Q: What is Effexor?
A: Effexor (venlafaxine) is used to treat depression. Effexor is made by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1993.

Q: What is Effexor XR?
A: Effexor XR (venlafaxine hydrochloride; extended release capsules) is a different formulation of Effexor and is used to treat depression, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and social anxiety disorder (SAD).

Q: Are there any special instructions for taking Effexor?
A: Effexor is taken by mouth, with food, as prescribed by your healthcare professional. Swallow capsules whole, without crushing or chewing. You may, however, open the capsule, sprinkle contents on a spoonful of applesauce, take right away without chewing, and follow with a glass of water.

Q: Has there been any recent news about Effexor?
A: Over the last few years, the FDA has worked closely with the manufacturers of all marketed antidepressants (including Effexor) to fully evaluate the risk of suicidality in children, adolescents, and adults treated with these medications. Effexor maker Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Inc. added a black box warning to Effexor's prescribing information describing the increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children and adolescents taking antidepressants. Click here for more information.

In July 2006, the FDA issued an alert stating that a life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome can occur when medicines called Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs, such as Effexor) and medicines used to treat migraine headaches known as 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor agonists (triptans), are taken together.

Q: Who should not take Effexor?
A: You should not take Effexor if you are taking another drug used to treat depression called a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI), or if you have stopped taking an MAOI in the last 14 days. Taking Effexor and an MAOI within a close period of time can result in serious (and sometimes fatal) reactions including high body temperature, coma, and seizures (convulsions).

Q: Are there any serious health risks associated with Effexor?
A: Stopping Effexor suddenly could result in harmful side effects. Your healthcare professional should slowly decrease your dose. Other health risks associated with Effexor use include suicidal thoughts or actions, high blood pressure or faster heartbeat, bleeding problems, mania, seizures, weight loss, and sexual problems. Other problems associated with Effexor use may develop if you are or may become pregnant.

Q: Are there any other side effects associated with Effexor?
A: Other side effects from Effexor use include nausea, sleepiness, dry mouth, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, and constipation.

Q: What should I tell my healthcare professional before he or she prescribes Effexor?
A: Tell your healthcare professional about all known medical conditions, especially if you have liver, kidney, or heart disease, or glaucoma. Tell your healthcare professional if you breast-feed or plan to breast-feed your baby.

Q: Are there any drug interactions between Effexor and other drugs or foods?
A: Effexor and certain other medicines can interact with each other. Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take - including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

In light of the July 2006 FDA alert, it is important to talk to your healthcare professional before taking Effexor and a triptan medicine together. If you must take Effexor and a triptan medicine together, be aware of the possibility of getting serotonin syndrome. Seek immediate medical attention if you think serotonin syndrome is happening to you.

If you plan to drink alcohol while taking Effexor, talk to your healthcare professional.

Q: What should I do if I think I have been injured as a result of taking Effexor?
A: If you or a loved one have experienced any dangerous symptoms or unusual medical conditions related to Effexor use, you should first contact your doctor or other healthcare professional. You may also wish to meet with an experienced attorney to discuss your options and to protect your right to a legal remedy for any injuries caused by Effexor use.

Most content above from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration