- Home
- Health Topics
- Articles
- Video


Effexor XR is a drug that is used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. This page on the eMedTV Web site explains how this prescription medicine works, and also discusses Effexor XR side effects, general dosing information, and off-label uses.
Some common Effexor XR side effects include dry mouth, dizziness, and drowsiness. This eMedTV Web page provides statistics on how often these side effects of Effexor XR occur, and also lists rare side effects such as anemia and liver problems.
This eMedTV article explains that if you're taking Effexor XR and weight loss becomes a problem, you should talk with your healthcare provider. Weight loss is a common Effexor XR side effect, occurring in up to 7 percent of people who take the drug.
This eMedTV article lists some things that you can do if you're taking Effexor XR and weight gain becomes a problem (such as getting regular physical activity). Weight gain occurs in at least 1 percent of people taking Effexor XR.
This eMedTV resource describes potential sexual side effects from Effexor XR that may occur, such as impotence, a decreased sex drive, or orgasm problems. This page also explains what to do if you have sexual side effects while taking Effexor XR.
Side effects may occur with Effexor XR, and insomnia is among the most common side effects. As this eMedTV page explains, insomnia occurs in up to 23 percent of people who take Effexor XR, and it is most common in those taking it for social phobia.
This eMedTV page explains that if you're on Effexor XR and impotence occurs, you should talk to your doctor. Impotence is one of several possible sexual side effects from Effexor XR, and it occurs most often in men taking the drug for social phobia.
Side effects can develop with the use of Effexor XR, and hair loss is a rare but possible problem. This eMedTV page discusses the likelihood of developing hair loss with Effexor XR and explains that you should talk with your doctor if it does occur.
Side effects may occur with Effexor XR, and dry mouth affects up to 17 percent of people who take the drug. This eMedTV article provides some suggestions on how to deal with dry mouth (such as avoiding tobacco or alcohol, which dry out the mouth).
This page on the eMedTV site describes various Effexor XR uses, such as the treatment of depression, panic disorder, social phobia, and generalized anxiety disorder. This page also lists some off-label uses for Effexor XR, such as treating migraines.
Does Effexor XR have anorexia effects? This eMedTV page explains that anorexia (or a decrease in appetite or loss of appetite) affects up to 20 percent of people on Effexor XR. This page covers what to do if you develop anorexia while on Effexor XR.
As this eMedTV page explains, for treating depression, social anxiety disorder, or generalized anxiety disorder, the starting Effexor XR dosage is 75 mg daily. This page lists factors that can affect your dosage and tips on taking the drug.
Linezolid, clozapine, and tramadol are among the drugs that can potentially interact with Effexor XR. This eMedTV Web page describes how Effexor XR drug interactions can raise your risk of side effects or alter the levels of some drugs in your blood.
Effexor XR may raise blood pressure or heart rate in some people. This eMedTV article offers other Effexor XR warnings and precautions, including who should not take the medicine and the safety of taking it while nursing or pregnant.
Combining alcohol and Effexor XR is usually not recommended. But as this eMedTV Web page explains, most doctors advise their patients that it is okay to drink in moderation (one drink a day for women and two drinks a day for men) while on Effexor XR.
This eMedTV article explains that if you're on Effexor XR and pregnancy occurs, you should let your doctor know. A pregnant woman may take Effexor XR if its benefits outweigh the possible risks to her fetus.
It's difficult to know for sure if there's a relationship between Effexor XR and suicide. This eMedTV article explains that if you or your child have any possible signs of suicidal behavior while on Effexor, you should let your doctor know right away.
If you abruptly stop taking Effexor XR, withdrawal symptoms (like headache, insomnia, or anxiety) may occur. This eMedTV Web page lists other possible Effexor XR withdrawal symptoms and explains what your doctor will do to help prevent them.
This eMedTV Web page takes an in-depth look at Effexor XR alternatives and discusses when they may be appropriate. Some alternatives to Effexor XR for treating depression include therapy, other antidepressant drugs, and natural therapies.
| Referring Pages | Articles |