Effexor

The active ingredient in Effexor is venlafaxine. It is a medication that is classified as a selective serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). Effexor works by increasing serotonin and norepinephrine, two natural substances in the brain that contribute to mental balance. Increasing these neurotransmitters can enhance mood, reduce feelings of anxiety, and alleviate symptoms of depression.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Effexor. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Effexor:

Effexor XR is usually prescribed to be taken once daily with food. It doesn’t matter if it is in the morning or the night, as long as it is roughly the same time each day. The medication should not be crushed, chewed, or dissolved, as this can release all of the medication at once, potentially leading to increased side effects. Effexor immediate-release tablets can be taken up to three times a day.

If you cannot swallow the capsule whole, it can be opened, and the contents mixed with applesauce. The mixture should be swallowed immediately without chewing, followed by a glass of water.

If you miss a dose of Effexor, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Do not stop taking Effexor or change your dose without direct instruction from your healthcare provider. Venlafaxine has been known to cause withdrawal symptoms more than other antidepressants. When stopping the medication, be sure to look out for withdrawal symptoms and contact your healthcare professional when necessary.

The most common side effects of Effexor include:

• Nausea
• Trouble sleeping
• Dry mouth
• Drowsiness
• Sweating
• Sexual dysfunction
• Abnormal ejaculation
• Loss of appetite
• Constipation

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Effexor. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Allergic reaction
• If you experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction, contact your medical care provider immediately.
• Symptoms include trouble breathing, rash, itching/swelling (most likely of the face/tongue/throat), and severe dizziness.
• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
• This is especially true for adolescents, children, and young adults; Effexor is not indicated to be used in children.
• Symptoms are most likely to occur in the first few months of treatment or when your dosage has changed. Let the provider know of any changes in behaviors, mood, thoughts, or feelings.
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Taking Effexor with blood thinners or meds such as Mortin or Advil (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) has the potential to increase your risk of bleeding.
• Serotonin syndrome
• This can be a life-threatening event.
• This is a medication-induced syndrome that happens when too much serotonin is delivered to the synapses in the brain.
• Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include agitation, fever, hallucinations, sweating, shivering, muscle stiffness, fast heart rate, twitching, loss of coordination, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
• Blurred vision, eye pain, or changes in vision
• Seizure

These are not all of the possible side effects of Effexor. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Effexor, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• A family history of depression, suicide, bipolar disorder, mania, or hypomania
• Angle-closure glaucoma (high pressure in the eye)
• An allergy to Effexor, any of the ingredients within Effexor or desvenlafaxine
• High blood pressure or previous heart attack or stroke
• Bleeding problems
• High cholesterol or high triglycerides
• Kidney or liver problems
• Had seizures or convulsions
• Lung problems
• Low sodium levels in your blood
• A pregnancy, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Effexor may harm your unborn baby.

Boxed Warning

There is an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in young adults and pediatric patients who are taking antidepressants. All patients in this category should be monitored for worsening symptoms and any emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Effexor (venlafaxine) and Effexor XR (venlafaxine extended-release) are not approved for pediatric patients.

• Hypersensitivity to venlafaxine or any of its components.
• Concurrent use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or within 14 days of stopping an MAOI due to the risk of serious, life-threatening interactions.

Effexor typically starts to show effects within 1 to 2 weeks, with improvements in mood and anxiety symptoms. However, it may take 4 to 6 weeks for the full therapeutic benefits to be felt, especially in cases of depression or anxiety disorders. It’s important to continue taking the medication as prescribed and communicate with your doctor about your progress.

When Effexor is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Drugs that can cause bleeding/bruising, including antiplatelet drugs, NSAIDs (for example, ibuprofen/naproxen), and blood thinners such as warfarin.
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• Examples of monoamine oxidase inhibitors include isocarboxazid, methylene blue, linezolid, metaxalone, tranylcypromine, moclobemide, procarbazine, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, safinamide.
• St. John’s wort
• Certain antidepressants
• Including SSRIs such as fluoxetine/paroxetine, tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline and nortriptyline, and other SNRIs such as duloxetine
• Lithium
• Triptans
• Tramadol
• Tryptophan
• Weight loss drugs such as phentermine
• It may also change the results of certain lab tests (including urine tests for amphetamines)

Extended-release capsules (Effexor XR) come in the following strengths:

• 37.5 mg
• 75 mg
• 150 mg

Effexor immediate-release tablets come in the following strengths:

• 25 mg
• 37.5 mg
• 50 mg
• 75 mg
• 100 mg

Effexor should be stored at a controlled room temperature.

Effexor is manufactured by Pfizer.

There are lower-cost generics for the brand-name Effexor available.

To stop taking Effexor, it is important to consult your healthcare provider, as discontinuing it abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor will likely recommend gradually reducing the dose to minimize side effects. Always follow their guidance to ensure a safe and effective transition off the medication.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you. Taking Effexor during pregnancy could potentially harm the unborn baby, especially when entering into the third trimester. If you are pregnant or become pregnant while taking Effexor, you should enroll in the pregnancy registry that tracks the effects of Effexor on you and your baby.

Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you. The medication can also pass into breast milk, potentially affecting a nursing infant.