Effexor XR is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRIs) antidepressant. This medicine affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with depression.

Effexor XR is used to treat major depressive disorder, anxiety, and panic disorder.

Effexor XR may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Some young people have thoughts about suicide when first taking an antidepressant. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Effexor XR should be taken with food. Try to take this medicine at the same time each day.

Swallow the extended-release capsule or tablet whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.

If you cannot swallow a capsule whole, open it and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of applesauce. Swallow the mixture right away without chewing. Do not save it for later use.

It may take several weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed. Do not stop using Effexor XR without first talking to your doctor. You may have unpleasant side effects if you stop taking this medicine suddenly.

Your blood pressure will need to be checked often.

If you will be taking this medicine for a long time, it is very important that your doctor check you at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to take it.

Do not take venlafaxine with a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor (eg, isocarboxazid (Marplan®), phenelzine (Nardil®)], selegiline (Eldepryl®), tranylcypromine (Parnate®)).

For some children, teenagers, and young adults, this medicine can increase thoughts of suicide. Tell your doctor right away if you start to feel more depressed and have thoughts about hurting yourself.

Do not stop taking this medicine without checking first with your doctor. Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the amount you are taking before stopping it completely. This will decrease the chance of side effects, such as agitation, confusion, headache, irritability, numbness or tingling feeling, restlessness, trouble sleeping, or unusual drowsiness or weakness.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

Blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights;

Easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums), blood in your urine or stools, coughing up blood;

Cough, chest tightness, trouble breathing;

A seizure (convulsions);

Low sodium level --headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, loss of coordination, feeling unsteady; or

Severe nervous system reaction--very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out.

What is this medicine?

Effexor XR is used to treat depression, anxiety and panic disorder.

What if I miss a dose? 

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at a controlled temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F), in a dry place. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.