Effexor XR refers to selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. It affects brain chemicals causing depression when unbalanced.
It is a medicine to treat panic disorder, major depressive disorder or anxiety.
Your physician may use the medicine to treat certain other conditions not listed here.
It should not be used if you have allergy to it. Do not combine it with monoamine oxidase inhibitors like phenelzine, selegiline, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid.
Suicidal thoughts may be present after the first use of the medicine, usually in patients under 24. You may need regular visits of the physician for the first twelve weeks.
Contact the physician in case of worsening of symptoms, including: anxiety, changes of mood/behavior, panic attacks, sleep problems, irritation, agitation, aggression, restlessness, hyperactivity, increased depression, suicidal thoughts. Do not drink alcohol while using this medicine. The symptoms will disappear after 4 weeks. Use it as prescribed. It should not be discontinued prior to contacting the physician. Sudden stop may cause negative side effects.