Depression: About Your Condition

If you have depression and associated symptoms of anxiety, you are not alone. Each year, nearly 10 million American adults suffer from depression. You may be experiencing the following:

• Not as involved with family and friends the way you used to be
  
• Low energy, fatigue
  
• Lack of motivation to do the things you once looked forward to doing
  
• Not feeling as good as you used to feel
  

These symptoms may be the result of an imbalance of certain brain chemicals. With treatment, it is possible to correct this imbalance and get back to your life again. If symptoms are interfering with your life, whether or not you are currently on treatment, talk to your doctor. The right treatment may help you manage depression and get back to doing the things you once looked forward to doing.

One treatment your doctor may recommend is Effexorreg; XR (venlafaxine HCI). Effexor XR is believed to work not only on serotonin but also on norepinephrine, both of which are chemicals thought to be linked to depression. You'll find that treating your depression may be the first step to getting your life back.

Learn more about a treatment option that may help you get back to your life again.

Important Product 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 Effexor XR affects you, be careful doing such activities as driving a car or operating machinery. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Effexor XR. Common side effects with Effexor XR include anorexia, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, insomnia, nausea, nervousness, sexual side effects, sleepiness, sweating, and weakness. Effexor XR is for adults 18 and over. Ask your doctor if Effexor XR is right for you.