Efexor XR Indications/Uses

Efexor XR is indicated for the treatment of depression, including depression with associated anxiety.
For prevention of relapses of an episode of depression or for prevention of the recurrence of new depressive episodes.
Efexor XR is indicated for the treatment of anxiety or generalized anxiety disorder, including long-term treatment.
Efexor XR is indicated for the treatment of social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, as defined in DSM-IV (300.23).
Social anxiety disorder (DSM-IV) is characterized by a marked and persistent fear of 1 or more social or performance situations in which the person is exposed to unfamiliar people or to possible scrutiny by others. Exposure to the feared situation almost invariably provokes anxiety, which may approach the intensity of a panic attack. The feared situations are avoided or endured with intense anxiety or distress. The avoidance, anxious anticipation, or distress in the feared situation(s) interferes significantly with the person's normal routine, occupational or academic functioning, or social activities or relationships, or there is a marked distress about having the phobias. Lesser degrees of performance anxiety or shyness generally do not require psychopharmacological treatment.
The efficacy of Efexor XR in the treatment of social anxiety disorder was established in four 12-week and one 6-month placebo-controlled trials in outpatients with social anxiety disorder (DSM-IV) (see Pharmacology: Pharmacodynamics under Actions).
Although the effectiveness of Efexor XR has been demonstrated in a 6-month clinical trial in patients with social anxiety disorder. The physician who elects to use Efexor XR for extended periods should periodically re-evaluate the long-term usefulness of the drug for the individual patient (see Dosage & Administration).
Efexor XR is indicated for the treatment of panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia, as defined in DSM-IV. Panic disorder is characterized by the occurrence of unexpected panic attacks and associated concern about having additional attacks, worry about the implications or consequences of the attacks, and/or a significant change in behavior related to the attacks.
Panic disorder (DSM-IV) is characterized by recurrent, unexpected panic attacks, i.e., a discrete period of intense fear or discomfort, in which four (or more) of the following symptoms develop abruptly and reach a peak within 10 minutes: 1) palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate; 2) sweating; 3) trembling or shaking; 4) sensations of shortness of breath or smothering; 5) feeling of choking; 6) chest pain or discomfort; 7) nausea or abdominal distress; 8) feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faint; 9) derealization (feelings of unreality) or depersonalization (being detached from oneself); 10) fear of losing control; 11) fear of dying; 12) paresthesias (numbness or tingling sensations); 13) chills or hot flushes.