Venlafaxine
Venlafaxine is a serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor used for selected depression or anxiety disorders. Immediate- and prolonged-release products are not interchangeable without prescriber review. Listed uses include major depressive disorder and generalised anxiety disorder.
Effexor XR
Major Depressive Disorder
75 · 150mg
Effexor XR is venlafaxine 75mg and 150mg in a prolonged-release capsule for major depression and generalised anxiety disorder. An SNRI taken once a day.
Key points
- Abrupt stopping can cause prominent withdrawal symptoms.
- Blood pressure and pulse can rise and may need monitoring.
- Other serotonergic medicines can cause serotonin syndrome.
Listings are for comparison only; suitability and supply depend on mental-health assessment, exact formulation, prescription and pharmacy checks.
Important safety checks
Review suicidal thoughts, bipolar disorder, blood pressure, heart rhythm, seizures, glaucoma, low sodium, pregnancy and serotonergic or bleeding-risk medicines.
When to seek urgent care
Seek urgent help for suicidal intent, severe agitation with fever and stiffness, seizure, fainting, a new irregular heartbeat, facial swelling or breathing difficulty.
Further reading
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