Venlafaxine is the generic form of the brand-name medication Effexor. It is an antidepressant used to treat depression and certain anxiety disorders by increasing serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain.
This tablet can be taken once to twice daily, with food and water. Common side effects include nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, confusion, constipation, and insomnia. If the medication makes you feel lightheaded or dizzy, take it in the evening. If it makes it difficult for you to fall asleep, take it in the morning. Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how this tablet affects you. Avoid alcohol so that side effects are not made worse.
It can take 4 to 6 weeks for the benefits of this tablet to set in. Please contact your doctor right away if you experience worse depression symptoms, sudden mood changes, or suicidal thoughts while taking venlafaxine. If you notice a headache or blurred vision, contact your doctor as this may be a sign of increased blood pressure.
Lastly, also inform your doctor of all other medications (including over-the-counter drugs and supplements) you are taking in order to prevent drug interactions. This paragraph is only an overview, and it is not intended to replace medical counseling; please consult your pharmacist and/or medical provider for more comprehensive information.
USES: Venlafaxine is used to treat depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and social anxiety disorder (social phobia). It may improve your mood and energy level and may help restore your interest in daily living. It may also decrease fear, anxiety, unwanted thoughts, and the number of panic attacks. This tablet is known as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances (serotonin and norepinephrine) in the brain.
OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional. This medication may also be used to treat nerve pain.
Wayne Holmes –
I started taking this medication three weeks ago First few days I was really tired but now I’m much better I’m back to normal…I haven’t felt this way in years I am relaxed and I can sleep. I can think clearly and focus instead of freaking out all the time.
PedroLMedina –
This drug saved my life.
Clyde Paschke –
I started taking Venlafaxine ER in my late 60’s for what I thought was a recent situational depression, only to discover I had been subject to a mild depression all my life, perhaps even from birth. Without that drug, I would have never known.
Shannon Fulkerson –
I have been on effexor for over 15 years! It has been a wonderful drug for me. I had been on Prozac before this and my dose had been raised so high that I had no emotions at all. Went to a funeral of a family member and sat and talked about the architecture of the church. Immediately went to my pcp and was put on effector. I wouldn’t go off for anything now! It has given me back my life!
Angelita Hulbert –
Amazing. I felt like a prisoner to my anxiety before trying this drug. No SSRIs worked for me so my doctor prescribed me this and I love it. Been taking it for about 2 months now, no complaints whatsoever. I’m happy now.
Charles Armour –
I have been on this for about two months now. Started at 25, now at 150. Put simply, I am myself again. I haven’t felt this composed in years. At this dose it doesn’t take away the highs and lows for me, but it makes them bearable. It makes me feel NORMAL again.
Charlene Jones –
I was on Cymbalta for 4 years and it completely ruined me. I was off of it about 2 months. My dr prescribed Effexor XR 25 mg. The first 2 days were rough but each day after I felt better and better. I’ve been on it for 9 days now and I feel better than I have in years! It works for me and I definitely recommend it. Give it a chance. It’s always rough starting a new medicine but if you give it a chance you’ll see the benefits.
Michelle Gay –
I was very nervous to start this medication due to reviews – I have tried so many medications for my anxiety, depression and PTSD and I cannot put into words how much this medication saved my life – I have no side effects and I finally have a noticeable difference – life feels like a breath of fresh air.
Rusty Heller –
It has reduced my appetite and migraines. It’s made me drowsy though.
Minnie Barros –
Update. I’m in my 5th week of 25mg’s Venlafaxine XR. I’m feeling more like myself. The severe anxiety/panic and depersonalization is almost non existent. The first 4 weeks were hell. Nausea, dry mouth, severe sweating, flushing neck/face, heightened anxiety and panic but now all of these are gone. I would highly recommend this med, it is giving me my life back.
Mary Wood –
If you are here to read the positive or negative side-effect of this medication, let me tell you it’s different for each patient, I know what I will type is look wired. Still, I don’t know how to describe my feeling after more than two years of using Effexor; what I can say is I am still alive . in the end, I have to tell you ” you have to take care of your health to die with good health ” lol