Effexor
Developed to alleviate anxiety and indicated to support mood regulation in major depression.
- Category
- Antidepressants
- Active ingredient
- Venlafaxine
- Supply
- Pharmacy
- Route
- Oral use
- Form
- Tablet; Prolonged-release capsule, hard
- Strengths
- 37.5 · 75mg
Effexor details
- Alternative names
- Venlax; Viepax
- Therapeutic class
- SNRI Antidepressant
- Pharmacological class
- SNRI
- Contraindications
- hypersensitivity to venlafaxine; concurrent MAOI use
- Precautions and warnings
- may increase blood pressure; monitor for suicidal ideation
- Minor side effects
- nausea; dizziness; insomnia
- Moderate side effects
- dry mouth; sweating
- Serious side effects
- serotonin syndrome, requires immediate medical attention
- Dosage forms
- Tablet; Prolonged-release capsule, hard
- Administration route
- Oral use
- Supply category
- Pharmacist only, dispensed without a prescription
- Manufacturer
- Pfizer
- Onset Time
- 2–4 weeks
- Duration
- 24 hours
- Storage instructions
- Store below 25°C.
- Drug interactions
- mao inhibitors
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- Use with caution in pregnancy.
Patient summary
Developed to alleviate anxiety and indicated to support mood regulation in major depression.
Mechanism of action
A selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. It increases the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, helping to regulate mood and relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Where this medicine is registered
- Singapore
- Hong Kong
- Thailand
- Malaysia
- Philippines
- Indonesia
- Taiwan
- South Korea
- Japan
- Australia
- New Zealand
- UAE
- South Africa
About Effexor
Effexor is a recognized brand of venlafaxine, a compound used for the management of Major Depressive Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. The same active ingredient is also produced under names such as Venlax and Viepax. Manufactured by Pfizer, this medication is supplied as a tablet in strengths of 37.5mg and 75mg.
Effexor availability in Asia
Effexor is registered across 14 markets including Indonesia, Taiwan and South Korea, with availability also in Japan, the UAE and Singapore. While the original Pfizer brand remains a standard choice, generic venlafaxine is often more affordable, particularly when sourced from large-scale manufacturing hubs. For expats and travellers living outside their home countries, maintaining a steady medication routine is important, and these options remain accessible to patients across the region under a doctor’s care.