Effexor XR (Venlafaxine Extended-Release Capsules) and Elestrin

• Generic Name: venlafaxine
• Dosage Forms: capsule, extended release
• Other Brand Names: Effexor XR, Effexor

• It is used to treat low mood (depression).
• It is used to treat anxiety.
• It is used to treat panic attacks.
• It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

• Generic Name: estradiol
• Dosage Forms: gel, metered
• Other Brand Names:

  Elestrin Pump, Alora, Climara, Estradiol Patch, Menostar, Minivelle, Vivelle-Dot, Estraderm, Vivelle, Delestrogen, Depo-Estradiol, Divigel, Estrasorb, EstroGel Pump, Evamist, Estrace, DepoEstradiol, Elestrin, Estradot, Estrogel, Femtrace, Femring, Gynodiol

Elestrin is estradiol 0.06% in a colorless, non-staining gel supplied in a non-aerosol, metered-dose pump container. Estradiol is a form of estrogen, a female sex hormone made in the ovaries that regulates many processes in the body.

Elestrin is used after menopause to reduce moderate to severe hot flashes.

Ovaries normally stop making estrogens when a woman is between 45 to 55 years old. This drop in body estrogen levels causes the “change of life” or menopause (the end of monthly menstrual periods). When estrogen levels begin dropping, some women develop very uncomfortable symptoms, such as feelings of warmth in the face, neck, and chest, or sudden strong feelings of heat and sweating (“hot flashes”). In some women, the symptoms are mild, and they will not need estrogens. In other women, symptoms can be more severe and treatment with products such as Elestrin may help.