Venlafaxine (Effexor XR)is an antidepressant medication. It affects chemicals in your brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression. Venlafaxine is most commonly used to relieve symptoms of depression such as feelings of sadness, worthlessness, or guilt; loss of interest in daily activities; changes in appetite; tiredness; sleeping too much; insomnia; and thoughts of death or suicide. Venlafaxine is also used to relieve symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. Venlafaxine may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.

Before Using This Medicine:-

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. For Effexor XR Capsule, the following should be considered:

Allergies:- Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to Effexor XR Capsule. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy:- Studies have not been done in pregnant women. However, when pregnant rats were given venlafaxine in doses much larger than the usual human dose, some of their pups died before or soon after birth. Before taking Effexor XR Capsule, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant (especially if it is the third trimester) or if you may become pregnant.

Breast Feeding:- Effexor XR Capsule passes into breast milk and may cause unwanted effects. It may be necessary for you to take another medicine or to stop breast feeding during treatment. Be sure you have discussed the risks and benefits of this medicine with your doctor.

Children:- Effexor XR Capsule must be used with caution in children with depression. Studies have shown occurrences of children thinking about suicide or attempting suicide in clinical trials for this medicine. More study is needed to be sure venlafaxine is safe and effective in children.

Older Adults:- In studies done to date that have included elderly people, venlafaxine did not cause different side effects or problems in older people than it did in younger adults.

Other Medicines:- Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking venlafaxine, it is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking any medications or vitamins.