For individuals who have been diagnosed with either major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder or social anxiety disorder, Effexor may be helpful. Effexor is NOT designed to treat someone who is temporarily stressed or sad.

It is a treatment for people who have had persistent depressive or anxiety symptoms that are interfering with their daily lives. It is risky both to try and self-diagnose emotional problems and to take prescription antidepressants without a doctor's input. However, for people who want to take control back, Effexor may be the answer.

Who Should Take Effexor?

• People who have symptoms of depression, such as:
  • Sad feelings that will not go away
  • Restlessness or slowed movements
  • Changes in appetite or weight
  • Changes in sleeping patterns
  • Lack of interest in activities that usually provide pleasure
  • Fatigue or lack of energy
  • Feelings of worthlessness, or feelings of guilt for no reason
  • Trouble concentrating or making decisions
  • Repeated thoughts of death or suicide
• People who have symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, such as:
  • Feelings of high anxiety and worry that can't be controlled and are present for at least 6 months
  • Restlessness or feeling on edge
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty concentrating or mind going blank
  • Irritability
  • Muscle tension
  • Difficulty sleeping
• People who have symptoms of social anxiety disorder, such as:
  • Constant fear of one or more social or public situations that interfere with daily life
  • Avoidance of social situations
  • Intense self-consciousness in social settings
  • Physical symptoms such as blushing, sweating, trembling, fast heartbeat and nausea
  • Unreasonable fear of embarrassment

Who Shouldn't Take Effexor?

Women who are breastfeeding, pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant should talk to a doctor before starting to take Effexor.

The safety of Effexor in children younger than the age of 18 years has not been established. Therefore, children under 18 years of age should not take Effexor.

Individuals who are allergic to any of the ingredients found in Effexor should talk with a doctor before taking this medication.

People who have a history of kidney disease may need to take a smaller dose of Effexor.

Effexor can also make some conditions worse. Be sure to tell a doctor about all existing medical problems, especially if any include:

• suicidal thoughts
• high blood pressure, which can be worsened by Effexor
• heart disease
• liver or kidney problems, which may require a different dose of Effexor
• symptoms of mania or hypomania, such as a constant elevated or irritable mood, a decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, hyperactivity or rapid, excessive speech
• glaucoma
• seizures
• thyroid problems