Effexor XR

Effexor XR^®, the brand name for venlafaxine extended-release, is a prescription antidepressant used to treat major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. It’s also used off-label for a number of 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 XR is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), and it works by increasing the available levels in the brain of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine. This helps regulate mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. 

The extended-release formulation allows the medication to be taken once daily, providing a more consistent release into the bloodstream. 

Side effects are generally mild and often subside over time. In some cases, Effexor XR may cause elevated blood pressure, especially at higher doses, so blood pressure should be monitored regularly during treatment.

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

The cost of Effexor XR varies depending on factors such as your insurance plan, which pharmacy you use, the dosage, and quantity. Without insurance, Effexor XR costs about $745 for a month’s supply of 150-milligram (mg) capsules, although coupons may bring down the price to as low as about $600. Generic venlafaxine XR costs about $300 for a month’s supply of 225-mg tablets, but coupons are available to bring down the price as low as $17.

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

On the Hers platform, venlafaxine starts at $49 per month. 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, may also be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient venlafaxine.