(Effexor is another prescription medicine that is used to treat depression in adults. Click Effexor if you have been prescribed Effexor and not Effexor XR.)
Effexor XR is manufactured by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals.
What Is Effexor XR Used For?
Effexor XR is licensed to treat a variety of conditions.
These Effexor XR uses include the treatment of:
In contrast, regular Effexor is licensed to treat only depression.
There are also a number of "
off-label" uses for Effexor XR.
(Click Effexor XR Uses for more information on what Effexor XR is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
How Does Effexor XR Work?
Effexor XR is part of a class of drugs called serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, or
SNRIs for short. SNRIs, such as Effexor XR, act on specific chemicals within the brain known as serotonin and norepinephrine. Serotonin and norepinephrine are two of several chemicals used to send messages from one nerve cell to another.
As a message travels down a nerve, it causes the end of the cell to release serotonin or norepinephrine. The serotonin or norepinephrine enters the gap between the first nerve cell and the one next to it. When enough serotonin or norepinephrine reaches the second nerve cell, it activates receptors on the cell and the message continues on its way. The first cell then quickly absorbs any serotonin or norepinephrine that remains in the gap between cells. This is called "reuptake."
Normally, this process works without any problems. But when the levels of serotonin or norepinephrine become unbalanced, it can cause a variety of conditions, including
depression. Effexor XR helps to block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine so more remains in the space between the brain's nerve cells. This gives the serotonin and norepinephrine a better chance of activating the receptors on the next nerve cell.
There have been several studies looking at the effects of Effexor XR for a variety of conditions.
Effexor XR for Depression
Studies have shown Effexor XR to be effective at treating depression in adults. In these studies, people taking Effexor XR had more improvement in their depression symptoms than people who did not take Effexor XR. Also, long-term studies showed that Effexor XR is also effective at preventing depression relapse.
Effexor XR for Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Three studies have looked at Effexor XR as a treatment for
generalized anxiety disorder. In one short-term (eight weeks) study and two long-term (six months) studies, people taking Effexor XR showed greater improvements in their
anxiety symptoms than people who did not take Effexor XR.
Effexor XR for Panic Disorder
In studies of Effexor XR for
panic disorder, people taking Effexor XR were more likely to be free of
panic attacks than people who did not take Effexor XR. Also, Effexor XR was effective at preventing panic disorder relapses.
Effexor XR for Social Anxiety Disorder
When and How to Take Effexor XR
Some general considerations for when and how to take
Effexor XR include:
- Effexor XR comes in capsule form. The medicine is taken by mouth once a day.
- Be sure to swallow Effexor XR capsules whole (do not crush, break, or chew the capsules).
- For people who have trouble swallowing, Effexor XR capsules may be opened and the contents sprinkled on a spoonful of applesauce. Immediately swallow the applesauce whole without chewing.
- It is recommended that you take Effexor XR with food.
- Effexor XR should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of the drug in your blood.
- For Effexor XR to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Effexor XR will not work if you stop taking it.
Effexor XR Dosing
The dose of Effexor XR that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- The medical condition being treated
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be currently taking.
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Side Effects of Effexor XR
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with
Effexor XR. However, not everyone who takes Effexor XR will experience side effects. When Effexor XR side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Some of the most common side effects of Effexor XR include:
(Click Effexor XR Side Effects to learn about the specific side effects of Effexor XR, including serious side effects to look out for. You can also read about possible Effexor XR side effects by going to:
Effexor XR Drug Interactions
Effexor XR can potentially interact with a number of other medicines.
Effexor XR: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Effexor XR if you have:
Also let your healthcare provider know if you:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Alternatives to Effexor XR
Depression, even in its most severe form, is highly treatable. As with many illnesses, getting
depression treatment early is more effective and reduces the chance of recurrence.
The most common forms of treatment for depression are medication (
antidepressants) and psychotherapy ("talk" therapy). In some cases of severe depression, healthcare providers may recommend electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Some people may also try complementary or alternative treatments for depression
(see Natural Remedies for Depression).
For most people,
Effexor XR is quite effective at treating depression. It is also generally well-tolerated. However, it is possible that side effects will occur during treatment with Effexor XR or that the medicine may not work as well as needed. In these cases, your healthcare provider may recommend an alternative to Effexor XR. Some examples of substitute depression medications include:
- Other serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs)
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
People who take too much Effexor XR may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Increased heart rate (tachycardia)
- Irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
- Altered levels of consciousness, including coma
- Seizures.
If you happen to overdose on Effexor XR, seek medical attention immediately.
Effexor XR Storage Methods
Effexor XR should be stored at room temperature away from moisture or heat. Effexor XR capsules should be kept in an airtight container.
Keep Effexor XR and all other medications out of the reach of children.
Effexor XR: What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your Effexor XR as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take double the dose of Effexor XR.
Effexor XR capsules are available in the following strengths:
- Effexor XR 37.5 mg capsules
- Effexor XR 75 mg capsules
- Effexor XR 150 mg capsules.
Effexor XR is not available as a generic product. In contrast, regular Effexor is available as generic
venlafaxine XR. In contrast, regular Effexor is available as a generic medicine and is sold under the name
Venlafaxine tablets.
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