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What Is Effexor XR?

Effexor XR is an extended-release venlafaxine hydrochloride medicine. It is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor used in adults for major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. Extended-release capsules are taken once daily with food.

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What Is Effexor XR?

Effexor XR is an extended-release venlafaxine hydrochloride medicine. It is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor used in adults for major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. Extended-release capsules are taken once daily with food.

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How Does Effexor XR Work?

Venlafaxine and its active metabolite inhibit reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine in the central nervous system. The exact mechanism behind its antidepressant and anxiety-related effects is unclear. Venlafaxine has weaker effects on dopamine reuptake than on serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake.

Which Conditions Are Treated With Effexor XR?

Extended-release venlafaxine is approved in adults for major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. Current labeling does not approve the medicine for pediatric patients.

How Is Effexor XR Dosed?

For major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, treatment commonly starts at 37.5 mg to 75 mg once daily and can increase to 225 mg daily. Social anxiety disorder uses 75 mg once daily. Panic disorder starts at 37.5 mg daily for seven days, then rises to 75 mg daily, with a 225 mg daily maximum.

What Serious Risks Are Linked to Effexor XR?

Effexor XR carries a boxed warning for suicidal thoughts and behaviors in pediatric patients and young adults taking antidepressants. Other serious concerns include serotonin syndrome, elevated blood pressure, bleeding, angle-closure glaucoma, seizures, low sodium, mania or hypomania, sexual dysfunction, and discontinuation symptoms. Blood pressure is checked before and during treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Effexor XR

What conditions does Effexor XR treat?

It treats adult major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder.

How often is Effexor XR taken?

Effexor XR is taken once daily with food.

What is the maximum dose for most Effexor XR indications?

The maximum is 225 mg daily for major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and panic disorder.

Does Effexor XR require blood pressure monitoring?

Yes. Blood pressure is checked before treatment and regularly during therapy.

References

Depression Medicines. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/womens-health-topics/depression-medicines. Date Accessed September 29, 2026.

EFFEXOR XR (Venlafaxine Extended-Release) Capsules, for Oral Use. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=c848a5d8-ba94-4c84-80e3-0bf35fb8e32e&type=display. Date Accessed September 29, 2026.

EFFEXOR XR Prescribing Information. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/020699s118lbl.pdf. Date Accessed September 29, 2026.

Venlafaxine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535363/. Date Accessed September 29, 2026.

Venlafaxine: MedlinePlus Drug Information. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a694020.html. Date Accessed September 29, 2026.