Effexor (Venlafaxine) for Chronic Pain

Overview
Effexor is a prescription drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. Effexor may be mildly effective at managing neuropathic pain. Effexor is also known by its drug name, Venlafaxine. Effexor is an antidepressant of the serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) class. Effexor is believed to work by changing the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain.

How do I take it?
Effexor is taken once daily. Effexor comes in extended-release capsule form.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Effexor lists common side effects including drowsiness, dry mouth, sweating, nausea, constipation, loss of appetite, and sexual dysfunction. Rare but serious side effects listed for Effexor include worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, abnormal bleeding, glaucoma, and increased blood pressure.