Effexor (venlafaxine) is a medication used to treat symptoms of depression. Venlafaxine improves your mood and energy level and helps restore your interest in the functions of everyday life. Venlafaxine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that restores the natural balance of natural chemicals in the brain.

Make sure to always read the patient information and instructions before using this medication. Always follow your doctor’s directions.

• Take this medication by mouth, typically 2 to 3 times a day.
• Take this drug regularly to get the most benefit.
• Take it at the same time each day.
• It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Your condition may become worse if you suddenly stop taking this drug.
• Your dose may be gradually decreased to reduce side effects.
• It may take several weeks to feel the benefit of this drug.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• About your drug and other allergies.
• If you take any other prescription or over-the-counter medications.
• If you have a family history of glaucoma, high blood pressure, heart problems, high cholesterol, kidney disease, liver disease, seizure disorder, and thyroid disease.

You should also know:

• Alcohol and cannabis can increase feelings of dizziness.
• Older adults and children may be more sensitive to side effects.

Common side effects of Effexor include but are not limited to:

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Blurred vision
• Nervousness
• Trouble sleeping
• Unusual sweating

Get medical help if you have any of the following side effects of venlafaxine.

• A cough that doesn’t go away
• Severe or pounding headache
• Bloody stools
• Vision changes
• Seizures
• Chest pain
• Hallucinations
• Serotonin syndrome

Is this drug safe to take while pregnant?

This drug is important to take to maintain mood problems, so discuss with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This drug passes into breast milk and can have negative effects on nursing infants. Talk to your doctor if you are breast-feeding before starting Effexor.