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General Medication Fact Sheet for Efexor XR
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Medication Name | Efexor XR |
| Generic Name | Venlafaxine Extended-Release |
| Boxed/Label Warning | Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults with major depressive disorder and other psychiatric disorders. |
| Purpose | Treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), and panic disorder. |
| Mechanism of Action | Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. |
| Dosage Forms | Extended-release capsules |
| Available Strengths | 37.5 mg, 75 mg, 150 mg, 225 mg |
| Dosage Frequency | Once daily |
| Common Side Effects | Nausea, headache, dry mouth, sweating, dizziness, constipation, sexual dysfunction, insomnia, anxiety, nervousness. |
| Serious Side Effects | Increased blood pressure, serotonin syndrome, angle-closure glaucoma, seizures, hyponatremia, abnormal bleeding, mania/hypomania. |
| Drug Interactions | MAOIs, other SSRIs/SNRIs, triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, lithium, tramadol, St. John’s Wort, blood thinners (e.g., warfarin), NSAIDs, drugs that affect serotonin. |
| Important Notes | Do not stop taking suddenly, as withdrawal symptoms can occur. Monitor blood pressure regularly. Use caution when driving or operating machinery. Inform your doctor if you have glaucoma, bipolar disorder, or a history of seizures. |
| Storage | Store at room temperature away from moisture and light. |
| Missed Dose | Take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose. |
| Alternatives | Zoloft (sertraline), Prozac (fluoxetine), Cymbalta (duloxetine), Lexapro (escitalopram) |
Efexor XR Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Zoloft (sertraline) | Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) | Primarily affects serotonin levels; often a first-line treatment for depression and anxiety. |
| Prozac (fluoxetine) | Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) | Longer half-life; useful for patients who may miss doses. |
| Cymbalta (duloxetine) | Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI) | Also used for chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia. |
| Lexapro (escitalopram) | Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) | Generally well-tolerated with fewer drug interactions. |
Efexor XR Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Nausea | Increased blood pressure |
| Headache | Serotonin Syndrome |
| Dry Mouth | Angle-Closure Glaucoma |
| Sweating | Seizures |
| Dizziness | Hyponatremia (low sodium) |
| Constipation | Abnormal Bleeding |
| Sexual Dysfunction | Mania/Hypomania |
| Insomnia | Suicidal thoughts or behavior |
Efexor XR Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) | 37.5 mg once daily | 75-225 mg once daily | Take with food to minimize nausea. Swallow capsules whole; do not crush or chew. |
| Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) | 37.5 mg once daily | 75-225 mg once daily | Take with food to minimize nausea. Swallow capsules whole; do not crush or chew. |
| Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) | 75 mg once daily | 75-225 mg once daily | Take with food to minimize nausea. Swallow capsules whole; do not crush or chew. |
| Panic Disorder | 37.5 mg once daily | 75-225 mg once daily | Take with food to minimize nausea. Swallow capsules whole; do not crush or chew. |
Efexor XR Price With And Without Insurance
| Purchase Context | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| With Insurance | $10 – $50 |
| Without Insurance (U.S.) | $220 – $350 |
| From CPS | $27.77 |
