adhd - Drugs for ADHD

effexor is a serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) approved to treat depression, general anxiety disorder as well as social anxiety disorder. It is used in an off-label capacity to treat ADHD. Usually there is some benefit for anxiety/depression by 7 days. 

Because effexor XR clears the system in 3 days, it can cause rebound symptoms if stopped abruptly. effexor has been known to cause very severe withdrawal symptoms and, because of this, patients are often advised not to discontinue use without extreme caution. It needs to be gradually tapered. These risks mean that in most cases effexor must be taken for life.

Side Effects:

It may cause initial jitteriness or nausea, but these side effects usually go away quickly. In general, long term side effects are the lowest for SSRI anti-depressants

Other side effects

Agitation, irritability, deepened depression, increased risk of suicide.
Anxiety, insomnia or sleeplessness, nightmares, anorexia, difficulty urinating or frequent urination, ejaculation problems, impotence.
Changes in sex drive or ability, difficulty reaching orgasm.
Decreased libido, upset stomach, drowsiness, weakness.
Dry mouth, sensitivity to sunlight, changes in appetite or weight.
Headache, constipation, blurred vision, excessive sweating.
Fever, severe skin rash, irregular heartbeat, increase in blood cholesterol levels, jaw, neck, and back muscle spasms.
Slow or difficult speech,shuffling walk, tremors.

Effexor XR doesn't have any significant drug-drug interactions

Effexor XR comes in capsules that can be opened and sprinkled on food to take partial doses or for people who have trouble swallowing

Before taking Effexor, tell your doctor if you have had:

Seizures, liver disease, kidney disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, suicidal thoughts, mania or bipolar disorder,
narrow-angle glaucoma, bleeding or blood clotting problems, increased level of cholesterol in the blood.

FDA Warning

The FDA issued a public health alert for Effexor in March 2004 warning that Effexor can lead to more severe depression and suicide. The FDA recommends that health care providers warn patients, their families and their caregivers to be aware of the risks and watch for agitation, irritability, suicide and worsening depression while using Effexor.

The FDA issued another Public Health Advisory in October 2003. They reported increased reports of suicidal thinking, suicide attempts, hostility and self-harm in children while using Effexor. The FDA urges that Effexor be used with caution in children. Parents of children using Effexor should consult the prescribing physician immediately to discuss the suicide risks involved in taking Effexor.

It should be noted that the safety and effectiveness of Effexor in pediatric patients has not been established.

Addiction and withdrawal symptoms are also serious risks associated with Effexor.