How EFFEXOR XR Works

EFFEXOR XR is a prescription medication used to treat depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and social anxiety disorder, allowing you to get back to your life again.

EFFEXOR XR is known as an SNRI (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) and is believed to help treat depression and the associated symptoms of anxiety by affecting the level of two chemicals in the brain-serotonin and norepinephrine. These two chemicals are thought to play a key role in depression and the associated symptoms of anxiety.

Correcting the imbalance of these two chemicals may help relieve depression symptoms and the associated symptoms of anxiety-which can be a positive step toward getting your life back.

What about weight gain or jitteriness? In studies with EFFEXOR XR, there was a low incidence of weight gain or jitteriness (agitation). To learn how EFFEXOR XR has helped others get back to their lives again, see Personal Stories.

Try to be patient about the treatment process. Just as depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and social anxiety disorder 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 among 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.

The goal is to reduce or virtually eliminate your symptoms and get back to your life again. If symptoms of depression and associated symptoms of anxiety are interfering with your life, and you're not where you want to be, ask your doctor about EFFEXOR XR, a treatment option that may help you get back to doing your favorite activities again.

Explore this section to learn more about EFFEXOR XR, including the following:

• An overview of the potential benefits of EFFEXOR XR
  
• Possible side effects of EFFEXOR XR
  
• Can EFFEXOR XR Make a Difference for Me?
  

Important Safety Information

Before starting EFFEXORreg; XR (venlafaxine HCl), tell your doctor about any medicines you are 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. 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 , discontinuation symptoms may occur. Talk to your doctor before discontinuing or reducing your dose of . 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.