Generic Name: Venlafaxine Hcl
Brand Name: Venlor-XR
Manufacturer: Cipla
Other Brand Names: Effexor, Effexor XR, Efectin, Venlor-XR, Venlax, Venlor

Effexor (Venlafaxine Hydrochloride) is prescribed for the treatment of depression, depression with associated symptoms of anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, and social anxiety disorder. Effexor XR is approved for the treatment of adults with panic disorder. Venlafaxine is in a new class of anti-depressant medications that affects chemical messengers within the brain. These chemical messengers are called neurotransmitters, and some examples are serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.

Neurotransmitters are manufactured by nerve cells and are released by the cells. The neurotransmitters travel to nearby nerve cells and cause the cells to become more or less active. Many experts believe that an imbalance in these neurotransmitters is the cause of depression and also may play a role in anxiety. Venlafaxine is believed to work by inhibiting the release or affecting the action of these neurotransmitters. Venlafaxine is available in an extended release formulation (Effexor XR).