Major Depressive Disorder. Effexor XR (venlafaxine hydrochloride) extended-release capsules are indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). DESCRIPTION. Effexor XR is an extended-release capsule for once-a-day oral administration that contains venlafaxine hydrochloride, a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). Antidepressants are drugs used for the treatment of major depressive disorder and of other conditions, including some anxiety disorders, some chronic pain conditions (off-label use), and to help manage some addictions. Does long-term use of Effexor lead to memory loss, brain damage and/or dementia? I know it inhibits platelet aggregation and leads to bleeding and severe bruising resulting from a very slight impact. Effexor is a dual purpose antidepressant released by Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories and approved by the FDA in October 1997. Effexor boosts serotonin levels in the synapse in similar fashion to other SSRI's. Memory slips can trigger fears of dementia or Alzheimer's disease. There are many mundane—and treatable—causes of forgetfulness. Here are seven common ones. Effexor (venlafaxine hydrochloride) is a potent medication administered to treat cases of depression, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. The drug acts as a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). Many people have problems with the drug, like weight gain and increased symptoms of. Hi Joscie, Please be really careful with tapering off Effexor. The withdrawal effects can be really ghastly. Apparently it can be helpful to take Fluoxetine to ease the side effects, and then stop the Fluoxetine (which doesn't have such bad side effects). Venlafaxine is not FDA approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in children. In October 2004, the FDA directed manufacturers of all antidepressants to add a boxed warning to their product labels detailing the risk of suicide in pediatric patients. New Customers. If you subscribe to any of our print newsletters and have never activated your online account, please activate your account below for online access.