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General Medication Fact Sheet for Effexor
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Medication Name | Effexor |
| Generic Name | Venlafaxine |
| Boxed/Label Warning | Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults. |
| 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 | Oral tablets, extended-release capsules |
| Available Strengths | Tablets: 25 mg, 37.5 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg; Extended-release capsules: 37.5 mg, 75 mg, 150 mg, 225 mg |
| Dosage Frequency | Typically once or twice daily, as directed by a healthcare provider. |
| Common Side Effects | Nausea, headache, dizziness, insomnia, drowsiness, dry mouth, sweating, constipation, sexual dysfunction. |
| Serious Side Effects | Increased blood pressure, serotonin syndrome, angle-closure glaucoma, seizures, abnormal bleeding, hyponatremia. |
| Drug Interactions | MAOIs, other SSRIs/SNRIs, blood thinners (e.g., warfarin), NSAIDs, certain antifungals, and certain antibiotics. |
| Important Notes | Do not stop taking Effexor suddenly, as withdrawal symptoms may occur. Consult a doctor before starting or stopping any medications. Monitor for changes in mood or behavior. |
| Storage | Store at room temperature away from moisture and light. |
| Missed Dose | Take as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose. |
| Alternatives | Zoloft (sertraline), Prozac (fluoxetine), Lexapro (escitalopram), Cymbalta (duloxetine). |
Effexor Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Zoloft (sertraline) | Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) | Primarily affects serotonin levels. |
| Prozac (fluoxetine) | Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) | Longer half-life compared to other SSRIs. |
| Lexapro (escitalopram) | Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) | Often considered well-tolerated. |
| Cymbalta (duloxetine) | Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) | Similar mechanism to Effexor. |
Effexor Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Nausea | Increased blood pressure |
| Headache | Serotonin Syndrome |
| Dizziness | Angle-closure glaucoma |
| Insomnia | Seizures |
| Drowsiness | Abnormal bleeding |
| Dry Mouth | Hyponatremia |
| Sweating | Suicidal thoughts or behavior |
| Constipation | Withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation |
Effexor Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) | 75 mg per day | 75-225 mg per day | May be taken with or without food. |
| Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) | 75 mg per day | 75-225 mg per day | May be taken with or without food. |
| Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) | 75 mg per day | 75-225 mg per day | May be taken with or without food. |
| Panic Disorder | 37.5 mg per day | 75-225 mg per day | May be taken with or without food. |
Effexor Price With And Without Insurance
| Purchase Context | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| With Insurance | $10-$50 |
| Without Insurance (U.S.) | $220 – $350 |
| From Canada | $27.77 |
