Venlafaxine hydrochloride is the active ingredient of Effexor. Effexor (Venlafaxine hydrochloride) is a type of antidepressant known as Serotonin and Nonadrenaline Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI), available in a form of tablets with the strength of 25mg, 37.5mg, 50mg, 75mg and 100mg of Venlafaxine hydrochloride. It is not recommended for children. Effexor (Venlafaxine hydrochloride) acts on nerve cells in the brain. There are various chemical compounds in the brain known as neurotransmitters. They act as chemical messengers between the nerve cells. Serotonin and Nonadrenaline are such two neurotransmitters. When they are released from the brain, they lighten the mood. When they are reabsorbed they don’t have the effect on the mood. It is thought that decreased amount of release of Serotonin and Nonadrenaline is the cause of depression. Effexor (Venlafaxine hydrochloride) works by preventing Serotonin and Nonadrenaline getting reabsorbed in the brain and helps in prolonged lighten mood which further helps in relieving depression and depression accompanied by anxiety.

For adults the starting recommended dose of Effexor (Venlafaxine hydrochloride) is 75mg daily divided into 2 to 3 smaller equal doses.
The physician may recommend a smaller or a higher dosage to a maximum of 225mg of Effexor (Venlafaxine hydrochloride) daily depending on the medical condition and severity of the disorder.
In case of few patients, even a dosage of 375mg per day becomes necessary to control the symptoms of depression.
Effexor (Venlafaxine hydrochloride) tablets should be taken with food.

Following are the possible Effexor (Venlafaxine hydrochloride) side effects associated with this medication, such as; disturbances of guts like diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain; dry mouth, difficulty in sleeping (insomnia), sleepiness, dizziness, sweating, nervousness, weakness or loss of strength (asthenia), sexual problems, headache, loss of appetite, weight changes, pain in muscles and joints, abnormal dreams, agitation and anxiety, confusion, pins and needles (paraesthesia), tremor, awareness of heatbeat (palpitations), visual disturbances, blood disorders and abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
Side effects stated does not mean every patient will be experiencing these side effects.

Effexor (Venlafaxine hydrochloride) should not be taken at the same time or within 2 weeks of taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). Similarly MAOI medication should not be started until at least 1 week after stopping Effexor (Venlafaxine hydrochloride). Using these medicines together can cause life threatening and serious interactions.
Other medicines that may increase serotonin activity and may result in increased side effects like agitation, restlessness and diarrhea, known as serotonin syndrome; are SSRI antidepressants, lithium, herbal remedy St John’s wort, tramadol, tryptophan and triptans for migraines.
Clozapine, haloperidol, tricyclic antidepressants, cimetidine, antibiotic erythromycin and antifungal ketoconazole may increase the blood level of Venlafaxine if administered with combination of Effexor (Venlafaxine hydrochloride).
There may be an increased risk of bleeding if Effexor (Venlafaxine hydrochloride) is combined with anticoagulants, antiplatelet medicines and non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Effexor (Venlafaxine hydrochloride) is used to treat depression and depression associated with anxiety in adults. Off-label or non-prescribed treatment include diabetic neuropathy, generalized anxiety disorder, fibromyalgia, hot flashes during menopause, obesity, migraines, social anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Store Effexor (Venlafaxine hydrochloride) tablets at a room temperature away from heat and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors medication in last 14 days should not take Effexor (Venlafaxine hydrochloride) tablets.
Pregnant women and lactating mothers should consult the physician before administering the medication.
Children and adolescents below 18 years are not recommended.
Patients suffering from glaucoma should be cautious.
Patients with risk of abnormal heart beats (ventricular arrhythmias) should be cautious.
Patients with liver and kidney diseases should be cautious and consult the physician before administering Effexor (Venlafaxine hydrochloride).
Patients allergic to Venlafaxine hydrochloride or any other inactive ingredients of Effexor should not take Effexor (Venlafaxine hydrochloride).