Efexor Tablet: Uses, Dosage & Side Effects in Pakistan

Efexor (Venlafaxine) Tablet Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Price in Pakistan

1. Quick Info (Mukhtasir Maloomat)

2. What is Efexor? (Efexor kya hai)

Efexor (Venlafaxine) is an SNRI (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor) — a type of antidepressant that doctors in Pakistan prescribe for depression, anxiety disorders, and panic disorder. It is manufactured by Pfizer Pakistan.

Venlafaxine has a dual mechanism: it blocks the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine, and at higher doses also inhibits dopamine reuptake. This makes it beneficial for patients who do not respond adequately to SSRIs alone. However, its discontinuation syndrome is more severe than that of SSRIs — never stop it abruptly.

3. Uses (Fayde / Kis kaam aati hai)

• Major Depressive Disorder (depression — MDD)
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Social Anxiety Disorder (social phobia)
• Panic Disorder
• Off-label: fibromyalgia and chronic neuropathic pain
• Off-label: hot flashes
• Off-label: ADHD

4. Who Should Take (Kis ko leni chahiye)

• Adults diagnosed with MDD, GAD, Social Anxiety Disorder, or Panic Disorder
• Patients who have not benefited adequately from SSRIs (sertraline, escitalopram)
• Patients who have neuropathic pain with depression (dual benefit)
• For hot flashes in menopause — only under doctor's guidance

5. When NOT to Take (Kab nahi leni chahiye)

• With MAO inhibitors (phenelzine, selegiline) or within 14 days — FATAL serotonin syndrome
• Uncontrolled hypertension — BP monitoring is required
• Severe heart disease or recent cardiac event
• Allergy to venlafaxine or any ingredient
• During pregnancy — especially during the first and last trimester — only on doctor's advice
• During breastfeeding — consult your doctor

6. Dosage (Kitni leni hai)

As prescribed by your doctor — typically starting at 37.5mg or 75mg

As prescribed — dose is increased gradually under the doctor's supervision

Do not exceed doctor-prescribed daily limit (300mg/day is usually the maximum)

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If the next dose is close, skip the missed dose. Never take a double dose.

7. How to Take (Kaise leni hai)

Always take with food — taking on an empty stomach may increase nausea

Swallow the XR (extended-release) capsule whole — do not crush or chew

Taking at the same time every day is better — establishes a routine

Never stop abruptly without a doctor's guidance

8. Best Time (Kab leni chahiye)

Morning is generally better

As per doctor's instruction — some patients also take it at night

9. Empty Stomach or After Food (Khali pait ya khane ke baad)

Always take after food — an empty stomach may worsen nausea and GI upset. The XR formulation causes slightly less nausea.

10. Warnings (Ihtiyat)

• Discontinuation syndrome: Never stop abruptly — brain zaps, severe dizziness, nausea, and electric shock sensations can occur. Taper slowly over weeks or months
• Blood pressure: Venlafaxine can raise BP — especially at higher doses — regular BP monitoring is required
• Suicidal thoughts: Especially in patients under 25 — close monitoring is required during the first 4 weeks
• MAO inhibitors: FATAL combination — 14-day washout is required on both sides

• Avoid alcohol
• Do not drive until you know how this medicine affects you
• QT monitoring in cardiac patients
• Risk of SIADH / hyponatraemia in the elderly

11. Precautions (Ahm ehtiyaat)

• Store below 30°C
• Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture
• Keep out of the reach of children

12. Side Effects (Nuksanat)

• Nausea — especially early in treatment, usually improves within a few weeks
• Dry mouth
• Sweating
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Sexual dysfunction
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Tremor
• Blood pressure elevation

• Serotonin syndrome — agitation, high fever, tremor, confusion
• Severe hypertension (dose-dependent)
• QT prolongation / cardiac arrhythmia
• Hyponatraemia / SIADH
• Increased bleeding risk
• Mania activation
• Severe discontinuation syndrome
• Suicidal ideation (especially in patients under 25)

13. Drug Interactions (Dawaon ke sath reaction)

• MAO inhibitors (phenelzine, selegiline, linezolid) — FATAL — 14-day washout required
• Serotonergic drugs (tramadol, triptans, lithium) — risk of serotonin syndrome
• QT-prolonging drugs (haloperidol, erythromycin) — cardiac risk
• Anticoagulants / NSAIDs / Aspirin — risk of bleeding
• Antihypertensives — additive BP-lowering and raised BP effects
• CYP2D6 inhibitors (paroxetine, fluoxetine) — increases venlafaxine levels; dose adjustment may be required
• Lithium — risk of serotonin syndrome

14. When to See Doctor (Kab doctor ke paas jayein)

• Suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-harm
• Agitation, tremor, high fever — signs of serotonin syndrome
• Severe headache, vision disturbance, eye pain — hypertensive urgency
• Severe dizziness, brain zaps, nausea, agitation — if medicine was stopped abruptly
• Irregular heartbeat
• Swelling in eyes or feet

15. Alternatives (Sasti Dusri Dawaein)

16. Price in Pakistan (Price kitni hai)

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17. FAQs (Aksar poochay jane walay sawalat)

Q: Venlafaxine kis kaam aata hai?

A: Venlafaxine (Efexor) is an SNRI antidepressant prescribed by doctors for depression (MDD), generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and panic disorder. It blocks the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine. Take only on a doctor's prescription.

Q: Venlafaxine ke side effects kya hain?

A: Common side effects include nausea, dry mouth, sweating, headache, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction. Serious effects include blood pressure elevation and discontinuation syndrome — if any serious symptom occurs, see a doctor immediately.

Q: Venlafaxine band karna itna mushkil kyun hai?

A: Venlafaxine has a short half-life and sudden discontinuation causes severe discontinuation syndrome — brain zaps, severe dizziness, nausea, and electric shock sensations. Never stop abruptly without a doctor's guidance.

Q: Venlafaxine BP kyun barhata hai?

A: Venlafaxine also inhibits norepinephrine reuptake — causing blood vessel constriction and potential BP increase, especially at higher doses. Regular BP monitoring is required.

Q: Venlafaxine ki Pakistan mein price kya hai?

A: Price varies by pharmacy and city. For updated pricing, verify with your local pharmacy or online listing — this is a prescription medicine.

18. Medical Review (Medical jaiza)

Compiled by the PakVita Editorial Team · AI-assisted drafting with editorial review · Sourced from DRAP, WHO, BNF · Last updated: 2026-06-17

19. Disclaimer (Zaroori tanbeeh)

The information on this page is for awareness only. It is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. Venlafaxine is an Rx (prescription) medicine — do not take it without a doctor's advice. PakVita accepts no responsibility for any harm.