Description
Effexor XR Drug Side Effects & Interactions
Chemical Name: VENLAFAXINE (VEN-la-fax-een)
Effexor XR (Venlafaxine XR)
Effexor XR contains Venlafaxine. It is used to treat depression, social anxiety disorder, anxiety, and panic attacks. It may improve your mood and energy level and helps to restore your interest in daily living.
This drug helps decrease fear, anxiety, unwanted suicidal thoughts, and the number of panic attacks. Venlafaxine is known as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). This drug works by helping to restore the balance of natural chemical substance in the brain.
You can buy Effexor XR online from Canada Pharmacy. It is present in different doses which include Effexor XR 37.5mg, Effexor XR 75mg, and Effexor XR 150mg.
Fact Table |
Formula |
C17H27NO2 |
License |
FDA approved |
Bioavailability |
42-56%; the extended-release (XR) formulation has a slower release but similar bioavailability to immediate-release formulations |
Legal status |
Prescription only (Rx) |
Chemical Name |
Venlafaxine XR |
Elimination half-life |
5–11 hours (Venlafaxine), 11–13 hours (active metabolite, desvenlafaxine) |
Dosage (Strength) |
37.5 mg, 75 mg, 150 mg capsules |
Pregnancy advice |
Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Category C in the United States. |
Brands |
Effexor XR |
Protein binding |
27–30% |
PubChem CID |
5656 |
MedlinePlus |
a694020 |
ChEBI |
CHEBI:9943 |
ATC code |
N06AX16 |
DrugBank |
DB00285 |
KEGG |
D08670 |
Routes of administration |
Oral |
Directions
This drug is to be taken orally as directed by your doctor. It can usually be taken once a day with food. It can be given in the morning or evening.
Make sure not to crush, chew, or dissolve this medication as this might release the entire drug at once which may increase the risk of side effects. Do not split the tablet unless advised by your doctor otherwise.
Swallow the whole tablet without splitting it and do not crush or chew it. Swallow all the mixture right away without chewing it. The dosage of this drug depends on the severity of your medical condition and your response to treatment.
To obtain greater benefits, take this medication daily and take it at the same time daily. Do not stop without consulting your doctor.
Some conditions may become worse if you stop taking them and you may experience symptoms such as mood swings, headaches, and tiredness.
Ingredients
It includes Venlafaxine hydrochloride equivalent to 37.5 mg, 75 mg, or 150 mg venlafaxine, cellulose, ethylcellulose, gelatin, hypromellose, iron oxide, and titanium dioxide.
Cautions
- Before using this medication, let your pharmacist or doctor know about any medical history you might have including the things you are allergic to especially venlafaxine.
- Also, tell your doctor about the medical history of the family such as heart diseases or liver problems.
- Also, let your doctor know if you have medical conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, seizure disorder, or thyroid disease.
- The drug might cause dizziness so, do not drive or do any other activity that may require alertness.
Side Effects
Some common side effects of this medication include:
- Abnormal dreams
- Anxiety or nervousness
- Blurred vision
- Chills
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty sleeping
- Dizziness/drowsiness
- Dryness of mouth
- Heartburn
- Increased sweating
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting and nausea
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Stomach pain or gas
- Nervousness (trembling or shaking)
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Weight loss
Keep in mind that your doctor has prescribed you this medication because its benefits to you are greater than the risk of side effects. Many people who use this medication do not have serious side effects.
However, if you undergo any serious side effects as mentioned below, notify your doctor right away.
- Easy bruising/bleeding
- Decreased interest in sex
- Changes in sexual ability
- Muscle cramps/weakness
- Shaking (tremor)
- Black/bloody stools
- Persistent cough
- Seizure
- Severe headache
- Shortness of breath
- Vomit that looks like coffee grounds
- Hallucinations
- Unusual restlessness
- Loss of coordination
- Irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness
- Unexplained fever
- Twitching muscles
Frequently Asked Questions about Effexor XR (Venlafaxine XR)
What is Effexor XR commonly used for?
Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) is a prescription medicine used in the treatment of depression and anxiety disorder. It’s also used to treat major depressive disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder.
What is the most common side effect of Effexor?
The most commonly reported side effects of Effexor include nausea, headache, somnolence, and dizziness. Other side effects may include dry mouth, constipation, and increased sweating.
How long does Effexor XR stay in your system?
The length of time that Effexor stays in the body varies from person to person. But for most people, it takes about one day to clear most of the venlafaxine out of their body. The half-life of Effexor XR is about 11 hours.
Why is Effexor XR so expensive?
The cost disparity between the generic and brand-name versions of Effexor is mainly due to the increased expenses associated with brand-name medications, including research and development costs, marketing expenses, and patent protection.
Can you overdose on Effexor XR?
Yes, you can overdose on any antidepressant, including Effexor XR. The effects of an overdose will depend on the type of antidepressant, how much is taken, and if it’s mixed with other drugs or alcohol. Large overdoses can result in serious side effects.
What is the downside of Effexor?
Effexor XR can cause side effects that range from mild to serious. Examples include weight changes, sweating, and high blood pressure. It may also cause more serious problems, including suicidal thoughts and behavior, elevated blood pressure, and miscarriages.
What foods should you avoid while taking venlafaxine?
Foods high in tyramine should be avoided while taking venlafaxine. These include aged cheeses, cured meats, fermented foods, and certain beverages such as red wine and beer.
Can you stay on Effexor indefinitely?
For people with chronic or severe depression, medication may be needed on a long-term basis. In these cases, antidepressants are often taken indefinitely.
Can you drink alcohol while taking Effexor?
It is generally not recommended to drink alcohol while taking Effexor. Alcohol can worsen the side effects of Effexor and may also increase the risk of developing more serious side effects.
Do you gain weight on Effexor XR?
Weight gain or weight loss can occur in people taking Effexor XR. However, clinical studies don’t suggest that Effexor XR or generic venlafaxine are associated with significant weight gain.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Product Code : 1499