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Effexor (venlafaxine) is an antidepressant belonging to a group of drugs called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSNRIs). Venlafaxine affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with depression.
Venlafaxine is used to treat major depressive disorder, anxiety and panic disorder.
You should not take Effexor if you have uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma, or if you are being treated with methylene blue injection.
Do not use Effexor within 7 days before or 14 days after you have used a MAO inhibitor, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.
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, such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
Do not stop using Effexor without first talking to your doctor.
Do not give this medicine to anyone younger than 18 years old without the advice of a doctor. Effexor is not approved for use in children.
You should not take Effexor if you are allergic to venlafaxine or desvenlafaxine (Pristiq).
Do not use Effexor within 7 days before or 14 days after you have used an MAO inhibitor, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine. A dangerous drug interaction could occur.
Some medicines can interact with venlafaxine and cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome. Be sure your doctor knows if you also take stimulant medicine, opioid medicine, herbal products, or medicine for depression, mental illness, Parkinson's disease, migraine headaches, serious infections, or prevention of nausea and vomiting. Ask your doctor before making any changes in how or when you take your medications.
To make sure Effexor is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
bipolar disorder (manic depression);
cirrhosis or other liver disease;
kidney disease;
heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol;
diabetes;
narrow-angle glaucoma;
a thyroid disorder;
a history of seizures;
a bleeding or blood clotting disorder;
low levels of sodium in your blood; or
if you are switching to Effexor from another antidepressant.
Some young people have thoughts about suicide when first taking an antidepressant. Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using Effexor. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.
Effexor may cause serious lung problems in a newborn if the mother takes the medicine late in pregnancy (during the third trimester). However, you may have a relapse of depression if you stop taking your antidepressant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant while taking Effexor. Do not start or stop taking this medicine during pregnancy without your doctor's advice.
Venlafaxine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. If venlafaxine was used successfully during your pregnancy, speak to your doctor about the risks and benefits of continuing it while breastfeeding.
Effexor is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
Take Effexor exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Effexor should be taken with food. Try to take this medicine at the same time each day.
Do not chew an extended-release capsule. To make the extended-release Effexor XR capsule easier to swallow, you may open the capsule and sprinkle the medicine into a small amount of applesauce. Swallow all of the mixture without chewing, and do not save any for later use.
It may take several weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed. Do not stop using Effexor 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.
This medicine can cause you to have a false positive drug screening test. If you provide a urine sample for drug screening, tell the laboratory staff that you are taking venlafaxine.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
Drinking alcohol with venlafaxine can cause side effects.
Ask your doctor before taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others. Using an NSAID with venlafaxine may cause you to bruise or bleed easily.
Effexor may impair your thinking or reactions. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Effexor: skin rash or hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
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.
Seek medical attention right away if you have symptoms of serotonin syndrome, such as: agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Common Effexor side effects may include:
dizziness, drowsiness;
anxiety, feeling nervous;
sleep problems (insomnia);
vision changes;
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
changes in weight or appetite;
dry mouth, yawning;
increased sweating; or
decreased sex drive, impotence, abnormal ejaculation, or difficulty having an orgasm.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Taking this medicine with other drugs that make you sleepy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before taking Effexor with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.
Many drugs can interact with venlafaxine. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:
any other antidepressant;
cimetidine;
St. John's wort;
tramadol;
tryptophan (sometimes called L-tryptophan);
a blood thinner - warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven;
medicine to treat mood disorders, thought disorders, or mental illness - buspirone, lithium, and many others; or
migraine headache medicine - sumatriptan, zolmitriptan, and others.
This list is not complete and many other drugs can interact with venlafaxine. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Give a list of all your medicines to any healthcare provider who treats you.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Effexor only for the indication prescribed.
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Medically reviewed by USARx EDITORIAL TEAM Last updated on 1/1/2020.
Source: Drugs.com Effexor Xr (www.drugs.com/effexor-xr.html).
