Is venlafaxine a generic drug?

Is venlafaxine available as a generic?

Yes. Venlafaxine is sold as a generic medicine in multiple formulations, including immediate-release tablets and extended-release forms (for example, venlafaxine ER, often sold under various generic brand names depending on the country and manufacturer).

Why do people see both “venlafaxine” and brand names?

“Venlafaxine” is the generic name of the active ingredient. Some products historically have been marketed under brand names (most notably Effexor/Effexor XR in many markets), but today the active ingredient is widely available as generics.

What do you need to check on the prescription?

To make sure you get the intended product, check whether your prescription is for immediate-release or extended-release venlafaxine, since these are different formulations even though the active ingredient is the same.