Get Informed: Effexor
Active Ingredient(s)
Venlafaxine
What does it do?
This product is primarily used for the treatment of depression, anxiety and panic disorder. It works by prolonging the effect of serotonin and norepinephrine, both important chemicals in the brain.
- Last Text Update:
- 2010-Mar-19 6:16 PM
- Last Data Update:
- 2010-Mar-18 9:01 PM
Other Names
- Effexor XR
- Effexor
- Venlafaxine
- Efexor
- Efexor XL
- Viepax
- Viepax XR
How Safe Is It?
- Your Risk Rating
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- Average Risk Rating
-
- Pregnancy Category:
- C
Black Box Warning
This product has a black box warning relating to increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior when used in children, adolescents, and young adults with depression. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviors, the following national suicide hotlines are available in the U.S. to help you: 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) and 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
Facts & Figures
- Date Approved
- 28 Dec 1993
- Est US Patients*
- 5,444,000
- Generic Available
- Yes
- OTC Available
- No
User Age Distribution*
< 21
21-39
40-59
60+
Age (Years)
* Estimated number of US people currently taking Effexor or its active ingredient based on population adjusted patient numbers registered with iGuard.org.
Recent alerts for Effexor
Effexor Safety Report
Learn more about iGuard's risk ratings
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What is Effexor used for?
iGuard is currently tracking more than 36,200 patients that use Effexor (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)). Use the table below to learn why iGuard users take this product; click on any underlined condition to get information on other medications used for treatment.
| Disease / Condition | % | Average Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Depression | 75% | 
|
| Anxiety | 47% |
|
| Bipolar Disorder | 12% | 
|
| Menopausal Symptoms | 10% |
|
| Pain-Generalized | 5% |
|
| Migraine/Headache | 4% |
|
| Fibromyalgia | 4% |
|
| Neuropathic Pain | 2% |
|
| Other | 5% |
|
How well does Effexor work?
iGuard regularly polls our more than 36,200 users taking Effexor (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) using the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medications (TSQM) . This feedback is continuously updated in tables below for the benefit of the iGuard community. To request scores for specific patient subgroups, please contact research@iguard.org.
Average Satisfaction Score
(out of 10)
Average Effectiveness Score
(out of 10)
- 87%
- of patients are confident that the good things about Effexor outweigh the bad things.
- 18%
- of patients wish they were told more before they started taking Effexor.
Common Side Effects of Effexor
iGuard regularly polls our more than 36,200 users taking Effexor (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) to monitor the development and frequency of side-effects. This feedback is continuously updated in tables and graphs below for the benefit of the iGuard community.
43% of patients experience side-effects on Effexor
7% of patients experience signifcant side-effects on Effexor
Most Common Side Effects...
-
Loss of Libido
-
Drowsiness
-
Fatigue
-
Dizziness
-
Weight Gain
-
Dryness
-
Sweating
-
Constipation
-
Vivid Dreams
-
Nausea/Vomiting
-
= 10%
Less than 1%: Abdo Pain/Cramps, Diarrhea, Grogginess/Confusion, Headache, Heartburn/Reflux, High Blood Pressure, Hot Flashes, Insomnia, Mood/Behavior Changes, Numbness/Tingling, Suicidal Thoughts, Tinnitus, Tremor, Vertigo, Vision Changes, Weakness
Global Patient Feedback for Effexor (Venlafaxine) ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
I have been on Venlafaxine for over a year now to treat anxiety, but I am tired all the time. Want to wean myself of it but if I don't take one of the pills a day I have extreme nightmares and feel like someone is squeezing my head in a vise.............any suggestions???
42 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-03-10 22:02:37
Question/Comment:
Why haven't the pharmacies been contacted on the recall? The list of lot numbers was extensive and they go through or have on hand a number of lot numbers for Effexor. If this recall by Wyeth is that serious that you sent out an email with all the lots listed then the first places notified should have been the pharmacies. How do you expect them to handle all the questions if they know nothing about it. I just got off the phone with mine and they have heard or received anything from anyone.
57 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-03-08 20:51:24
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Pharmacies are notified by the FDA MedWatch system or by the manufacturer directly depending on the type of recall involved. This recall for Effexor XR capsules was issued at a warehouse level only, with the FDA and the manufacturer determining that the product already with patients does not pose a significant health risk. We feel that patients should be informed about all recalls so they can follow up with their physician if they are concerned.
Posted: 2010-03-13 18:33:14
Question/Comment:
has anyone else had weight gain with effexor? my dr. is trying to swich me over to prozac to help with the weight, just wondering?
30 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-03-01 22:34:16
iGuard Answer/Reply:
A small number of patients have experienced weight gain while taking Effexor. However, a small number of patients also experienced weight gain while taking Prozac. Weight loss is a more common side effect. Since all drugs have the potential to affect patients differently, the only way to know what works for you is to try it.
Posted: 2010-03-05 11:32:59
Answer/Reply:
Yes, I have been on Effexor XR for several years and experienced weight gain (about 20-25 pounds). I was initially a little freaked out by the weight gain, especially since I am historically a thin person. But then I asked myself "would you rather weigh a bit more and be less sad, or would you rather be thinner and miserable?" The answer was pretty easy.
48 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-03-18 18:30:44
Question/Comment:
The Effexor works great in treating my depression. I would like to stop taking it at some point; I have been on it almost 5 years. What bothers the most is the terrible side effects when trying to wean myself off of it. My head feels really weird, like my brain is expanding (very odd feeling), I get extremely dizzy, and my mood is way off. If I miss more than one day I can really tell it. Don't know if I'll ever be able to stop it all together.
50 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-02-25 12:40:40
Question/Comment:
I just started Effexor for the second time after having tried Avanza (Remeron), Pristiq and Lexapro in between. Effexor is the only drug that seems to manage my depression and has limited side effects. I'm hoping to lose the 10kgs (22lbs) I gained on Avanza/Lexapro. The side effects of Effexor seem much less pronounced 2nd time around. Currently on 150mg per day, taken just before bed. Exercise seems to help with the drowsiness.
45 year old Male – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-02-11 17:37:42
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Comments may be either questions or answers to previously posted questions. Any iGuard.org user may post questions and reply.
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Patient Comments about
Effexor