Get Informed: Effexor
Active Ingredient(s)
Venlafaxine
What does it do?
This product is primarily used for the treatment of depression and anxiety. It works by prolonging the effect of serotonin and norepinephrine, both important chemicals in the brain.
- Last Text Update:
- 2009-Nov-07 12:50 AM
- Last Data Update:
- 2009-Nov-07 8:28 AM
Other Names
- Effexor
- Effexor XR
- Venlafaxine
- Venlafaxine Hydrochloride
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*
- 5,436,000
- 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.
Effexor Safety Report
Learn more about iGuard's risk ratings
- Please login or register (it's free) so iGuard can check how Effexor interacts with other drugs and diseases in your profile.
What is Effexor used for?
iGuard.org is currently tracking more than 31,400 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 | 43% |
|
| Panic Disorder | 11% |
|
| Pain | 6% |
|
| Menopausal Symptoms | 6% |
|
| Bipolar Disorder | 4% |
|
| Other | 8% |
|
How well does Effexor work?
iGuard.org regularly polls our more than 31,400 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)
- 79%
- of patients are confident that the good things about Effexor outweigh the bad things.
- 30%
- of patients wish they were told more before they started taking Effexor.
Common Side Effects of Effexor
iGuard.org regularly polls our more than 31,400 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.
52% of patients experience side-effects on Effexor
11% of patients experience signifcant side-effects on Effexor
Most Common Side Effects...
-
Weight Gain
-
Fatigue
-
Drowsiness
-
Dizziness
-
Sweating
-
Nausea/Vomiting
-
Insomnia
-
Dry Mouth
-
Constipation
-
Headache
-
Sexual Problems
-
Grogginess/Confusion
-
= 10%
Less than 1%: Abdominal Pain, Addiction, Anxiety, Balance/Coordination Problems, Blurred Vision, Chest Pain/Tightness, Diarrhea, Dryness, Electrolyte Problems, Elevated Heart Rate, High Blood Pressure, Hot Flushes, Itch/Rash, Light Sensitivity, Loss of Appetite, Mental Haziness, Migraine, Mood/Behavior Changes, Muscle Pain, Muscle Spasms, Muscle Tingling, Nose Bleeds, Occassional Bowel Problems and Swelling, Palpitations, Restlessness, Tremor, Vivid Dreams, Weakness, Weight Loss
Global Patient Feedback for Effexor (Venlafaxine) ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
I have been taking Venlafaxine for depression/anxiety since April of this year. My doc started me out at 75mg and I have been at the max dose of 325mg for 3 mo. At first I felt that this med. was helping me, now I feel like the side effects are outnumbering the benefits. I have experienced extreme sweating,constipation,weight gain(at least 35lbs),fatigue&vivid dreams. In the past couple months I am also experiencing short term memory loss,confusion,& nightmares.I am trying to slowly reduce my meds.
35 year old Female
Posted: 2009-10-15 22:16:59
Answer/Reply:
I also wanted to add that I have started this week reducing my doses of this med by 1/2 of a 75mg pill. Meaning, I was taking 3- 75mg pills per day. Now I am @ 2 & 1/2- 75mg. per day. Each week I am going to try to drop a half a pill. I'm trying to get an appt. w/ my doc. but I feel like I have to get myself off this medication. Has anyone weened theirself off this med that could tell me about their experience?
35 year old Female
Posted: 2009-10-15 22:25:11
Question/Comment:
Has anyone successfully gotten off of Effexor XR? I was on 225mg and dropped to 150mg for a couple of months and then just dropped to 75mg. Now my BP is way up and I can't sleep.
41 year old Male
Posted: 2009-10-02 00:54:29
iGuard.org Answer/Reply:
It is possible to wean off Effexor XR. Make an appointment with your physician to determine if the side effects you are experiencing are due to the drop in your dosage or another cause. Work with your doctor to find a weaning schedule that works for your body and medical history to minimize any possible symptoms.
Posted: 2009-10-27 15:08:59
Question/Comment:
I have taken effexor xr for a few years now. I take 3 /37.5 MG per day with the option of taking one more 37.5 capsule as needed . I am a member of the SAD community, however, since taking effexor, I dont have many symptoms of seasonal often. when I do, I take my extra capsule. I take my effexor at bedtime instead of in the am as it makes me sleepy. when I was on 4 capsules a day for a year, toward the end of the year, I experienced an increase in my heart rate and nervousness. so my doctor lowered my dosage. I have been experiencing some limited memory loss . I tend to get warm quicker and sweat easier but may or may not have to do with the effexor.
44 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-06 10:12:01
Question/Comment:
i ws taking Effexor, Lexapro, Wellbutrin, Klonopin, Trileptal and seroquel. On my last visti wtih the new doctor he took me off the lexapro and didn't have enough finances to get the effexor. Now am having like adrenaline rushes throughout my body. is this normal and how much longer should it last. I know this is caused by the effexor since went off once before and the same thing happened but was back on within days but now it's been about 2-3 weeks and it's still happening. i also noticed that i have turned mean, angry at everyone and isolating. But again, due to finances, can not afford all meds so have to make due with what i can get.
43 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-01 23:38:56
Answer/Reply:
Due to finacial reasons, I also can not afford Effexor XR. I have read countless reviews, with people that take Effexor & if they even miss just one dose (one day) they have bad withdrawl symptoms. As soon as they take it again, then they are fine.
I am currently on Celexa, Remeron and Klonopin. Remeron has been a blessing for sleeping and eating for me. However I believe that if I had the money, I could take the Effexor XR and eliminate most of the others. I am waiting to try it, because it has been recorded and noted as a excellent SNRI for depression, GAD anxiety. I also heard that it works so well, it has a type addictive effect to it. It would be the same if I missed just one day of Klonopin (benzo) I would be going nuts, and having panic attacks etc.. same with effexor xr, you have to stay on it everyday, and if you come off of it, you have to taper out of it.
I wish you the best, I can relate to being in a tight spot and not being able to get the correct medications, hope you get this resolved quickly.
40 year old Male
Posted: 2009-09-13 16:20:45
Answer/Reply:
you can go to the manufacturer for patient assistance. If you are within financial guidelines you may be eligible to get it for free
55 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-21 14:40:25
Answer/Reply:
I was taking Effexor XR for several years, I also was taking several different meds. due to migraines. I was tired of taking so much medicine & I was going to stop taking some of it. So the first one I quit taking was the Effexor XR. I had withdraws for 3 days. The first day was really bad. I was at work, didn't know what was happening. I had the shakes, chills. I was talking to my friends & all I caould do was shake. The 2nd & 3rd day got better. I haven't been back on it since. I'm taking Celexa now, It's working for me good.
39 year old Female
Posted: 2009-09-30 18:41:08
Answer/Reply:
Sorry to hear you are experiencing these problems. First of all, seems you are on too many meds to me. I wouldn't wait for next visit. I'd call the Dr. especially since he is your New Dr. Your adrenaline rushes you feel may very well be coming from anxiety and not the meds; however Wellbutrin might be causing them. (depending on the dose). I'd also be careful mixing Wellbutrin with Effexor & Seroquel, do some research. Good Luck.
48 year old Female
Posted: 2009-11-05 07:59:20
Question/Comment:
Maybe I can't take antidepressants. The results are not good for me. But with mental state I'm in I need some type of medication to help stabilized my mental mood.
43 year old Female
Posted: 2009-08-29 19:30:52
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Patient Comments about
Effexor