Effexor (Venlafaxine): Uses, Side Effects & Drug Interactions

Key Points

• Effexor (venlafaxine) is an antidepressant medication used to treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.
• It belongs to a class of drugs called serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
• Common side effects of Effexor include drowsiness, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and headache.
• Effexor should not be taken with or within two weeks of taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
• It is important to take Effexor exactly as prescribed by your doctor and to follow all instructions on the medication label.

What is Effexor?

Effexor (venlafaxine) is a prescription medication used to treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. It belongs to a class of antidepressants called serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). SNRIs work by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin and norepinephrine, two neurotransmitters that are involved in mood regulation. By increasing the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain, Effexor can help to improve mood, reduce anxiety, and relieve other symptoms of depression.

What are the Uses of Effexor?

Effexor is used to treat the following conditions:

• Depression
• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
• Panic disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Effexor is also sometimes used off-label to treat other conditions, such as chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and migraines.

What are the Side Effects of Effexor?

The most common side effects of Effexor include:

• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Insomnia
• Sexual side effects, such as decreased libido and erectile dysfunction

These side effects are usually mild and go away within a few weeks of starting treatment. However, some people may experience more serious side effects, such as:

• Seizures
• Serotonin syndrome
• Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
• Mania or hypomania (in people with bipolar disorder)
• Increased blood pressure
• Heart problems
• Liver damage

What are the Interactions of Effexor?

Effexor can interact with a number of other medications, including:

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
• Lithium
• Anticonvulsants
• Blood thinners
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Alcohol

It is important to tell your doctor about all of the medications you are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal supplements.

How to Take Effexor

Effexor is typically taken once or twice a day, with or without food. The dose of Effexor that is right for you will depend on the condition being treated and your individual response to the medication. Your doctor will start you on a low dose and gradually increase it until you reach the target dose.

Precautions

Before taking Effexor, tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• A history of seizures
• A history of bipolar disorder
• A history of substance abuse

Overdose

An overdose of Effexor can be fatal. Symptoms of an overdose can include:

• Seizures
• Coma
• Respiratory depression
• Heart failure

If you think someone has overdosed on Effexor, call 911 immediately.

Withdrawal

Stopping Effexor suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms, such as:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Depression

To avoid withdrawal symptoms, it is important to taper off Effexor gradually, as directed by your doctor.

Conclusion

Effexor is an effective medication for treating depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. However, it is important to be aware of the potential side effects and interactions of Effexor before taking it. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of Effexor to see if it is right for you.