You are here
EFFEXOR XR® (venlafaxine HCl) Resources | Safety Info
Mobile Menu
Resources
Tools to help you stay on track
Pharmacy Tip Sheet
Use this tip sheet to help ensure you receive brand-name
EFFEXOR XR and save on your prescription
with the EFFEXOR XR Savings Card.
Patient Diary
Keep a record of your symptoms and experience to share with your doctor at your office visits.
Doctor Discussion Guide
Initiate a dialogue with your doctor to make the most of your next appointment.
Pay as little as $4 per month for brand-name EFFEXOR XR*†
Scroll for Important Safety Information,
including BOXED WARNING, and Indications
Important Safety Information and Indications
Suicidality and Antidepressant Drugs
Antidepressants increased the risk compared to placebo of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, teens, and young adults. Depression and certain other psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with increases in the risk of suicide. Patients of all ages who are started on antidepressant therapy should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior. Effexor XR is not approved for use in children and teens.
Do not take EFFEXOR XR if you:
- Are allergic to Effexor XR or any of the ingredients in Effexor XR
- Have uncontrolled angle-closure glaucoma
- Currently take, or have taken within the last 14 days, any medicine known as an MAOI such as linezolid or methylene blue. Do not take an MAOI within 7 days of stopping Effexor XR. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure if your medicine is an MAOI
All patients taking antidepressants should be watched closely for signs that their condition is getting worse or that they are becoming suicidal, especially when they first start therapy, or when their dose is increased or decreased. Patients should also be watched for becoming agitated, irritable, hostile, aggressive, impulsive, or restless. Such symptoms should be reported to the patient's doctor right away.
Before taking Effexor XR, tell your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements you take or plan to take including: those to treat migraines or psychiatric disorders (including other antidepressants or amphetamines) to avoid a potentially life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome.
Effexor XR may raise blood pressure in some patients. Your blood pressure should be controlled before starting treatment and should be monitored regularly.
Taking Effexor XR with aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, warfarin, or other blood thinners may increase the risk of bleeding events.
Some people are at risk for visual problems such as eye pain, changes in vision, or swelling or redness around the eye. You may want to undergo an eye examination to see if you are at risk and get preventative treatment if you are.
When people suddenly stop using or quickly lower their daily dose of Effexor XR, serious discontinuation symptoms may occur. Talk to your doctor before discontinuing or reducing your dose of Effexor XR.
Pregnant or nursing women shouldn't take any antidepressant without consulting their doctor.
Until you see how Effexor XR affects you, be careful doing such activities as driving a car or operating machinery. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Effexor XR.
In clinical studies, the most common side effects with Effexor XR (reported in at least 5% of patients and at least twice as often as with placebo) were constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness, sexual side effects, sleepiness, sweating, and weakness.
Indications
Effexor XR extended-release capsules are a prescription medicine indicated for the treatment, in adults, of Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), and Panic Disorder (PD) with or without agoraphobia.
Please see Full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNING, and Medication Guide for EFFEXOR XR.
EFFEXOR XR is available in different dosage strengths (37.5 mg, 75 mg, and 150 mg).
Important Safety Information and Indications
Suicidality and Antidepressant Drugs
Antidepressants increased the risk compared to placebo of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, teens, and young adults. Depression and certain other psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with increases in the risk of suicide. Patients of all ages who are started on antidepressant therapy should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior. Effexor XR is not approved for use in children and teens.
Do not take EFFEXOR XR if you:
- Are allergic to Effexor XR or any of the ingredients in Effexor XR
- Have uncontrolled angle-closure glaucoma
- Currently take, or have taken within the last 14 days, any medicine known as an MAOI such as linezolid or methylene blue. Do not take an MAOI within 7 days of stopping Effexor XR. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure if your medicine is an MAOI
All patients taking antidepressants should be watched closely for signs that their condition is getting worse or that they are becoming suicidal, especially when they first start therapy, or when their dose is increased or decreased. Patients should also be watched for becoming agitated, irritable, hostile, aggressive, impulsive, or restless. Such symptoms should be reported to the patient's doctor right away.
Before taking Effexor XR, tell your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements you take or plan to take including: those to treat migraines or psychiatric disorders (including other antidepressants or amphetamines) to avoid a potentially life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome.
Effexor XR may raise blood pressure in some patients. Your blood pressure should be controlled before starting treatment and should be monitored regularly.
Taking Effexor XR with aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, warfarin, or other blood thinners may increase the risk of bleeding events.
Some people are at risk for visual problems such as eye pain, changes in vision, or swelling or redness around the eye. You may want to undergo an eye examination to see if you are at risk and get preventative treatment if you are.