Note: This document contains side effect information about venlafaxine. Some of the dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Effexor.
Applies to venlafaxine: oral capsule extended release, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release
Oral route (Capsule, Extended Release)
Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies. These studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior with antidepressant use in patients older than 24 years; there was a reduction in risk with antidepressant use in patients aged 65 or older. In patients of all ages who are started on antidepressant therapy monitor closely for clinical worsening and emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Venlafaxine is not approved for use in pediatric patients.
Oral route (Tablet; Tablet, Extended Release)
Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies with major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Short-term studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults older than 24 years, and there was a reduction in risk with antidepressants compared with placebo in adults aged 65 or older. This risk must be balanced with the clinical need. Monitor patients closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior. Families and caregivers should be advised of the need for close observation and communication with the prescriber. Not approved for use in pediatric patients
Along with its needed effects, venlafaxine (the active ingredient contained in Effexor) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking venlafaxine:
More common
Less common
Rare
Incidence not known
Some side effects of venlafaxine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Less common
Incidence not known
Applies to venlafaxine: oral capsule extended release, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release
The most commonly reported side effects were nausea, headache, somnolence, and dizziness.
Very common (10% or more): Nausea (up to 58%), dry mouth (up to 22%), constipation (up to 15%)
Common (1% to 10%): Abdominal pain, diarrhea, dyspepsia, eructation, flatulence, vomiting
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Circumoral paresthesia, colitis, dysphagia, esophagitis, gastritis, gastroenteritis, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, gastrointestinal ulcer, gingivitis, glossitis, hemorrhoids, melena, mouth ulceration, oral moniliasis, rectal hemorrhage, stomatitis, tongue edema
Rare (less than 0.1%): Abdominal distention, buccoglossal syndrome, cheilitis, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, duodenitis, esophageal spasm, gastroesophageal reflux disease, gum hemorrhage, hematemesis, hyperchlorhydria, ileitis, increased salivation, intestinal obstruction, pancreatitis, parotitis, periodontitis, proctitis, salivary gland enlargement, soft stools, tongue discoloration
Very common (10% or more): Headache (up to 38%), somnolence (up to 26.1%), dizziness (up to 23.9%), tremor (up to 10.2%)
Common (1% to 10%): Akathisia, amnesia, dysgeusia, hypertonia, hypesthesia, increased muscle tone, migraine, paresthesia, sedation, taste perversion, vertigo
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Abnormal coordination, abnormal speech, ataxia, balance disorder, central nervous system (CNS) stimulation, dyskinesia, hyperesthesia, hyperkinesia, hypotonia, incoordination, myoclonus, neuralgia, neuropathy, parosmia, seizure, syncope, stupor, taste loss, visual field defect
Rare (0.1% to 0.01%): Abnormal gait, akinesia, aphasia, bradykinesia, cerebral ischemia, cerebrovascular accident, convulsion, dementia, dystonia, facial paralysis, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, hypokinesia, loss of consciousness, neuritis, neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), nystagmus, paresis, reflexes decreased, reflexes increased, serotonin syndrome, torticollis
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Extrapyramidal reactions, tardive dyskinesia
Frequency not reported: Impaired coordination, sensory disturbance
Postmarketing reports: Coordination abnormal, impaired balance, involuntary movements, NMS-like reactions, shock-like electrical sensations
Very common (10% or more): Insomnia (up to 24%), nervousness (up to 21.3%), abnormal orgasm (up to 12.5%), anxiety (up to 11.2%)
