Skip to main content

Effexor and Effexor XR (venlafaxine HCl)

Audience: Neuropsychiatric, obstetric and neonatology healthcare professionals

FDA and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals notified healthcare professionals of revisions to the WARNINGS, PRECAUTIONS, and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION sections of labeling to alert healthcare providers of two important safety issues.

Neonates exposed to Effexor, other SNRIs (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors), or SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors), late in the third trimester of pregnancy have developed complications requiring prolonged hospitalization, respiratory support, and tube feeding. Such complications can arise immediately upon delivery.

Patients with major depressive disorder, both adult and pediatric, may experience worsening of their depression and/or the emergence of suicidal ideation and behavior (suicidality), whether or not they are taking antidepressant medications. The warning recommends patients being treated with antidepressants be observed closely for clinical worsening and suicidality, especially at the beginning of a course of drug therapy, or at the time of dose changes, either increases or decreases.

[June 3, 2004 Letter - Wyeth]
[May 2004 Effexor Revised Label - Wyeth]
[May 2004 Effexor XR Revised Label - Wyeth]

More news resources

Subscribe to our newsletter

Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.