Effexor is a brand-name prescription medication health care providers use to treat major depressive disorder and various anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder.

Effexor is supplied as an oral capsule. It contains the drug venlafaxine, which is available in generic form. Effexor is only available via prescription from a licensed health care provider.

Doctors prescribe Effexor to treat several mental health conditions, such as major depressive disorder (depression) and anxiety disorders.

Depression, also known as major depressive disorder or clinical depression, is a mood disorder that negatively affects how you think, behave, and feel. Untreated depression can lead to a range of emotional and physical issues. The symptoms of depression may vary from person to person. They may appear mild in some, while they can be debilitating in others.

Effexor is also prescribed to treat anxiety disorders. A person who suffers from an anxiety disorder may have constant feelings of worry, difficulty concentrating, and an inability to relax. If left untreated, anxiety may eventually interfere with work or school performance, personal relationships, and other daily functions.

Effexor may be prescribed with other treatment strategies like therapy and lifestyle adjustments.

Effexor belongs to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Serotonin and norepinephrine are chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) responsible for regulating your mood and helping you feel happy. These hormones are produced naturally by the neurons in your brain and are used to send signals between neurons (or nerves). Once a signal has been sent, the neuron reabsorbs the serotonin and norepinephrine to be recycled.

Sometimes neurons reabsorb these hormones too quickly - before they can tell your brain to feel happy - resulting in low levels of these mood-regulating chemicals. Reducing the brain’s reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine can help balance your mood and relieve several conditions, such as stress, anxiety, and depression.

Effexor has been shown to cause some side effects. Talk to your health care provider if these reactions do not disappear within a few days or become severe.

Common side effects reported from Effexor use:
Heartburn
Drowsiness
Dizziness
Nightmares
Diarrhea/ constipation
Gas
Belching
Nausea
Weight loss
Decreased appetite
Fatigue and weakness
Sweating
Hot flashes
Dry mouth
Frequent urination
Sexual dysfunction in males and females

This is not a complete list of adverse reactions. If you experience difficulty breathing, unusual bleeding or bruising, purple spots on the skin, a skin rash, hives, fever, fainting, confusion, seizures, hallucinations, or changes in your heart rate while taking Effexor, seek medical attention immediately.

Antidepressant drugs like Effexor increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors, so patients taking Effexor should be monitored for the emergence or worsening of depression, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, or unusual changes in mood or behavior.

As with all prescription medications, inform the prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have been diagnosed with and any medications or supplements you currently take before starting treatment with Effexor. Effexor can interact with other medicines and substances, causing potentially serious side effects. Before beginning treatment with Effexor, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or are planning on becoming pregnant.

Effexor is commonly prescribed as a once-daily oral capsule. The exact dosage and schedule will vary depending on the patient's age, diagnosis, and body weight. Take the medication exactly as your doctor has instructed.

Do not increase your dosage or discontinue the use of Effexor unless ordered to do so by your doctor. If you experience any adverse reactions, contact a health care provider. Your dosage may increase or decrease depending on how well you tolerate the medication.

You should store your medication in a closed container at room temperature, away from extreme heat, extreme cold, moisture, and direct light, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Effexor is only available via prescription from a licensed health care provider. Providers on Sesame can order Effexor for local pickup on the same day. Talk to a provider on Sesame and get your prescription ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your doctor.

Good news! If deemed clinically appropriate, providers on Sesame can write a prescription for Effexorl to be picked up near you—often within the same day! Simply talk to a clinician and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider.