What is Generic Effexor XR (Venlafaxine XR)?
Generic Effexor XR is a prescription antidepressant, it belongs to class of antidepressants called serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI).
Generic Effexor XR (Venlafaxine XR) is a chemically unique antidepressant medication. Like the newer class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as Prozac (fluoxetine) and Zoloft (sertraline), it affects the absorption of serotonin. In addition, Effexor XR acts on the norepinephrine system. No other available medication affects both neurotransmitters without causing the side effects of the older tricyclic antidepressants.
What is Generic Effexor XR (Venlafaxine XR) used for?
Effexor XR (Venlafaxine XR) is a medication available to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Structurally different from any other antidepressant, it affects two neurotransmitters (chemical messengers in the brain) involved in depression, serotonin and norepinephrine.
Generic Effexor XR (Venlafaxine XR) Facts
Active Ingredients: venlafaxine hydrochloride.
Other Ingredients: cellulose, ethylcellulose, gelatin, hypromellose, iron oxide, and titanium dioxide.
Class and Mechanism: Generic Effexor XR is a bicyclic antidepressant, and is usually categorized as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), but it has been referred to as a serotonin-norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor. It works by blocking the transporter "reuptake" proteins for key neurotransmitters affecting mood, thereby leaving more active neurotransmitter in the synapse. The neurotransmitters affected are serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline) Additionally, in high doses it weakly inhibits the reuptake of dopamine.
Generic Effexor XR (Venlafaxine XR) Storage
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
How to take Generic Effexor XR (Venlafaxine XR)?
Generic Effexor XR can be prescribed in different dosage strengths (37.5 mg, 75 mg, and 150 mg). The usual starting dose is 75 mg, but only your doctor can tell you which dose is right for you and whether it will need to be adjusted over time.
Effexor XR should be taken as a single dose with food at about the same time every day, either in the morning or evening. The capsule should be swallowed whole; it should not be divided, crushed, chewed, or placed in water.
The capsule can also be carefully opened and its contents sprinkled onto a spoonful of applesauce. This should be swallowed immediately and followed by drinking a glass of water. Do not chew this mixture before swallowing.
If OVERDOSE: An overdose of Effexor XR, combined with other drugs or alcohol, can be fatal. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of Effexor XR overdose include: sleepiness, vertigo, rapid or slow heartbeat, low blood pressure, seizures, coma.
What to do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose of Effexor XR, it can be taken later that day. Don't try to "make up" for the missed dose by taking 2 doses the next day.
Who should not take Generic Effexor XR (Venlafaxine XR)?
Do not take Effexor XR if you are allergic to Effexor XR (venlafaxine) or any of its ingredients. The inactive ingredients are cellulose, ethylcellulose, gelatin, hypromellose, iron oxide, and titanium dioxide.
Effexor XR can make some conditions worse. Tell your doctor about all your medical problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have or had any of the following: suicidal thoughts; high blood pressure (Effexor XR can increase your blood pressure); heart disease (Effexor XR can increase your heart rate (pulse)); liver or kidney problems.
Symptoms of mania or hypomania, such as persistently elevated or irritable mood, a decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, hyperactivity, and rapid, excessive speech.
Glaucoma. Effexor XR may increase your eye pressure. You may need more frequent eye exams to detect an increase in eye pressure.
FOR WOMEN: The effects of Generic Effexor XR during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. Effexor should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
If Effexor is taken shortly before delivery, the baby may suffer withdrawal symptoms. It's also known that Effexor appears in breast milk and could cause serious side effects in a nursing infant. You'll need to choose between nursing your baby or continuing your treatment with Effexor.
What side effects may occur?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Effexor.
More common side effects may include:
Abnormal dreams, abnormal ejaculation or orgasm, anxiety, appetite loss, blurred vision, chills, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, frequent urination, flushing, gas, headache, impotence, infection, insomnia, muscle tension, nausea, nervousness, rash, sleepiness, sweating, tingling feeling, tremor, upset stomach, vomiting, weakness, yawning
Less common side effects may include:
Abnormal taste, abnormal thinking, agitation, chest pain, confusion, decreased sex drive, depression, dilated pupils, dizziness upon standing up, high blood pressure, itching, loss of identity, rapid heartbeat, ringing in the ears, trauma, twitching, urinary problems, weight loss
A wide variety of very rare symptoms possibly related to Effexor XR have also been reported. If you develop any new or unusual problems, let your doctor know about it.
Generic Effexor XR (Venlafaxine XR) Drug Interactions
Do not take Generic Effexor XR together with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl), or tranylcypromine (Parnate). You must wait at least 14 days after stopping an MAOI before you can take Effexor XR. You must wait at least 7 days after you stop taking Generic Effexor XR before you start taking an MAO inhibitor.
Before taking Generic Effexor XR, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following medicines: diet pills; diuretics; cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB); warfarin (Coumadin); amiodarone (Cordarone); quinidine (Quinadex, Cardioquin, Quinaglute); mibefradil (Posicor); methadone (Dolophine, Methadose); HIV medicines such as indinavir (Crixivan), ritonavir (Norvir); saquinavir (Invirase), nelfinavir (Viracept); haloperidol (Haldol) or risperidone (Risperdal); or other antidepressants such as clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), duloxetine (Cymbalta), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), buproprion (Wellbutrin, Zyban).
If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use Effexor XR, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.
There may be other drugs not listed that can affect Effexor XR. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
Additional Information
Adult and pediatric patients taking antidepressants should be watched closely for signs that their condition is getting worse or that they are becoming suicidal, especially when they first start therapy.
EFFEXOR XR may raise blood pressure in some patients. Your blood pressure should be controlled before starting treatment and should be monitored regularly.
When people suddenly stop using or quickly lower their daily dose of EFFEXOR XR, discontinuation symptoms may occur. Talk to your doctor before discontinuing or reducing your dose of EFFEXOR XR.