EFFEXOR XR

Effexor XR is a brand-name prescription drug. It’s approved for use in adults with any of the following conditions:

• major depressive disorder (MDD), often referred to as depression
• generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• social anxiety disorder
• panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia (fear of being in places where you could be trapped or helpless)

Effexor XR contains the drug venlafaxine in its extended-release (XR) form. An extended-release form of a drug slowly releases the active ingredient over a prolonged period of time.

Effexor XR belongs to a class of drugs called serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).

It comes as a capsule that’s taken by mouth once a day.

Effectiveness

Effexor XR has been found to be effective at treating MDD, GAD, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. For details, see the “Effexor XR uses” section below.

Effexor XR can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Effexor XR. These lists do not include all possible side effects.

More common side effects

The more common side effects of Effexor XR can include:

• dry mouth
• sleepiness
• loss of appetite
• erectile dysfunction
• abnormal ejaculation
• decreased libido (sex drive)
• weakness
• dizziness

Other common side effects, explained in more detail below in “Side effect details,” include:

• nausea
• constipation
• sweating
• insomnia (trouble sleeping)

Most of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Effexor XR aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:

• Seizures.
• Serotonin syndrome (high levels of serotonin, a chemical in your brain). Symptoms can include:
  • anxiety
  • shakiness
  • fever
  • diarrhea
  • fast heartbeat
  • seizures
• High blood pressure. Symptoms can include:
  • headache
  • nausea
  • blurred vision
  • shortness of breath
• Abnormal bleeding. Symptoms can include:
  • bruising easily and often
  • nosebleeds
  • coughing up blood
  • producing vomit that looks like coffee grounds
  • blood in your stool
  • black or tarry stool
• Hyponatremia (low sodium levels). Symptoms can include:
  • headache
  • trouble focusing
  • weakness
  • feeling unsteady
  • fainting
  • seizures
• Lung disease and pneumonia. Symptoms can include:
  • shortness of breath
  • cough
  • pain in your chest
  • fever
• Withdrawal symptoms (if you stop taking the drug suddenly). See the “Effexor XR withdrawal” section for more details.