.5mg and 0.25mg tablets.

What are the dangerous and problematic side effects?

One of the main problems with Tranax is dependence, withdrawal symptoms and tolerance. Dependence and withdrawal means getting adverse effects when the drug is stopped. These include sweating, muscle pains, apprehension and fits. Tolerance means requiring increased amount of the drug to achieve same benefit. This feature is also called habit formation.

Addiction is common side effect of Tranax

Allergic reactions to this medication can occur rarely and they can progress into an anaphylactic reaction. So be careful when a patient develops widespread hives, shortness of breath, chest tightness and pallor.

Some patients can become depressed and can get suicidal ideation. In addition, certain patients can get reduced inhibitions and may show increased risk taking behavior.

If taken during the night, drowsiness may continue to the next day. This side effect makes operating machinery and driving dangerous. In addition, taking alcohol with this medication can aggravate the problematic side effects of both alcohol and the drug.

Hangover in next day make operating machinery dangerous

What are the common but less dangerous side effects?

Fatigue and dizziness are quite common. In addition, certain patients may complain reduced muscle strength and co-ordination problems of movements. Other side effects are poor mental concentration, restlessness, confusion and memory loss.

What are the relatively rare side effects?

Rarely patients can get stomach upset including nausea and vomiting. In addition, certain patients may get breathing difficulty. Headache is another rare side effect. Rarely some patients may complain sexual problems with this medication. In addition, very rarely few patients may get urinary problems. Difficulty in speech can occur rarely in some patients.

What the doctor should know before prescribing?

 If the patient has following diseases, they should tell it to the doctor before taking the drug.

* Kidney disease

* Liver disease

* Breathing disorder

* Ataxia (poor control of body movements)

* Clinical depression

* Myasthenia gravis

Other than that, the doctor should know about over the counter medications you are on. If the you are pregnant, then the doctor may not prescribe this medication, especially in the last three months of the pregnancy. In addition, the doctor should know your sober habits before prescribing Tranax.

General advice

 This medication is available as tablets. Tablets should be taken with full glass of water without crushing, to minimize side effects. It can be taken with or without meals. Never share this medication with anybody else.

Finally let us see how this drug acts

Tranax Modulate GABA type A receptors in the brain and increases the inhibitory neurotransmission. This process alleviates anxiety and panic attacks. But the same action causes side effects such as drowsiness.

GABA Type A receptor, where tranax acts

Summary

Tranax or Xanax is a benzodiazepine class medication prescribed for anxiety disorders. Main side effects of this medication are drowsiness that may continue to the next day, increased risk of falls due to incoordination, problems in memory and drug dependence.

Use and side effects of Clonotril

Clonotril ® is a brand of clonazepam available in Indian sub-continent. It is a benzodiazepine class medication prescribed for epilepsy, anxiety disorders and for sleep disorders. Most common side effects reported by patients are drowsiness, dizziness, light headedness and walking difficulties (ataxia).

Long term side effects of Clonotril 

In addition to the common short term side effects mentioned above this medication has habit forming properties (Where the person need increasingly higher dosage to get the same effect esp. Sleep and reduction in anxiety) in long term use.

Clonotril 2mg tablets

What are the Uses of Clonotril ®

Epilepsy is the primary use of this medication. It decreases seizure frequency in epileptic patients. But it is commonly used in combination with other anti-epileptic medications. In psychiatry, it can be used to calm down severely disturbed patients and it is also used to treat sleep problems.

However, when it is used for sleep problems, it is very important to identify the underlying cause for the sleep problem. It is important to practice sleep hygiene techniques before getting treatment from sleep medications.

There are many causes for sleep problems that can be treated without sleep inducing medications. Depression and anxiety disorders are common causes for sleep disturbances. These problems settle once underlying cause is treated. In addition, there can be numerous medical problems associated with sleep difficulties.

Clonotril is prescribed in sleep problems, but sleep hygiene techniques should be tried first

Following sleep hygiene methods should be tried before taking medications

1. It is important to use the bed only for sleep

2. Do not take daytime naps or minimize them

3. It is very important not to take alcohol, coffee, coke or chocolate (Caffeine) just before sleep. Alcohol causes serious sleep disturbances. 

4. When you are having difficult time falling asleep then you need to get up from the bed and do something else without staying on the bed.

5. It is also important to make the sleeping environment comfortable, quiet and calm. Make your bed sheets clean and tidy.  

