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Comparing Effexor XR vs Venlafaxine

Effexor XR

venlafaxine

Venlafaxine

Prescribed for Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, Autism, Postpartum Depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Vulvodynia. Effexor XR may also be... more

Venlafaxine is an antidepressant that may cause a discontinuation syndrome if abruptly stopped after long-term administration. Prescribed for Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, Autism,... more

Prescription only

Prescription only

Ratings & Reviews

Recent helpful reviews
7.3
549 Reviews

For Depression I started taking effexol 4 years ago to take the edge off my anxiety because my job is stressful and I have to shoulder a lot of responsibility. I am on a daily 75mg dose. Overall, I have found it to be a great leveller, but the consequences of missing one dose is bad... missing 2 or 3 is pretty horrific, with head shocks, disorientation and feeling miserable. Really miserable. It's good medication, but do not forget it if you are travelling.

7
Paddy Irishman

For Depression I've been taking Effexor for about six months. within the first month I was up to 150mg. Since then I no longer have depression. I do have some moments of depression but not days/weeks. I do not have any panic attacks anymore! I'm not nearly as nervous as I was before Effexor. HOWEVER, my first week on Effexor was hell. I was extremely anxious, teeth chattering, night sweats, buzzing headache. and after months on Effexor if I miss one dose I get brain zaps. I'm also having vivid dreams. good dreams and bad ones. THIS MEDICINE TAKES TIME

7
blondielocks
6.8
1579 Reviews

For Depression I just started taking it within the last few days, and I have been so nauseated since then. My head feels a little cloudy, too. I'm really hoping those side effects go away soon.

7
Danielle34

For Depression Well. I started on 75mg a day of venzip XL. They elevated my depression hole I was in. My brain did feel doped up for the 1st week, had headaches and took a couple of hours each night to get to sleep. So I decided to stop taking them. I had the best 2 nights sleep after that I have ever had. Just got my National Nealth Service CBT therapy session a week into taking tablets and she suggested taking 1 every other day. So only 2 weeks into my tablets they are stabilising. Not as much headaches, not feeling too doped up and still can't fall asleep though I'm waiting for an appointment to see my gp for a follow up on them. Having problem trying to see same doctor as he's a fill in. Hope my suggestion help other. All I say is stick at them Start on a very low dosage and increase amount slowly. Best of luck.

7
Adrienne

View all 549 reviews

View all 1579 reviews

Drug Class

Side Effects

Common side effects include: anorgasmia, asthenia, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, insomnia, nausea, nervousness, anorexia, decreased appetite, delayed ejaculation, diaphoresis, and xerostomia.

See the full Effexor XR side effects document.

Commonly reported side effects include: anorgasmia, asthenia, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, insomnia, nausea, nervousness, headache, anorexia, decreased appetite, delayed ejaculation, diaphoresis, and xerostomia.

See the full venlafaxine side effects document.

Pricing and Coupons

* Prices are without insurance
Quantity 100 each
Dosage 75 mg
Per Unit* $14.77
Cost* $1,477.40
View all Effexor XR prices
View generic prices
Quantity 100 each
Dosage 150 mg
Per Unit* $0.38 - $2.83
Cost* $38.25 - $283.05
View all venlafaxine prices

Get free Discount Card

Get free Discount Card

Generic Availability

Yes

Yes (this medicine)

Dosage Form(s) Available
  • Oral capsule, extended release
  • Oral capsule, extended release
  • Oral tablet
  • Oral tablet, extended release

Brand Names
Other venlafaxine brands include: Effexor Effexor, and Effexor XR

Half Life

The half-life of a drug is the time taken for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce to half its original value.

4 hours

4 hours

CSA Schedule**

View glossary of terms.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

Pregnancy Category
C
Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.
C
Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.

FDA Alerts

FDA Alerts (8)

FDA Alerts (5)

Drug Interactions

A total of 1135 drugs are known to interact with Effexor XR:

  • 267 major drug interactions (1832 brand and generic names)
  • 858 moderate drug interactions (4899 brand and generic names)
  • 10 minor drug interactions (50 brand and generic names)

A total of 1135 drugs are known to interact with venlafaxine:

  • 267 major drug interactions (1832 brand and generic names)
  • 858 moderate drug interactions (4899 brand and generic names)
  • 10 minor drug interactions (50 brand and generic names)

Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions
  • Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of venlafaxine such as dizziness, drowsiness,... more
  • Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of venlafaxine such as dizziness, drowsiness,... more

Disease Interactions

First Approval Date

October 20, 1997

December 28, 1993

WADA Class

View World Anti-Doping Agency classifications.

N/A

N/A

More Information

Consumer Resources

Professional Resources

Related Treatment Guide

** The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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