What is this medication for?
Venlafaxine extended-release belongs to the class of antidepressant medications known as selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It is used for the treatment of depression. It works on the central nervous system (CNS)
to elevate mood in people with depression.
Venlafaxine extended-release is also used to treat the symptoms of anxiety causing distress in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (social phobia), and panic disorder.
SNRIs work by increasing the amount of the two neurotransmitters called serotonin and norepinephrine that are available in certain parts of the brain. It may take several weeks before the full benefits of this medication are seen.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Effexor XR® is available as:
- extended-release capsules
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
Depression: The recommended dose of venlafaxine extended-release for people with depression is 75 mg daily as a single dose taken with food. If the expected benefit does not occur after a few weeks, your doctor may gradually increase the dose until improvement is seen.
Social anxiety disorder (social phobia) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): The usual recommended starting dose of venlafaxine extended-release is 75 mg daily as a single dose. For some people, the doctor may recommend starting with a lower dose of 37.5 mg daily for the first 4 to 7 days of treatment so they can get used to the medication. The dose can then be increased to 75 mg daily. Your doctor may gradually increase the dose based on your response to the medication.
Panic disorder: The recommended starting dose of venlafaxine extended-release is 37.5 mg daily as a single dose for 7 days. Your doctor may gradually increase the dose based on your response to the medication.
It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Venlafaxine extended-release should not be taken by anyone who:
- is allergic to venlafaxine extended-release or to any ingredients of the medication
- is currently taking an MAO inhibitor (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine) or has taken one in the last 14 days
MAO inhibitors should not be taken until at least 1 week after stopping treatment with venlafaxine extended-release.