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Home > Antidepressant Drugs > Effexor XR or Equivalent

Effexor XR (Venlafaxine XR)

Type
Product
Manufacturer
Country
Dosage
Qty-Price (USD)
Type: drug type
Product: Effexor XR Capsule
Manufacturer: Pfizer
Country: Turkey
Dosage: 37.5 mg
Qty-Price (USD):
Type: drug type
Product: Effexor XR Capsule
Manufacturer: Viatris
Country: Canada
Dosage: 37.5 mg
Qty-Price (USD):
Type: drug type
Product: Effexor XR Capsule
Manufacturer: Pfizer
Country: Turkey
Dosage: 75 mg
Qty-Price (USD):
Type: drug type
Product: Effexor XR Capsule (ON BACKORDER)
Manufacturer: Pfizer
Country: United Kingdom
Dosage: 75 mg
Qty-Price (USD):
Type: drug type
Product: Effexor XR Capsule
Manufacturer: Viatris
Country: Canada
Dosage: 75 mg
Qty-Price (USD):
Type: drug type
Product: Effexor XR Capsule
Manufacturer: Pfizer
Country: United Kingdom
Dosage: 150 mg
Qty-Price (USD):
Type: drug type
Product: Effexor XR Capsule
Manufacturer: Viatris
Country: Canada
Dosage: 150 mg
Qty-Price (USD):
Type: drug type
Product: Effexor XR Capsule
Manufacturer: Viatris
Country: Turkey
Dosage: 150 mg
Qty-Price (USD):
Generic Equivalent of Effexor XR
Type
Product
Manufacturer
Country
Dosage
Qty-Price (USD)
Type: drug type
Product: Venlafaxine XR Capsule
Manufacturer: Generic
Country: Canada
Dosage: 37.5 mg
Qty-Price (USD):
Type: drug type
Product: Venlafaxine XR Capsule
Manufacturer: Generic
Country: Canada
Dosage: 75 mg
Qty-Price (USD):
Type: drug type
Product: Venlafaxine XR Capsule
Manufacturer: Generic
Country: India
Dosage: 75 mg
Qty-Price (USD):
Type: drug type
Product: Venlafaxine XR Capsule
Manufacturer: Generic
Country: Canada
Dosage: 150 mg
Qty-Price (USD):
Type: drug type
Product: Venlafaxine XR Capsule
Manufacturer: Generic
Country: India
Dosage: 150 mg
Qty-Price (USD):
Type: drug type
Product: Venlafaxine XR Tablet
Manufacturer: Generic
Country: United Kingdom
Dosage: 225 mg
Qty-Price (USD):
Effexor XR online Canadian Pharmacy

Effexor XR Information

portrait medically reviewed by Carol Hou (BSc. Pharm) on June 18, 2025.
A licensed pharmacist (Licensed Community Pharmacies Directory | College of Pharmacists of British Columbia) with over 20 years of experience in medication management, specifically medication safety, she has reviewed the information for accuracy and completeness.

Effexor XR and Venlafaxine XR at CanadaPharmacyOnline.com

Brand Effexor, manufactured by Viatris (and originally developed by Pfizer), is available in many countries worldwide, including Canada, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.

Generic venlafaxine xr is sourced from manufacturers that meet applicable regulatory standards. The specific manufacturer of your dispensed medication may vary.

Important information about Generic Venlafaxine XR:

Generic venlafaxine xr contains the same active ingredient as the brand-name Effexor XR, and meets the same effectiveness, safety, and quality standards. This means it is designed to work in the same way as Effexor XR. While specific bioequivalence studies are conducted to ensure generic medications have comparable absorption rates and overall effects, individual responses to any medication can vary. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about generic venlafaxine xr.

For information about generic drug approval and bioequivalence, please visit the FDA website: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/buying-using-medicine-safely/generic-drugs

Dosage:

Effexor XR (venlafaxine XR) is available in strengths of 37.5 mg, 75 mg, 150 mg, and 225 mg extended-release capsules.

Your doctor will determine the appropriate dose based on your needs and medical condition.

Usage:

Effexor XR is a prescription medication used to treat several mental health conditions in adults, such as major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), and panic disorder (PD).

For more information, please refer to the product labeling information: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/020699s118lbl.pdf

Mechanism of Action:
Effexor XR belongs to the class of medications called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It works by adjusting the levels of certain natural chemicals in your brain called neurotransmitters, specifically serotonin and norepinephrine. Think of these chemicals as messengers that help brain cells communicate, influencing your mood, energy, and how you handle stress. When these messengers are reabsorbed too quickly, there might not be enough of them circulating. Effexor XR helps by briefly blocking this reabsorption, allowing more serotonin and norepinephrine to be available. This increased availability helps to improve mood, reduce anxiety, and make you feel more energized. At lower doses, it mainly focuses on serotonin, but as the dose increases, it also significantly boosts norepinephrine, offering a dual action to help manage conditions like depression and anxiety disorders.

Use Effexor XR exactly as your doctor prescribes. Do not change your dosage or stop using the medication without consulting your doctor. Follow the instructions in the product monograph in Canada: https://pdf.hres.ca/dpd_pm/00054294.PDF. Consult your doctor for personalized guidance and safe use. The information below summarizes some, but not all, potential side effects, risks, and interactions. Before taking Effexor XR, it is essential to discuss all possible aspects with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects:

The information below is a partial list of side effects; individual reactions can vary. Before taking Effexor XR, it is crucial to discuss potential side effects and risks with your doctor or pharmacist.

Common side effects: These are examples of some common side effects of Effexor XR, but others are possible. Contact your doctor promptly if any side effects are persistent, worsening, or concerning, or if you experience any other concerning symptoms:
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Insomnia (trouble sleeping)
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea (often the most common)
• Sexual problems: This is very common and can include decreased libido (sex drive), difficulty achieving orgasm, erectile dysfunction in men, and ejaculation problems. These can sometimes persist even after stopping the medication.
• Sleepiness or drowsiness
• Sweating (including excessive sweating or night sweats)
• Weight changes (some people experience weight gain, others weight loss)
• Yawning

Serious or rare effects: Stop taking Effexor XR and seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:
• Discontinuation Syndrome: This occurs if you suddenly stop taking Effexor XR or reduce your dose too quickly. Symptoms can be severe and include dizziness, "brain zaps" (electric shock sensations), irritability, anxiety, sweating, confusion, headache, nausea, problems sleeping, and abnormal dreams. It's crucial to taper off this medication slowly under a doctor's guidance.
• Eye Problems (Angle-Closure Glaucoma): Symptoms include eye pain, changes in vision, or swelling/redness in or around the eye. Effexor XR can cause pupil dilation, which can trigger an acute attack in individuals predisposed to this condition. An eye exam may be recommended before starting treatment. • Increased Blood Pressure: Your blood pressure should be checked regularly, especially when starting or changing doses of Effexor XR.
• Increased Risk of Bleeding: Effexor XR can increase the risk of bleeding or bruising, especially if you're also taking blood thinners, aspirin, or NSAIDs.
• Low Sodium Levels in Your Blood (Hyponatremia): Symptoms include headache, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, confusion, weakness, or unsteadiness, especially in elderly patients or those taking diuretics.
• Lung Problems: Symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, or chest pain.
• Manic Episodes: If you have bipolar disorder, Effexor XR can trigger manic episodes with symptoms like greatly increased energy, racing thoughts, unusually grand ideas, talking more or faster than usual, severe trouble sleeping, reckless behavior, or excessive happiness/irritability.
• Seizures (Convulsions)
• Serotonin Syndrome: This is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by too much serotonin in the brain. Symptoms can include agitation, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't real), confusion, fast heartbeat, high body temperature, sweating, muscle stiffness or twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. The risk is higher when taken with certain other medications.
• Suicidal Thoughts or Behavior: This is a Boxed Warning, especially in children, adolescents, and young adults (under 25), particularly during the initial weeks of treatment or when the dose is changed. Close monitoring by a healthcare provider is essential.