Common (1% to 10%): Abnormal dreams, abnormal thinking, agitation, anorgasmia, confusion, depersonalization, depression, libido decreased, orgasm disturbance, orgasmic dysfunction
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Apathy, bruxism, derealization, emotional lability, euphoria, hallucination, hostility, hypomania, libido increased, mania, manic reaction, psychosis, suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, withdrawal syndrome
Rare (less than 0.1%): Alcohol abuse, delirium, delusions, homicidal ideation, hysteria, impulse control difficulties, paranoid reaction, psychotic depression, psychomotor restlessness
Frequency not reported: Aggression, delayed orgasm, increased dreaming, intense dreams, nightmares, other sleep disorders, self-harm, sleep disturbances, suicidal behaviors, vivid dreams, withdrawal symptoms
Postmarketing reports: Catatonia, confusional state, panic, paranoia, psychotic disorder
Very common (10% or more): Sweating (up to 19.3%), night sweats (up to 11.4%)
Common (1% to 10%): Ecchymosis, hyperhidrosis, pruritus, rash
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Acne, alopecia, brittle nails, contact dermatitis, dry skin, eczema, face edema, maculopapular rash, photosensitivity reaction, psoriasis, skin hypertrophy, urticaria
Rare (less than 0.1%): Cellulitis, erythema multiforme, erythema nodosum, exfoliative dermatitis, furunculosis, granuloma, hair discoloration, hirsutism, leukoderma, lichenoid dermatitis, miliaria, mucocutaneous hemorrhage, petechial rash, pruritic rash, purpura, pustular rash, seborrhea, skin atrophy, skin discoloration, skin striae, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, sweating decreased, toxic epidermal necrolysis, vesiculobullous rash
Very common (10% or more): Anorexia (up to 20%)
Common (1% to 10%): Blood cholesterol increased, decreased appetite, increased appetite, weight gain, weight loss
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dehydration, hyperglycemia, hyperlipemia, hyperlipidemia, hypokalemia, hyponatremia, increased alkaline phosphatase, thirst
Rare (less than 0.1%): Alcohol intolerance, diabetes mellitus, gout, hemochromatosis, hypercholesteremia, hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, hyperuricemia, hypocholesteremia, hypoglycemia, hypophosphatemia, hypoproteinemia
Frequency not reported: Height changes, loss of appetite, weight changes
Postmarketing reports: Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) increased
Very common (10% or more): Asthenia (up to 19%)
Common (1% to 10%): Accidental injury, chills, fatigue, fever, tinnitus, trauma
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hyperacusis, intentional injury, malaise, otitis media
Rare (less than 0.1%): Abortion, deafness, energy increased, feeling drunk, healing abnormal, labyrinthitis, menopause, motion sickness, otitis externa
Frequency not reported: Discontinuation syndrome, pain
Postmarketing reports: Congenital anomalies
Very common (10% or more): Abnormal ejaculation (up to 16%)
Common (1% to 10%): Albuminuria, enlarged prostate, erectile dysfunction, impotence, metrorrhagia, pollakiuria, prostatic disorder, prostatitis, urinary frequency, urinary hesitation, urinary retention, urination impaired, vaginitis
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Amenorrhea, bladder pain, breast pain, cystitis, dysuria, hematuria, leukorrhea, menorrhagia, nocturia, pelvic pain, polyuria, prostate irritability, pyuria, urinary incontinence, urinary urgency, vaginal hemorrhage
Rare (less than 0.1%): Balanitis, breast discharge, breast engorgement, breast enlargement, calcium crystalluria, cervicitis, endometriosis, galactorrhea, hypercalcinuria, hypomenorrhea, lactation (female), mastitis, menstrual disorders associated with increased bleeding or increased irregular bleeding, ovarian cyst, orchitis, prolonged erection, salpingitis, urolithiasis, uterine hemorrhage, uterine spasm, vaginal dryness
Frequency not reported: Delayed ejaculation, dysmenorrhea
Postmarketing reports: Proteinuria
Common (1% to 10%): Chest pain, edema, hot flashes/hot flush, hypertension/increased blood pressure, palpitation, postural hypotension, substernal chest pain, tachycardia, vasodilation
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Angina pectoris, arrhythmia, bradycardia, cold feet, cold hands, extrasystoles, hypotension, orthostatic hypotension, peripheral vascular disorder, thrombophlebitis
