If you have been prescribed something for your depression, there’s a good chance your medication is Efexor-XR® (venlafaxine).

Efexor-XR is used in the treatment and prevention of relapse of depression. It is also used in the treatment of panic disorders and anxiety, including avoidance or fear of social situations.1 Efexor-XR been available in New Zealand since 2000 and in that time has helped thousands of New Zealanders.²

This fully-funded treatment takes a dual-action approach to depression, by increasing the level of two chemical messengers in the brain: serotonin and noradrenaline. This may then help to resolve a broad range of depression symptoms like constant sadness, trouble sleeping or low energy. Resolving these symptoms may be the first step to helping you control your depression so you can feel like your old self again. So that’s good news, not just for you but for your friends and family as well.

WHAT IS THE GOAL OF TREATMENT?
In treating depression, the goal is more than just to feel better. The goal of treatment is to try and eliminate all of the depression symptoms you may be experiencing and to keep them from coming back. Doctors call this the remission of symptoms.

No two people have the same symptoms. Remission for you could mean having days without feelings of constant sadness, or the return of your normal sleeping and eating habits.

It could mean having energy again for your favourite activities and renewed interest in the things you used to love doing.

Doctors have found that people who reach remission of symptoms are less likely to have their symptoms return. That’s why it’s important to talk with your doctor as soon as you notice depression symptoms interfering with your life.

Following your doctor’s recommended course of treatment will ensure the best possible outcome. If your treatment is Efexor-XR your doctor will know the right dosage and how long you need to stay on Efexor-XR to get the best results.

WHY IT'S IMPORTANT TO FOLLOW YOUR DOCTOR'S ADVICE
One of the most important things to remember is to take your medication as prescribed, and stay on it for as long as your doctor prescribes it. That’s because it’s not uncommon for depression symptoms to return.

For some, the symptoms of depression seem to disappear or improve to the point where they no longer seem to interfere with your life. But sometimes these symptoms come back. Doctors call this a relapse, and if this occurs it is usually within six months of treatment. Symptoms can also return long after the depression seems to have disappeared. This new episode of depression is called a recurrence. Evidence suggests that a recurrence can make it more likely that symptoms will continue to return in the future.³

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EFEXOR-XR (venlafaxine hydrochloride, 37.5 mg, 75 mg, 150 mg) Modified release capsules. References 1. Efexor-XR data sheet. 2. IMS June 2011. 3. Thase. E Michael. J Clin Psychiatry 2003;64 (suppl 2) EFEXOR-XR (venlafaxine hydrochloride) is a funded prescription medicine (restrictions apply) for the treatment of depression, panic and anxiety disorders. A pharmacy charge and normal doctor’s fees apply. Do not take EFEXOR-XR if you have an allergy to venlafaxine or any other capsule ingredients. Do not take EFEXOR-XR if you are on monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or have taken MAOIs in the last 14 days.Use with caution if you have a history of aggression, glaucoma, kidney, liver, blood pressure or heart problems, raised cholesterol, a history of fits, a history or family history of bipolar disorder, abnormal bleeding tendencies, are pregnant or breastfeeding. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines. Common side effects include stomach, bowel or urinary tract problems, headache, difficulty sleeping, drowsiness, dizziness, nervousness, confusion, agitation, muscle tremor or weakness, fast heart beat, menstrual problems, weight loss, sweating, hot flushes, hair loss, bleeding or bruising more easily than normal, changes in your eye sight, sexual function problems. If you have any side effects see your doctor. Use strictly as directed. Consult your doctor to see if EFEXOR-XR is right for you. Contains venlafaxine hydrochloride 37.5 mg, 75 mg or 150 mg. Further information on EFEXOR-XR is available from www.medsafe.govt.nz or Pfizer New Zealand Ltd, Auckland, www.pfizer.co.nz. Ph. 0800 736 363. V10311 TAPS NA 5177

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