6. Exercise in day time, but not in night before sleep. 

Dose of Clonotril and how to use it

Dosage range is between 0.5mg to 4mg. However, most doctors prescribe between is 1mg and 2mgs. It is usually taken in the night to make sure drowsiness would not interfere with day to day activities. In addition, this medication has long action (30 – 40 hrs), so it is usually prescribed once a day.

Crushing this medication would increase side effects. E.g. Taking half a tablet would increase blood levels rapidly and cause more side effects so take the dose similar to ½ tablet as whole. In addition, take this medication with meal and with a full glass of water. 

It is very important not to exceed the dose prescribed by the doctor. If you feel you need more medication, then discuss with your prescribing doctor. This medication is having habit forming properties, therefore do not take it for long term without explicit advice from your doctor. If you discontinue it suddenly after prolonged use then there is possibility that it will cause severe withdrawal symptoms. 

What are the side effects of Clonotril

Following are a list of common side effects

1. Drowsiness

2. Dizziness

3. Unsteady gait (walking)

4. Muscle weakness

Drowsiness is a very significant side effect. It can affect driving and machinery operation. Sometimes it can persist into the morning even after night dose. Therefore, it is very important that you to see how you feel before driving or operating machinery. 

Operating machinery and driving can be dangerous when you are on this medication

What are the less common side effects of this medication? 

1. Headache and pain

2. Vertigo or unbalanceness 

3. Slurred speech

4. Low blood pressure 

5. Tremors of hands and body

6. Urine problems: - Common in elderly people

7. Respiratory depression: - It is important to tell whether you have respiratory problems such as Asthma, before getting the prescription. 

8. Blood disorders

9. Skin reactions

10. Paradoxical excitation: - Can cause disinhibition and increased activity in certain group of people.

What you should to tell your doctor, before getting the prescription?

If you are known to have following problems or medical condition, it is important that you tell that to your family doctor.

1. Liver problems

2. Kidney problems

3. Heart problems

4. Snoring in the night: - It is an indication of a condition called obstructive sleep apnea. In such people, it can cause dangerous lowering of breathing which causes the blood oxygen levels to drop during sleep. It may result in brain damage. Due to poor sleep at night, people with snoring complaints daytime drowsiness. 

5. Any medications or drugs you are taking, including street drugs

6. If you are a woman, then it is important to mention whether you are pregnant. 

You need to tell whether you are pregnant before getting prescription

Summary

Clonotril ® is a benzodiazepine class medication prescribed for epilepsy, calm down disturbed patients and for sleep problems. Common problems associated with this medication are drowsiness, lightheadedness and it can be habit forming in long term use.

Pictures  Courtesy : Wikimedia

Uses and side effects of Anxit tablets

Anxit is an Indian brand name of Generic Alprazolam manufactured by Micro pharmaceuticals. It is prescribed for anxiety disorders and in sleep problems. At lower doses it is helpful in reducing anxiety while causing minimal drowsiness. Most common side effects are drowsiness, fatigue and addiction. This medication can be habit forming in long term use. 

Anxit tablets

Uses of Anxit tablets

This tablet is primarily used to treat anxiety. At 0.25mg thrice a day, it is effective in treating sudden anxiety. It is helpful for people who experience anxiety in social situations such as social phobia. In addition, it is helpful in treating sudden panic attacks. However, it is not recommended to long term use in panic attacks.

In addition to above uses it can be used in treating epilepsy. However, it is rarely used for this purpose. 

This medication is used primarily to reduce anxiety

Dose range and use of Anxit tablets

This medication comes in 0.25mg and 0.5 tablets. Usually it is used thrice a day. It should not be crushed before use as it will increase the side effects. In addition, it should be taken with full glass of water.

This medication should not be used as a long term anti-anxiety medication. It is because it has habit forming properties and it can cause adverse effects upon discontinuation. In addition, in long term use some people may need increasing doses to get the same effect. So it is advisable to take it short term (Usually less than 3 months).

Common side effects

This medication is known to cause sedation and drowsiness. It can interfere with operating machinery and driving. Therefore, it is very important not to operate machinery or drive while on this medication. In addition, please state your occupation before getting the prescription from your doctor.

This medication interfere with normal sleep pattern. Therefore, some people may not experience natural sleep while on this medication. They may not feel refreshed following sleep.

This medication can cause problems with operating machinery

Some people may get suicidal ideation and this medication is known to precipitate depressive episodes. Other common side effects are impairment in memory, confusion, and fatigue. Confusion is much more common among elderly people who takes this medication.