Rare (less than 0.1%): Aortic aneurysm, arteritis, bigeminy, bundle branch block, capillary fragility, cardiovascular disorder (mitral valve and circulatory disturbance), coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, cyanosis, ECG QT prolonged, first-degree atrioventricular block, heart arrest, hematoma, myocardial infarct, pallor, sinus arrhythmia, torsade de pointes, ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia
Postmarketing reports: Atrial fibrillation, deep vein thrombophlebitis, ECG abnormalities, stress cardiomyopathy, supraventricular tachycardia, Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, ventricular extrasystole
Common (1% to 10%): Bronchitis, cough increased, dyspnea, pharyngitis, sinusitis, yawn/yawning
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Asthma, chest congestion, epistaxis, hyperventilation, laryngismus, laryngitis, pneumonia, voice alteration
Rare (less than 0.1%): Atelectasis, hemoptysis, hypoventilation, hypoxia, interstitial lung disease, larynx edema, pleurisy, pulmonary embolus, pulmonary eosinophilia, sleep apnea
Frequency not reported: Rhinitis, upper respiratory infection, upper respiratory tract infection
Common (1% to 10%): Abnormality of accommodation, abnormal vision, blurred vision, mydriasis
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Cataract, conjunctivitis, corneal lesion, diplopia, dry eyes, eye pain, photophobia
Rare (less than 0.1%): Angle-closure glaucoma, blepharitis, chromatopsia, conjunctival edema, decreased pupillary reflex, exophthalmos, eye hemorrhage, keratitis, miosis, papilledema, retinal hemorrhage, scleritis, subconjunctival hemorrhage, uveitis
Frequency not reported: Difficulty focusing eyes
Common (1% to 10%): Neck pain, trismus, twitching
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): arthritis, arthrosis, bone pain, bone spurs, bursitis, leg cramps, myasthenia, neck rigidity, tenosynovitis
Rare (less than 0.1%): Muscle cramp, muscle spasms, musculoskeletal stiffness, myopathy, osteoporosis, osteosclerosis, pathological fracture, plantar fasciitis, rhabdomyolysis, rheumatoid arthritis, tendon rupture
Frequency not reported: Arthralgia, back pain, myalgia
Postmarketing reports: Bone fracture, creatine phosphokinase (CPK) increased
Common (1% to 10%): Flu syndrome, infection
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Moniliasis
Rare (less than 0.1%): Appendicitis, bacteremia
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Anemia, leukocytosis, leukopenia, lymphadenopathy, mucous membrane bleeding, mucosal hemorrhage, thrombocythemia, thrombocytopenia
Rare (less than 0.1%): Agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, basophilia, blood dyscrasias, eosinophilia, lymphocytosis, neutropenia, pancytopenia, prolonged bleeding time
Postmarketing reports: INR increased, prolonged partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time increased
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Abnormal liver function tests, ALT increased, AST increased
Rare (less than 0.1%): Biliary pain, bilirubinemia, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, hepatitis, jaundice, liver tenderness
Postmarketing reports: Fatty liver, GGT elevation, hepatic reactions, liver damage, liver failure, liver necrosis
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Kidney calculus, kidney pain
Rare (less than 0.1%): Anuria, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) increased, creatinine increased, glycosuria, kidney function abnormal, oliguria, pyelonephritis, uremia
Postmarketing reports: Renal failure
Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Angioedema
Rare (less than 0.1%): Anaphylactic reaction, anaphylaxis
Frequency not reported: Hypersensitivity
Rare (0.1% to 0.01%): Goiter, gynecomastia (male), hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH)/syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, thyroid nodule, thyroiditis
Very rare (less than 0.01%): Blood prolactin increased
Rare (less than 0.1%): Carcinoma, fibrocystic breast, multiple myeloma
Medically reviewed by USARx EDITORIAL TEAM Last updated on 1/1/2020.
Source: Drugs.com Effexor Xr (www.drugs.com/effexor-xr.html).
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