Effexor^® (venlafaxine hydrochloride) is a prescription medicine used for treating depression in adults. This antidepressant is a type of serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). Effexor comes in a tablet form taken two or three times a day with food. The tablets should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of the medicine in your system. Some of the conditions that you should let your healthcare provider know about before taking Effexor include high blood pressure, liver or kidney problems, and a history of glaucoma or increased pressure within your eyes.