This medication can interfere with driving

List of common side effects of Anxit tablets

1.       Sedation

2.       Drowsiness

3.       Dizziness

4.       Loss of quality sleep

5.       Depression

6.       Disinhibition

7.       Aggression

8.       Memory impairment

9.       Confusion

10.    Fatigue

Rare side effects of Anxit tablets

1.       Sexual difficulties

2.       Allergic reactions

3.       Headache

4.       Difficulty in walking

You need to discuss following information with your doctor before getting prescription

1.       Kidney disease

2.       Pregnancy status

3.       Breastfeeding

4.       Liver disease

5.       Breathing problem such as Asthma

6.       Clinical depression

7.       Myasthenia gravis

Summary

Anxit is a prescription only benzodiazepine class medication. Its generic name is Alprazolam. It is prescribed in Anxiety disorders and prescribed to induce sleep as well. Its main side effects are sedation, drowsiness, confusion and memory impairment.

Flutinol tablets uses and side effects

Flutinol is a brand of fluoxetine prescribed for clinical depression and anxiety disorders. It is an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) class medication manufactured by Sun pharmaceuticals, India. Its main side effects are nausea, insomnia, sexual dysfunction and headache.

Uses of Flutinol

This medication is prescribed for major depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar depression and obsessive compulsive disorders.

Depressive disorder is characterized by persistent low mood, difficulty in doing everyday tasks and work due to lack of energy and unable experience pleasure. In addition, depressed people frequently get suicidal ideas and get ideas of hopelessness and worthlessness.

Flutinol is commonly prescribed for depression

This medication is effective for both major depressive disorder and bipolar depression. Bipolar depression is characterized by having episodes of mania (opposite of depression which is disruptive) interspersed with depressive episodes.

Flutinol is given in combination with Olanzapine (Oleanz) to treat bipolar depression. Otherwise (when given alone) there is risk of shifting to manic phase.

In addition to treating depressive disorders, this medication is effective in treating wide variety of anxiety disorders. These include panic disorder characterized by sudden out of the blue attacks of anxiety. In addition, this medication is used for generalized anxiety disorder characterized by prevailing anxious mood with worrying thoughts.

In addition, this medication is prescribed for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). It is usually given in higher doses in OCD.

Other indications are premature ejaculation, premenstrual syndrome and reduce sexual drive in people with abnormal sexual preferences (paraphilia).

Side effects of Flutinol

Commonest side effects are listed here

1. Nausea
2. Vomiting
3. Headache
4. Mania
5. Poor sleep
6. Sexual dysfunction: - Characterized as erectile dysfunction in men and reduced sexual desire in both women and men.  However, since depression can also cause sexual dysfunction net effect may be increased sexual function. 
7. Tremors
8. Gastric irritation and heart burn
9. Increased anxiety at the beginning of the treatment, which usually wanes after some time. 

1. Uncommon side effects
2. Aggrevation of psychosis
3. Bleeding problems
4. Reduction in blood sodium level
5. Serotonin syndrome

How is it prescribed?

Flutinol is available as capsules. Usual dose is 20mg per day. It is given in the morning to prevent interference with sleep. It should be taken fully without crushing the capsule outer coating. In addition, it should be taken with full glass of water and preferably after a meal. Taking it after a meal will reduce the side effects.

For obsession and compulsive disorder, it is prescribed at higher doses sometimes reaching 80mg per day.

Withdrawal symptoms

This medication can cause withdrawal symptoms, if it is stopped suddenly after prolonged use. Common withdrawal symptoms are tiredness, increased lacrimation, rhinorrhea and increased anxiety.

Before you take Flutinol

As with every medication, there are precautions that you might need to take into consideration. Make sure your doctor has your detailed medical history, before starting you on this medication. It is especially important that you should tell your medical problems, other medications you are on and any street drugs you are on to your doctor.

You should inform your doctor, whether you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant or breast feeding. In addition, it is especially important to tell your doctor if you are on following drugs

Other antidepressants (MAOI class of medications, TCA and SSRI class medications)
St Johns wart

Conditions you need to inform your doctor before getting prescription

1. Allergic to SSRI or fluoxetine
2. Gastric bleeding
3. Liver problems
4. Kidney problems
5. Taking alcohol
6. Having a bleeding disorder

Summary

Flutinol is an Indian brand name of fluoxetine prescribed for depression and anxiety disorders. Most common side effects are nausea, headache and gastric discomfort.