When people suddenly stop using or quickly lower their daily dose of Effexor XR, serious discontinuation symptoms may occur. Talk to your doctor before discontinuing or reducing your dose of Effexor XR.
Pregnant or nursing women shouldn't take any antidepressant without consulting their doctor.
Until you see how Effexor XR affects you, be careful doing such activities as driving a car or operating machinery. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Effexor XR.
In clinical studies, the most common side effects with Effexor XR (reported in at least 5% of patients and at least twice as often as with placebo) were constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness, sexual side effects, sleepiness, sweating, and weakness.
Indications
Effexor XR extended-release capsules are a prescription medicine indicated for the treatment, in adults, of Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), and Panic Disorder (PD) with or without agoraphobia.
Indications
Effexor XR extended-release capsules are a prescription medicine indicated for the treatment, in adults, of Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), and Panic Disorder (PD) with or without agoraphobia.
Please see Full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNING, and Medication Guide for EFFEXOR XR.
Patients should always ask their doctors for medical advice about adverse events.
You may report an adverse event related to Pfizer products by calling 1-800-438-1985 (US only). If you prefer, you may contact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) directly. The FDA has established a reporting service known as MedWatch where health care professionals and consumers can report serious problems they suspect may be associated with the drugs and medical devices they prescribe, dispense, or use. Visit MedWatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Eligibility Required. Terms and conditions apply. Card will be accepted only at participating pharmacies. Card is not health insurance. No membership fee. For more information, call 1-855-488-0749 or write to: EFFEXOR XR Choice Card 14001 Western Parkway, Suite 103 Cary, NC 27513-9967.
The health information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a health care provider. All decisions regarding patient care must be made with a health care provider, considering the unique characteristics of the patient.
The product information provided in this site is intended only for residents of the United States. The products discussed herein may have different product labeling in different countries.
Important Safety Information and Indications
Suicidality and Antidepressant Drugs
Antidepressants increased the risk compared to placebo of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, teens, and young adults. Depression and certain other psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with increases in the risk of suicide. Patients of all ages who are started on antidepressant therapy should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior. Effexor XR is not approved for use in children and teens.
- Do not take EFFEXOR XR if you:
- Are allergic to Effexor XR or any of the ingredients in Effexor XR
- Have uncontrolled angle-closure glaucoma
- Currently take, or have taken within the last 14 days, any medicine known as an MAOI such as linezolid or methylene blue. Do not take an MAOI within 7 days of stopping Effexor XR. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure if your medicine is an MAOI
- All patients taking antidepressants should be watched closely for signs that their condition is getting worse or that they are becoming suicidal, especially when they first start therapy, or when their dose is increased or decreased. Patients should also be watched for becoming agitated, irritable, hostile, aggressive, impulsive, or restless. Such symptoms should be reported to the patient's doctor right away.
- Before taking Effexor XR, tell your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements you take or plan to take including: those to treat migraines or psychiatric disorders (including other antidepressants or amphetamines) to avoid a potentially life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome.
- Effexor XR may raise blood pressure in some patients. Your blood pressure should be controlled before starting treatment and should be monitored regularly.
- Taking Effexor XR with aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, warfarin, or other blood thinners may increase the risk of bleeding events.
- Some people are at risk for visual problems such as eye pain, changes in vision, or swelling or redness around the eye. You may want to undergo an eye examination to see if you are at risk and get preventative treatment if you are.
- When people suddenly stop using or quickly lower their daily dose of Effexor XR, serious discontinuation symptoms may occur. Talk to your doctor before discontinuing or reducing your dose of Effexor XR.
- Pregnant or nursing women shouldn't take any antidepressant without consulting their doctor.
- Until you see how Effexor XR affects you, be careful doing such activities as driving a car or operating machinery. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Effexor XR.
- In clinical studies, the most common side effects with Effexor XR (reported in at least 5% of patients and at least twice as often as with placebo) were constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness, sexual side effects, sleepiness, sweating, and weakness.
Indications
Effexor XR extended-release capsules are a prescription medicine indicated for the treatment, in adults, of Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), and Panic Disorder (PD) with or without agoraphobia.
Please see Full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNING, and Medication Guide for EFFEXOR XR.
Patients should always ask their doctors for medical advice about adverse events.
You may report an adverse event related to Pfizer products by calling 1-800-438-1985 (US only). If you prefer, you may contact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) directly. The FDA has established a reporting service known as MedWatch where health care professionals and consumers can report serious problems they suspect may be associated with the drugs and medical devices they prescribe, dispense, or use. Visit MedWatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.