Effexor

Pronunciation: VEN-la-FAX-een
Generic Name: Venlafaxine
Brand Name: Generic only. No brands available.

Antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in children, teenagers, and young adults. However, depression and certain other mental problems may also increase the risk of suicide. Talk with the patient's doctor to be sure that the benefits of using Effexor outweigh the risks.

Families and caregivers must closely watch patients who take Effexor. It is important to keep in close contact with the patient's doctor. Tell the doctor right away if the patient has symptoms like worsened depression, suicidal thoughts, or changes in behavior. Discuss any questions with the patient's doctor.

Effexor is used for:

Treating depression. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Effexor is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). It works by restoring the balance of certain natural substances in the brain (serotonin and norepinephrine), which helps to improve certain mood problems.

Do NOT use Effexor if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Effexor


• you are taking or have taken linezolid, methylene blue, a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, phenelzine), selegiline, or St. John's wort within the last 14 days


• you are taking a fenfluramine derivative (eg, dexfenfluramine), sibutramine, nefazodone, or tryptophan

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

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Treatments for depression are getting better everyday and there are things you can start doing right away.

Before using Effexor:

Some medical conditions may interact with Effexor. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding


• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement


• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances


• if you or a family member has a history of bipolar disorder (manic-depression), other mental or mood problems, suicidal thoughts or attempts, or alcohol or substance abuse


• if you have a history of seizures, heart problems (eg, heart failure, irregular heartbeat), abnormal electrocardiograms (ECGs), a recent heart attack, high blood pressure, overactive thyroid, liver problems, lung problems, kidney problems, stomach or bowel bleeding, blood or bleeding problems, increased eye pressure (eg, glaucoma), nervous system problems, or metabolism problems


• if you are dehydrated, have low blood sodium levels, or drink alcohol


• if you will be having electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Effexor. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Certain diet medicines (eg, phentermine, fenfluramine), linezolid, lithium, MAOIs (eg, phenelzine), methylene blue, metoclopramide, nefazodone, rasagiline, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (eg, fluoxetine), selegiline, serotonin 5-HT₁ receptor agonists (eg, sumatriptan), sibutramine, SNRIs (eg, duloxetine),St. John's wort, tramadol, trazodone, tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline), or tryptophan because severe side effects, such as a reaction that may include fever, rigid muscles, blood pressure changes, mental changes, confusion, irritability, agitation, delirium, and coma, may occur


• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), aspirin, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen) because the risk of bleeding, including stomach bleeding, may be increased


• Diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide) because the risk of low blood sodium levels may be increased


• Azole antifungals (eg, ketoconazole) or cimetidine because they may increase the risk of Effexor's side effects


• Cyproheptadine because it may decrease Effexor's effectiveness


• Aripiprazole, haloperidol, phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine, thioridazine), or risperidone because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Effexor

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Effexor may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Effexor:

Use Effexor as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Effexor comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Read it again each time you get Effexor refilled.


• Take Effexor by mouth with food.


• Effexor works best if it is taken at the same time each day.


• Continue to take Effexor even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.


• Do not suddenly stop taking Effexor without checking with your doctor. Side effects may occur. They may include mental or mood changes, numbness or tingling of the skin, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, headache, increased sweating, loss of coordination or balance, flu-like symptoms, nausea, ringing in the ears, seizures, tremor, trouble sleeping, or unusual tiredness. You will be closely monitored when you start Effexor and whenever a change in dose is made.


• If you miss a dose of Effexor, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Effexor.

Important safety information:

• Effexor may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Effexor with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.


• Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Effexor without checking with your doctor; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.


• Several weeks may pass before your symptoms improve. Do NOT take more than the recommended dose or use for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.


• Children, teenagers, and young adults who take Effexor may be at increased risk for suicidal thoughts or actions. Watch all patients who take Effexor closely. Contact the doctor at once if new, worsened, or sudden symptoms such as depressed mood; anxious, restless, or irritable behavior; panic attacks; or any unusual change in mood or behavior occur. Contact the doctor right away if any signs of suicidal thoughts or actions occur.


• Serotonin syndrome is a possibly fatal syndrome that can be caused by Effexor. Your risk may be greater if you take Effexor with certain other medicines (eg, "triptans," MAOIs, SSRIs). Symptoms may include agitation; confusion; hallucinations; coma; fever; fast or irregular heartbeat; tremor; excessive sweating; and nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Contact your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms.


• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a possibly fatal syndrome that can be caused by Effexor. Symptoms may include fever; stiff muscles; confusion; abnormal thinking; fast or irregular heartbeat; and sweating. Contact your doctor at once if you have any of these symptoms.


• If your doctor tells you to stop taking Effexor, you will need to wait for a period of time before beginning to take certain other medicines (eg, MAOIs, nefazodone, thioridazine). Ask your doctor when you should start to take your new medicines after you have stopped taking Effexor.


• Effexor may rarely cause a prolonged, painful erection. This could happen even when you are not having sex. If this is not treated right away, it could lead to permanent sexual problems such as impotence. Contact your doctor right away if this happens.


• Lab tests, including blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels, may be performed while you use Effexor. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.


• Use Effexor with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially low blood sodium levels.


• Caution is advised when using Effexor in CHILDREN; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially increased risk of suicidal thoughts or actions.


• Effexor should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.


• Effexor may cause weight changes and growth changes. CHILDREN and teenagers may need regular weight and growth checks while they take Effexor.


• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Effexor may cause harm to the fetus if it is used during the last 3 months of pregnancy. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Effexor while you are pregnant. Effexor is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Effexor.

Possible side effects of Effexor:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Anxiety; blurred vision; changes in taste; constipation; decreased sexual desire or ability; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; flushing; headache; increased sweating; loss of appetite; nausea; nervousness; stomach upset; trouble sleeping; vomiting; weakness; weight loss; yawning.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bizarre behavior; blood in the stool; chest pain or discomfort; confusion; decreased concentration; decreased coordination; decreased urination; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; hallucinations; memory problems; new or worsening aggressiveness, agitation, hostility, impulsiveness, inability to sit still, irritability, panic attacks, or restlessness; persistent or severe ringing in the ears; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; severe or persistent anxiety, nervousness, or trouble sleeping; severe or persistent cough; severe or persistent headache, dizziness, stomach pain, or weakness; shortness of breath; significant weight loss; suicidal thoughts or attempts; tremor; trouble concentrating; unsteadiness or loss of coordination; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual or severe mental or mood changes; unusual weakness; vision problems; worsening of depression.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

See also: Effexor side effects (in more detail)

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include coma; dilated pupils; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; muscle pain or weakness; new or worsening mental or mood problems; seizures; severe or persistent dizziness, drowsiness, or trouble breathing; vomiting; yellowing of the eyes or skin.

Proper storage of Effexor:

Store Effexor at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Effexor out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Effexor, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.


• Effexor is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.


• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.


• Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information is summary only. It does not contain all information about Effexor. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Issue Date: February 1, 2012

Database Edition 12.1.1.002

Copyright © 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

More Effexor resources

• Effexor Side Effects (in more detail)
• Effexor Dosage
• Effexor Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
• Drug Images
• Effexor Drug Interactions
• Effexor Support Group
• 136 Reviews for Effexor - Add your own review/rating

• Effexor Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Effexor Consumer Overview


• Effexor Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information


• Venlafaxine Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Effexor XR Prescribing Information (FDA)


• Venlafaxine Hydrochloride Monograph (AHFS DI)

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