Nexito plus uses and side effects

Nexito plus is a combination of escitalopram 5mg and 0.5mg clonazepam in a single tablet. It is effective against anxiety disorders and in depression with poor sleep. This combination is effective against panic disorder, where the patient’s anxiety symptoms usually get worse initially with SSRI (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors).

In addition, this medication can be given to people who have sleep problems. It is because escitalopram alone will reduce sleep and clonazepam increases sleep. So the combination can balance out. However, side effects of both compounds occur with this medication.

Problems with Nexito plus

Since this medication has fixed combination, it is impossible to change a single medication. Therefore, during early treatment phase, this medication is not recommended. It is better to have both types of medications given as single tablets, so they can be changed individually.

In addition, some mental health professionals do not agree about continuing benzodiazepines for long time. It is due to habit forming potential of benzodiazepines (clonazepam in Nexito plus).
Escitalopram alone is usually prescribed for long duration. Therefore, this medication is not recommended for longer duration. In such patients pure Nexito will be the choice.

Advantages of Nexito plus

This medication has the advantage of having less SSRI side effects such as insomnia, tremors and agitation. It is especially useful for patients who are sensitive for such side effects. In addition, this combination simplifies medication schedule so people will have less tablets to swallow.

You can see the comprehensive account on Nexito (Pure escitalopram) here.

Anxit is medication prescribed for sudden anxiety attacks

Side effects of Nexito plus

Side effects are combination of both escitalopram and clonazepam. Compared to pure Nexito, Nexito plus causes less tremors, less sleep disturbances and less agitation.

1. Nausea
2. Vomiting
3. Headache
4. Weight loss
5. Loss of appetite
6. Sexual dysfunction
7. Sleep disturbances

Sexual dysfunction is common side effect of SSRI class medications

In addition to above side effects, this medication can have following side effects.

1. Increased risk of mania in patients with bipolar affective disorders. 
2. Reduced blood sodium level
3. Serotonin syndrome
4. Increased bleeding
5. Yawning
6. Impaired concentration

Due to the presence of clonazepam, this medication can cause drowsiness, dizziness, loss of memory and unsteady walking. In addition, there is danger in working next day after this medication is taken in the night. It is safe not to engage in driving or operate machinery in the next day until you know how this medication affects you.

Operating machinery can be dangerous when you are on this medication

It is also advisable not to take alcoholic beverages as this medication can increase intoxication and side effects of alcohol.

Due to the presence of clonazepam, this medication can become habit forming. In addition, if you suddenly discontinued this medication, then you may experience more withdrawal symptoms (agitation, poor sleep, increased anxiety).

Summary

Nexito plus is a mixture of escitalopram and clonazepam. It is useful in patients who are sensitive to side effects of SSRI medications. Side effects are nausea, dizziness and sexual dysfunction.

Zolax tablets uses and side effects

Zolax is a brand of sustained release Alprazolam manufactured in India. It is primarily prescribed for anxiety disorders and to induce sleep in insomnia. Side effects are drowsiness, fatigue and lightheadedness next day. This medication should not be used more than three to four weeks at a stretch due to its long term habit forming properties.

Zolax SR tablets

Uses of Zolax 

This medication is primarily prescribed for anxiety related mental health problems. Most common indications are short term use in social anxiety disorder, simple phobia and panic disorder. In addition to the use in anxiety disorders, this medication can be used to prevent seizures. However, it is rarely prescribed for this.

This medication can also prescribe in short term relief of sleep problems. However, before taking this medication, a cause for sleep problems should be found. Commonest cause for sleep problems is lack of sleep hygiene.


Anxit is another brand of Alprazolam

What is sleep hygiene

      Sleep hygiene is habits and practices that will promote quality sleep. Good sleep hygiene promotes quality sleep and it will help to reduce unnecessary medication use.

Following list is a simple guide for good sleep hygiene

1. Avoid napping or sleeping during the day
2. Avoid stimulants such as coffee, or tea before sleep
3. Avoid alcohol or smoking before sleep
4. Use bed only for sleep. Do not use bed for watching TV, reading books or any other task.
5. Regular exercises promote quality sleep
6. Avoid emotionally upsetting events before bed

This medication should not be discontinued suddenly after prolonged use. It should be gradually discontinued.

What is the dosage range for Zolax ?

This medication is usually prescribed within 0.5mg - 1.5mg per day. It should be taken with a full glass of water and it should not be crushed before use as it will increase the side effects.

Sustained released preparation is usually available as 0.5 mg, 1mg and 1.5mg tablets.

What are the most common side effects of Zolax ?