Contraindications:

This is not an exhaustive list of contraindications. It is crucial to discuss all your medical conditions, past and present, and all medications you are taking with your doctor or pharmacist.

Effexor XR should not be used if:
• Concomitant Use with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): This is a critical and potentially life-threatening contraindication. Taking Effexor XR with an MAOI (a class of antidepressants or Parkinson's medications like phenelzine, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid, or selegiline) or within a certain period of discontinuing an MAOI can lead to a severe and fatal reaction known as serotonin syndrome.
o Washout Period: There must be a sufficient "washout period" between stopping an MAOI and starting Effexor XR (typically at least 14 days). Similarly, a washout period is required when discontinuing Effexor XR before starting an MAOI (typically at least 7 days).
o This also applies to certain other drugs with MAOI activity, such as the antibiotic linezolid and intravenous methylene blue.
• Hypersensitivity/Allergy: Effexor XR is strictly contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to venlafaxine hydrochloride, desvenlafaxine succinate (a related antidepressant), or any of the inactive ingredients (excipients) in the Effexor XR formulation. An allergic reaction could range from rash and itching to severe reactions like anaphylaxis.

Drug Interactions:

Before taking Effexor XR, it is essential to discuss all potential risks and interactions with your doctor or pharmacist. For complete and up-to-date information about potential drug interactions, please consult the official Effexor XR website https://www.effexorxr.com/ and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.

Provide your doctor with a complete list of all your medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Effexor XR may interact with other medicines, including but not limited to:
• Amphetamines (e.g., Adderall, Vyvanse)
• Cimetidine: This heartburn medication (an H2-blocker) can inhibit the metabolism of venlafaxine, potentially leading to increased blood levels of venlafaxine. While the clinical significance is often considered low due to the active metabolite, caution is advised, especially in patients with pre-existing hypertension or liver dysfunction.
• CYP2D6 Inhibitors: Venlafaxine is metabolized by the enzyme CYP2D6. Strong inhibitors of this enzyme (e.g., quinidine, fluoxetine, paroxetine) can increase the plasma concentration of venlafaxine.
• Dextromethorphan (found in many cough and cold medicines)
• Diuretics: Co-administration with diuretics (medications that increase urine production) can increase the risk of hyponatremia (low sodium levels in the blood), especially in elderly patients.
• Drugs Affecting Blood Pressure: Effexor XR can cause an increase in blood pressure. Caution is advised when used with other medications that affect blood pressure.
• Drugs that Affect the Central Nervous System (CNS Depressants): Combining Effexor XR with other drugs that cause drowsiness or impair cognitive and motor skills can lead to additive CNS depression. This includes:
o Alcohol (should generally be avoided)
o Sedatives/Hypnotics (e.g., benzodiazepines like alprazolam, lorazepam)
o Other psychiatric medications (e.g., antipsychotics like haloperidol, risperidone, olanzapine) can also affect the QT interval.
o Muscle relaxants
o Certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine, hydroxyzine)
• Lithium
• Medications that Increase Bleeding Risk: Effexor XR can interfere with platelet function, increasing the risk of bleeding. This risk is further heightened when combined with:
o NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs, e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib)
o Aspirin
o Anticoagulants (Blood Thinners) (e.g., warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran)
o Antiplatelet drugs (e.g., clopidogrel, ticagrelor)
• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): This is the most critical interaction. Concomitant use with MAOIs (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid, selegiline) or within 14 days of discontinuing an MAOI (or 7 days after stopping Effexor XR before starting an MAOI) can lead to serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by symptoms like agitation, hallucinations, rapid heart rate, fever, muscle rigidity, and confusion. This also applies to drugs with MAOI activity like linezolid and intravenous methylene blue.
• Opioids (e.g., tramadol, fentanyl, oxycodone, morphine, methadone)
• Other Antidepressants: SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine), Other SNRIs (e.g., duloxetine, desvenlafaxine), Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) (e.g., amitriptyline, imipramine)
• Other Serotonergic Drugs (Increased Risk of Serotonin Syndrome): Combining Effexor XR with other medications that increase serotonin levels can also raise the risk of serotonin syndrome. These include:
o [See sub-bullets for "Other Antidepressants," "Triptans," "Opioids," "Amphetamines," "Lithium," "St. John's Wort," "Dextromethorphan"]
• St. John's Wort (an herbal supplement)
• Triptans (migraine medications like sumatriptan, zolmitriptan)

