Benefits of EFFEXOR XR

Key points
- EFFEXOR XR may help you get back to feeling the way you used to-before the symptoms of depression started to interfere with your life.
- Before starting EFFEXORreg; XR (venlafaxine HCl), tell your doctor about any medicines you're taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements.
- Doctors have been prescribing EFFEXOR XR for years.
- Correcting the imbalance of these two chemicals may help relieve symptoms of depression-which can be a positive step toward getting your life back.
EFFEXOR XR may help you get back to feeling the way you used to-before the symptoms of depression started to interfere with your life.
Doctors have been prescribing EFFEXOR XR for years. EFFEXOR XR is used to treat depression, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and social anxiety disorder (SAD). EFFEXOR XR works on both serotonin and norepinephrine-two chemicals in the brain linked to depression.
Correcting the imbalance of these two chemicals may help relieve symptoms of depression-which can be a positive step toward getting your life back.
By relieving your symptoms of depression, you may:
- Feel more like yourself again
- Regain interest in your favorite activities
- Become involved with family and friends the way you used to
EFFEXOR XR has also been proven to keep depression from coming back. Over a 52-week period, a large majority of patients in studies did not see their symptoms return.
What about weight gain or jitteriness? In studies with EFFEXOR XR, there was a low incidence of weight gain or jitteriness (agitation).
Try to be patient about the treatment process. Just as depression, GAD, and SAD do not happen overnight, it takes time to feel better. It usually takes 6 to 8 weeks to feel the full benefits of EFFEXOR XR. Results may vary between individuals. But the best way to ensure that you return to feeling like yourself again is to take your medication every day, as instructed by your doctor.
Important Safety Information
Before starting EFFEXORreg; XR (venlafaxine HCl), tell your doctor about any medicines you're taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements. People taking MAOIs should not take EFFEXOR XR. Patients taking antidepressants should be watched closely for signs that their condition is getting worse or that they are becoming suicidal, especially when they first start therapy, or when their dose is increased or decreased. Patients should also be watched for becoming agitated, irritable, hostile, impulsive, or restless. Such symptoms should be reported to the patient's doctor right away. EFFEXOR XR may raise blood pressure in some patients, so blood pressure should be monitored regularly. When people suddenly stop using or quickly lower their daily dose of EFFEXOR XR, discontinuation symptoms may occur. Talk to your doctor before discontinuing or reducing your dose of EFFEXOR XR. Pregnant or nursing women shouldn't take any antidepressant without consulting their doctor. Until you see how affects you, be careful doing such activities as driving a car or operating machinery. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking . Common side effects with include anorexia, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, insomnia, nausea, nervousness, sexual side effects, sleepiness, sweating, and weakness. is for adults 18 and over. Ask your doctor if is right for you.
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.
Explore health topics
More in this topic
Mental Health →
GuideFrequently Asked Questions About EFFEXOR XR
Be sure to read the following important information carefully. However, keep in mind that it should not take the place of your doctor's instructions. If you do not understand all of this information or want to know more…
7 August 2005
GuideEffexor Overview / Effexor Side Effects
Venlafaxine is an antidepressant medication. It affects chemicals in your brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression. Effexor is an SSRI. Specific Uses for Effexor: Venlafaxine is used to relieve symptoms of…
22 March 2005
NewsPossible Side Effects of EFFEXOR XR
EFFEXOR XR may cause side effects in some people. In clinical studies, few people had to stop taking EFFEXOR XR because of side effects. In clinical studies, the most common side effects included: Nausea Dizziness…
25 July 2004