1.       Sedation and drowsiness: - Can goes to the next day

2.       Problems in operating machinery and driving even in the next day morning

3.       Lack of quality sleep

4.       Confusion

5.       Loss of memory

6.       Muscle weakness

7.       Abuse and dependency risk

This medication is habit forming and has dependency risk.

Operating machinery can be dangerous while on this medication

Driving under influence of this medication can cause problems

What you should inform before getting the prescription of this medication?

1.       Liver problems

2.       Kidney problems

3.       Heart problems

4.       Obstructive sleep apnea

5.       Respiratory disease

6.       Muscle problems including myasthenia gravis

7.       History of drug and alcohol abuse

If your sleep problem is due to Obstructive sleep apnea, it can cause serious complications. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs in obese individuals. In addition, snoring is a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea.  

What are the rare side effects of Zolax ?

1.       Headache
2.       Vertigo
3.       Dizziness
4.       Slurred speech
5.       Low blood pressure
6.       Difficulty in speech
7.       Tremors of the hands
8.       Increased breast size or gynecomastia
9.       Reduced breathing can occur, especially it is given intravenously

This medication is generally well tolerated for most of the time. However, elderly people will get more confused with this medication. Sometimes, certain people can become more aggressive and disinhibited while on this medication.

Summary

Zolax is a sustained released brand of Alprazolam manufactured in India. It is prescribed for anxiety disorders and sleep problems. Most common side effect is sedation and drowsiness. 

Serdep uses and side effects

Serdep is a brand of prescription only, SSRI class Anti-depressant manufactured by Cipla pharmaceuticals, India. Its generic name is Sertraline. It is prescribed for major depression, and anxiety disorders such as panic disorder. Most common side effects reported by patients are nausea, gastric irritation, and reduced desire for sex. However, this medication is one of the safest antidepressants for patients with heart disease.

Serdep tablets

Uses of Serdep

This medication is primarily used for depressive disorder. It is effective in both moderate and severe depressive disorder. Depressive episodes are characterized by prolonged period of low mood, inability to feel pleasure and having low energy to do day to day tasks. Depression is usually diagnosed when above symptoms are present for more than two weeks.

In addition, this medication is prescribed for anxiety disorders such as panic disorder, social anxiety disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. It is also prescribed for Post-traumatic stress disorder.

Panic disorder is characterized by sudden out of the blue attacks of anxiety. It can occur without any precipitant cause. Usually you are diagnosed as having panic disorder when you have more than 4 attacks per month. These anxiety attacks are characterized by having increased heart rate, palpable heart rate, fear of dying, sweating, fear of going mad and chest pain.

OCD or obsessive compulsive disorder is characterized by repetitive, senseless, own thoughts or actions that are not pleasurable. e.g. repeated hand washing to remove "germs". 

This medication is commonly prescribed in depression

How Serdep is taken

It is usually available as tablet form and is available as 50mg and 100mg tablets. Doses can go up to maximum of 200mg per day. Doctors usually start at the dose of 50mg and then gradually increase the dose.

To minimize side effects, one should take this medication with full glass of water and should be taken without crushing the tablets. When it is taken after a meal, side effects are minimal.

This medication should be taken with a Glass of Water

Side effects

What are the common side effects ?

Most common side effect is nausea and heartburn. In addition, this can cause headache and sleep disturbances. Another annoying side effect is sexual dysfunction. However, conditions that are prescribed this medication also cause sexual dysfunction (depression cause lack of desire for sex). Since this medication treats depression, it can improve sexual function in certain people with depression.

In addition, patients with anxiety disorders may notice that their anxiety becomes aggravated at the start of treatment. However, it usually wanes after one to two weeks. Usually some doctors prescribe benzodiazepine medication such as Lonazep to cover the initial period of increased anxiety. 

Summary of common side effects

1. Nausea
2. Heartburn
3. Initial increased anxiety
4. Sexual dysfunction
5. Headache
6. Weight loss and appetite loss
7. Sleep difficulties

If you have following problems then you should mention them to your doctor before getting the prescription

1. Bipolar disorder
2. Stomach ulcers
3. Previous history of serious adverse effects to anti-depressants
4. Bleeding disorders
5. Liver and kidney problems
6. Heart problems

             People with bipolar disorder have chance of getting a manic episode with this medication. Therefore, when you are giving a history to the doctor, it is better you mentioned whether you had previous episodes of increased energy or increased well being that is out of character for you.

In addition, your doctor would get a full medical history from you. You need to tell him the medications you are on including street drugs and recreational substances.