Pregnancy or Breastfeeding:

For pregnancy, untreated maternal depression or anxiety poses risks to both mother and baby. While studies on venlafaxine have yielded mixed results regarding an increased risk of major birth defects, any potential risk is considered small. A more consistent concern is the possibility of neonatal adaptation syndrome (temporary withdrawal symptoms) in newborns exposed late in the third trimester, which typically presents as mild and transient symptoms like jitteriness or feeding difficulties, usually resolving within days. For breastfeeding, venlafaxine and its active metabolite pass into breast milk, but often in relatively small amounts. While some infants experience increased sleepiness or irritability, many show no adverse effects. Your doctor will help you weigh the importance of your treatment.

Use in Children:

Use in Children: Effexor XR is generally not recommended for children and adolescents. This is mainly due to concerns about an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and because its effectiveness for major depressive disorder in this age group has not been consistently proven. If a doctor considers using Effexor XR for a child, it's considered an "off-label" use (meaning it's not approved for this specific age group). It requires very careful consideration and close monitoring by a specialist. Discuss the most appropriate and safest treatment options with your child's doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions about Effexor XR at CanadaPharmacyOnline.com:

Why is Effexor XR more affordable in Canada than in the United States?

Prescription drug prices, including Effexor XR, are generally lower in Canada than in the US due to a combination of factors, primarily government price regulations, differing market dynamics, and other economic considerations. In Canada, provincial and federal governments negotiate drug prices with pharmaceutical companies, which often results in lower costs than the US, where market forces play a more significant role. For more information, see the FAQs on Prescription Drug Importation from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF): https://www.kff.org/health-costs/issue-brief/faqs-on-prescription-drug-importation/

How do I order from your pharmacy?

Ordering from us is very simple. You can purchase online or call Customer Service at 1866.920.3784; for more information or to learn about the ordering process, visit our How to Order page.

How much is the shipping?

Our shipping fee is a flat rate of $10.00 per order. Our pharmacy focuses on getting you the lowest prices on high-quality products.

What’s the difference between Effexor XR and Effexor?

Unlike Effexor, Effexor XR dissolves over a prolonged period (extended-release), while Effexor is an immediate-release medication. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

Is there a limit on how many Effexor XR tablets I am allowed to order at one time?

CanadaPharmacyOnline.com can only dispense a maximum of a three-month supply of Effexor XR at once, as per your doctor's prescription.

Can I buy Effexor XR over the counter from you?

No, Effexor XR requires a valid prescription from your doctor. We do not sell this product without a valid prescription.

Do you ship to the United States?

Yes, we do. It usually takes 7 to 18 business days to receive your order from our pharmacy.

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The information on this page is sourced from independent third parties contracted by CanadaPharmacyOnline. While we cannot guarantee its medical accuracy, we strongly recommend consulting a healthcare professional for personalized advice regarding medications or medical conditions.

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Prescriptions Dispensed from Canada are Dispensed by Candrug Pharmacy #18985. 202A 8322-130th Street, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada V3W 8J9, 604-543-8711. Pharmacy Manager: Carol Hou.
This pharmacy is duly licensed in the province of British Columbia, Canada by the College of Pharmacists of BC. If you have any questions or concerns you can contact the college at: 200-1765 West 8th Ave Vancouver, BC V6J 5C6 Canada.
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