Effexor XR: How It Works & Patient Safety - Understanding the Mechanism

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 ?

Answer
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.