What are the serious side effects of Serdep?

Serdep can cause increased serotonin neurotransmission in the brain. It can result in serious adverse effect called serotonin syndrome. It can become life threatening in certain people. Common symptoms that can be used to diagnose this syndrome is fever, tremors, muscle rigidity, confusion and excessive sweating.

This medication can also cause interference of platelet function leading to increased risk of bleeding. 

However, it is a rare side effect.

Another side effect worth mentioning is increased suicidal risk in teenagers. Therefore, it is risky to prescribe this medication for teenagers.

Summary of possible life threatening side effects?

1. Serotonin syndrome
2. Stomach bleeding
3. Bleeding problems
4. Causing mania in patients with bipolar disorder.
5. Increased suicidal risk in teenagers

Summary

Serdep is a SSRI class medication. It is prescribed for major depression and anxiety disorders. Even though it is safest SSRI in heart disease, it can cause serious side effects. Common side effects are nausea and heart burn.  

Veniz XR uses and side effects

Veniz XR is a brand of Venlafaxine extended release preparation manufactured by Sun pharmaceuticals, India. Venlafaxine is an SNRI (Selective serotonin and Noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor) medication prescribed for depression, anxiety disorders, and nerve pain.

Uses of Veniz XR

This medication is primarily prescribed for depressive disorder. According to recent clinical trials it is found marginally more effective than Fluoxetine (Prodep™ / Prozac™). Therefore, it is commonly prescribed for resistant depression.

Veniz XR 75mg tablets

Depression is characterized by persistent low mood, inability to work due to lack of energy and inability to experience pleasure. In addition, patients with depression is at risk of committing suicide.

In addition, this medication is prescribed for Anxiety disorders such as social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder.

Artists depiction of Clinical Depression

Social phobia is characterized by persistent fear of negative evaluation of self by others and severe anxiety in social situations. e.g parties.

Panic disorder is characterized by sudden out of the blue anxiety attacks which results in fear of dying, breathlessness and chest/ muscle pain.

Panic attack

Generalised anxiety disorder is characterized by persistent anxiety and worries that impair functioning.

This medication also prescribed for nerve pain. Nerve pain is caused by damage or destruction of a pheripheral nerve. Common example would be phantom limb pain in amputees. In addition, this medication is also effective in nerve pain associated with Herpes Zoster (Shingles) infection.

Dosage and use of this medication

This medication is available as extended release capsules. Extended release preparations usually taken less frequently than their normal release preparations. E.g. Veniz XR is usually taken once daily and Veniz normal preparation taken twice daily. Usually dose range is around 37.5mg to 375mg daily. To prevent side effects take this medication with meals. Do not remove capsule or do not take the medication when the capsule is broken. Take this medication with a full glass of water.

Veniz 75mg capsules

If you experience side effects (Mentioned below), tell your doctor and do not stop this medication on your own (Unless in a medical emergency).

Tell your doctor if you have following conditions, before getting prescription

1.       Any heart disease

2.       High blood pressure

3.       High cholesterol

4.       Any liver disease

5.       Any kidney disease

6.       Bipolar disorder

7.       Bleeding problems

8.       Eye problems (Poor vision, glaucoma)

Increased blood pressure is a common side effect - Pic Wikimedia

Side effects of Veniz XR

Most commons side effects are nausea, gastritis, and dizziness. These side effects can be minimized by taking according to the above paragraph.

Take with full glass of water to minimize side effects - Pic - Deviant art

This medication can cause initial increase in anxiety when prescribed. But it is usually short lasting and wanes off after some time.

Another significant side effect is sexual dysfunction. It is manifested as both reduced sex drive and erectile dysfunction. Since depression and other psychiatry problems can also cause sexual dysfunction overall outcome would be the balance of both.

It can increase blood pressure in some people, therefore you need to tell your doctor if you are having high blood pressure or heart problems. In addition, this medication is known to cause heart beat irregularities, especially at higher doses.

In addition, Veniz XR is known to cause following side effects.

1.       Constipation

2.       Yawning

3.       Dry mouth

4.       Headache

5.       Reduced sleep

6.       Abnormal dreams

7.       Sexual problems

8.       Excessive Sweating

9.       Mania

10.   Agitation

11.   Incoordination

Summary

Veniz XR is an extended release medication in SNRI category and its generic name is Venlafaxine. It is prescribed for major depression, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and social phobia. Main side effects are gastric disturbances and problematic side effects are increased blood pressure and sexual dysfunction.