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Family, Internal Medicine, General Medical Questions/Effexor xr
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Question
If doctors don't understand how effexor xr works then how do they know it works,& does this imply a risk to patients who take it ?
Hi Tony,
Doctors tell you that they don't know HOW it works but it is more like they don't know WHY it works. We know how it works. It blocks receptors of Epinephrine and Serotonin in the brain thereby letting more of these chemicals float around. Studies have shown that with more of these chemicals available for the brain, people feel better and that depressed people have less of these to start with.
There are side effects to all drugs like Effexor, but the benefits outweigh the risks more times than not. As long as you're closely monitored while on it, there shouldn't be any serious issues that emerge undetected.
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Answers by Expert:
Charles Cusumano, PA-C, DFAAPA
Expertise
I`m a Physician Assistant in medical practice since 1975. I`m a nationally certified Physician Assistant and am a nationally credentialed Family Medicine Practitioner. I was also honored as a Distinguished Fellow in the AAPA.
Experience
Radiologic Technologist 1963-1973;
Training in Hand and Upper Extremity
Microvascular Surgery at the Mayo Clinic;
and injury of the hand and upper extremity. I have taught pediatric ambulatory trauma. I'm ACLS certified.
I serve as Honorary Chairman from Kentucky to the Republican National Congressional Committee Physician Advisory Board.
Organizations
AAPA, KAPA
Awards and Honors
Distinguished Fellow American Academy of Physician Assistants
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