Generic Effexor - venlafaxine - is used to treat depression. Venlafaxine is also used to treat generalized anxiety disorder (excessive worrying that is difficult to control) and social anxiety disorder (extreme fear of interacting with others or performing in front of others that interferes with normal life). It is in a class of medications called antidepressants. Effexor works by increasing certain types of activity in the brain.


 

FAQ

About Effexor
Effexor XR is known as an SNRI (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) and is believed to help treat depression and the associated symptoms of anxiety by affecting the level of two chemicals in the brain, serotonin and norepinephrine. These two chemicals are thought to play a key role in depression and the associated symptoms of anxiety. Correcting the imbalance of these two chemicals Effexor may help relieve depression symptoms and the associated symptoms of anxiety, which can be a positive step toward getting your life back.

How to use Effexor
• Venlafaxine can be prescribed in different dosage strengths (37.5 mg, 75 mg, and 150 mg). The usual starting dose is 75 mg, but only your doctor can tell you which dose is right for you and whether it will need to be adjusted over time.
• Venlafaxine should be taken as a single dose with food at about the same time every day, either in the morning or evening. 
• If you miss a dose, it can be taken later that day. Don't try to "make up" for the missed dose by taking two doses the next day.
• Continue to take venlafaxine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Effexor without talking to your doctor, especially if you have taken large doses for a long time. Your doctor probably will want to decrease your dose gradually. Venlafaxine must be taken regularly for a few weeks before its full effect is felt.

Effexor cautions
Pregnant or nursing women shouldn’t take any antidepressant without consulting their doctor. Effexor XR may raise blood pressure in some patients, so blood pressure should be monitored regularly. When people suddenly stop using or quickly lower their daily dose of Effexor XR, discontinuation symptoms may occur. Talk to your doctor before discontinuing or reducing your dose of Effexor XR.

• Don’t stop taking Effexor until you have consulted with your doctor first.
• Stopping Efexxor abruptly can cause agitation, dizziness, nausea and fatigue.
• Patients who have been taking Effexor for 6 weeks or more should taper down their dose over a 2 week period.
• This medicine should NOT be taken with alcohol.

Effexor side effects
Side effects of Effexor cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Effexor.
Side effects of Effexor XR may include: Abnormal dreams, abnormal ejaculation, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, headache, insomnia, nausea, nervousness, sleepiness, sweating, weakness, weight loss.


IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Some people should not take Effexor. Discuss this with your doctor. People taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) should not take venlafaxine. MAOIs can cause a very serious reaction or even death if taken at the same time as venlafaxine. You must stop taking your MAOI at least 14 days before beginning Effexor. Similarly, you should wait 7 days after stopping Effexor before starting an MAOI. Be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist if a medicine you are taking is an MAOI.