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