Venlafaxine ER

Last Reviewed: Mar 10, 2023

Venlafaxine ER (EFFEXOR XR) Pros and Cons

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Venlafaxine ER is effective in treating major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, panic attacks, and certain other psychiatric disorders.
Selective serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors like venlafaxine may work better than other antidepressants because they have an effect on two chemicals, serotonin and norepinephrine, in the brain.
This medication is generally well tolerated with few side effects, especially at low doses.
It is available in a low-cost generic version.

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It takes venlafaxine ER 1-2 weeks to have an effect and it can take 6-8 weeks to get the full benefit of this medicine.
Effexor XR (venlafaxine ER) can lead to suicidal ideation, especially in young adults.
This prescription medicine can cause symptoms of serotonin syndrome, high blood pressure, angle-closure glaucoma, bleeding events, interstitial lung disease, and other serious side effects.