Efexor XR (Venlafaxine Hydrochloride)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Efexor XR Used For?
Efexor XR contains venlafaxine hydrochloride and belongs to a class of medications called Serotonin-Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs). It helps restore your feeling of wellness by increasing levels of chemical messengers in your brain.
Primary Uses
Efexor XR is used to treat and prevent relapse of depression. It’s also used for panic attacks and anxiety, including fear or avoidance of social situations. Depression can cause emotional and physical symptoms like feeling low, inability to enjoy life, poor appetite, disturbed sleep, loss of energy, and feeling guilty. Anxiety can make you feel constantly worried, irritable, and cause difficulty thinking and sleeping.
How It Works
Serotonin and noradrenaline are chemical messengers that help certain nerves in the brain work properly. Efexor XR increases the levels of these two messengers, which experts believe helps restore your feeling of wellness.
Good to know: Efexor XR is not addictive.
How to Take Efexor XR
Your doctor will determine how many capsules you need to take each day based on your age, condition, and other medications you may be taking. Always follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
Dosage Instructions
For depression and anxiety: Usually start with 75mg once daily, may increase to 150mg daily after 2 weeks. For panic attacks: Start with 37.5mg once daily for 4-7 days, then increase to 75mg once daily. Take once daily with food at the same time each day (morning or evening). Swallow capsules whole with water – do not crush, chew, divide, or dissolve them. You may see small white granules in your stool – this is normal as the medication has already been absorbed.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it’s less than 12 hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose – this may increase your chance of side effects.
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Difficulty sleeping or abnormal dreams
- Sexual function problems
- Nervousness
- Teeth grinding
- Drowsiness or feeling sedated
- Dizziness after standing
- Headache
- Rapid heartbeat
- Heavy or irregular menstrual periods
- Urinary problems
- Yawning
- Restlessness
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Muscle tremors or abnormal facial movements
- Feeling of apathy or hallucinations
- Agitation, confusion, muscle weakness
- Numbness or shortness of breath
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Sensitivity to sunlight
- Fits or seizures
- Signs of allergic reaction
- Sudden fever with sweating and muscle stiffness
- Chest pain or palpitations
- Dark or red urine
- Yellowing of skin or eyes
- Signs of infection
- Black sticky bowel motions or bloody diarrhea
- High fever with confusion and muscle contractions
Important Warnings
There are several important warnings and precautions to be aware of before taking Efexor XR. Always discuss your medical history with your doctor.
Who Should Not Take Efexor XR
Do not take Efexor XR if you are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or have taken them within the last 14 days. Do not use if you are allergic to venlafaxine or any ingredients. Not recommended for children or adolescents under 18 years of age.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: history of seizures, bipolar disorder, aggression, restlessness, diabetes, blood pressure problems, glaucoma, bleeding tendencies, high cholesterol, kidney or liver problems, heart conditions especially irregular heartbeats. Your doctor may need to do heart tests (ECG) or blood tests during treatment.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Not recommended during pregnancy. May cause breathing difficulties, seizures, and low oxygen in newborns. May increase risk of pre-eclampsia and postpartum bleeding. Passes into breast milk and may affect nursing babies. Discuss risks and benefits with your doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding.
Suicide Risk: Watch for worsening depression or anxiety, especially in first few weeks or after dose changes. Young adults 18-24 may have increased suicide risk. Tell your doctor immediately about thoughts of suicide or self-harm.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Efexor XR or be affected by it. Always tell your doctor about all medications you’re taking.
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (moclobemide, linezolid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine)
- Other antidepressants including St John’s wort
- Mental health medications (haloperidol, risperidone, lithium, clozapine)
- Strong pain medications (tramadol, fentanyl, tapentadol, pethidine, methadone)
- ADHD medications (dexamphetamine, lisdexamphetamine)
- Cimetidine for stomach problems
- Migraine medications (triptans)
- Heart rhythm medications (amiodarone, quinidine)
- Blood pressure medication (metoprolol)
- Blood thinning medications
- Antiviral medications (indinavir)
- Antibiotics (erythromycin, linezolid)
- Antifungal medications (ketoconazole, fluconazole)
Alcohol & Driving
Efexor XR can affect your ability to drive and may interact dangerously with alcohol. Take precautions to ensure your safety.
Alcohol
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Efexor XR. Alcohol can cause dizziness and lightheadedness and may worsen your condition.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before driving or using machines until you know how Efexor XR affects you. The medication may make you feel drowsy. Avoid driving or operating dangerous machinery if you experience drowsiness or coordination problems.
Storage
Keep capsules in their original blister pack until ready to take. Store in a cool, dry place below 30°C away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Do not store in bathrooms, cars, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children – a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground is recommended.
Overdose Information
If you think you or someone else has taken too much Efexor XR, seek immediate medical attention. Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26 in Australia), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. Overdose symptoms may include sleepiness, vomiting, increased heart rate, seizures, breathing difficulties, unconsciousness, or dilated pupils.
Frequently Asked Questions
You may begin to feel better after two weeks, but it may take several weeks before you feel much better. It’s important to give Efexor XR time to work and continue taking it as prescribed.
Yes, you should take Efexor XR once daily with food at approximately the same time each day, either in the morning or evening.
No, Efexor XR is not addictive.
Do not suddenly stop taking Efexor XR. Your doctor will gradually reduce your dose to prevent withdrawal effects like headache, nausea, dizziness, insomnia, nervousness, anxiety, confusion, diarrhea, sweating, tremor, and flu-like symptoms.
No, you should avoid drinking alcohol while taking Efexor XR. Alcohol can cause dizziness and lightheadedness and may worsen your condition.
If it’s less than 12 hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
This is normal. Inside Efexor XR capsules are small white spheroids that contain the medication. As they travel through your digestive system, the medication is slowly released. The spheroid shells remain undissolved and are eliminated in your stool, but your dose has been properly absorbed.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.