Effexor XR

Effexor^®, the brand name for venlafaxine, is an antidepressant medication belonging to the class of serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It’s approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration to treat major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder, and it’s used off-label for a variety of other conditions, including attention-deficit disorder, fibromyalgia, diabetic neuropathy, complex pain syndromes, hot flashes, migraine prevention, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. 

Effexor works by increasing the available levels of the chemicals serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which help regulate mood and emotional responses.

Effexor itself is no longer sold, but Effexor XR^® (an extended-release version of the medication) is available, and generic venlafaxine is also available in both immediate-release and extended-release formulations. The extended-release version is often preferred because it only has to be taken once daily and is associated with fewer side effects. Much of the information on this page is about Effexor XR.

This medication is generally effective and well-tolerated, but those taking it should be closely monitored by a healthcare provider, especially when starting the drug or adjusting the dose.

Effexor XR (venlafaxine hydrochloride) is indicated for the treatment of adults with:

• Major depressive disorder (MDD)

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

• Social anxiety disorder (SAD)

• Panic disorder (PD)

Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI)

Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥5% and at least twice the rate of placebo):

• Nausea

• Sleepiness

• Dry mouth

• Sweating

• Abnormal ejaculation

• Anorexia

• Constipation

• Impotence (men)

• Libido decreased

Effexor immediate-release is no longer sold, but you can be prescribed and purchase its generic version, venlafaxine. The cost of venlafaxine varies depending on factors such as your insurance plan, which pharmacy you use, the dosage, and quantity. Without insurance, venlafaxine costs about $43 for a month’s supply of 75-milligram (mg) tablets, but coupons are available to bring down the price as low as about $8.

Effexor XR costs about $745 for a month’s supply of 150-mg capsules, while generic venlafaxine XR costs about $300 for a month’s supply of 225-mg tablets, although coupons are available to bring down the price of the latter to as low as about $17.

Insurance plans may cover all or some of the cost of these medications.

On the Hers platform, venlafaxine starts at $49 per month and that price includes the benefits of using the Hers telehealth platform, including free shipping and unlimited messaging with a provider.

• Hypersensitivity to venlafaxine hydrochloride, desvenlafaxine succinate, or any excipients in the Effexor XR formulation

• Concomitant use of monoaminoxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or within 14 days of discontinuing an MAOI

• Serotonin syndrome

• Elevated blood pressure

• Increased risk of bleeding

• Angle‑closure glaucoma

• Activation of mania or hypomania

• Discontinuation syndrome

• Seizures

• Low blood sodium

• Interstitial lung disease and eosinophilic pneumonia

• Sexual dysfunction

• Pregnancy: Third trimester use may increase risk for symptoms of poor neonatal adaptation (respiratory distress, temperature instability, feeding difficulty, hypotonia, tremor, irritability) in the neonate

WARNING: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS

Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in pediatric patients and young adults taking antidepressants. Closely monitor all antidepressant-treated patients for clinical worsening and emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Effexor XR is not approved for use in pediatric patients.

*This information is from the label for brand name Effexor XR^®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Venlafaxine, the active ingredient in Effexor XR, is also the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient venlafaxine.