Hello Christie

Have you told your doctor this?  So...you have not started to take Effexor yet?

What will your insurance cover?

From what I am reading in the literature on-line it seems that the extended release version is chemically the same as normal Effexor.  But the extended release version controls the release of the drug into your gastrointestinal tract over a longer period than the regular Effexor.  The purpose of this is to prevent the side effect of nausea which can cause some patients to stop taking Effexor.

I would definitely discuss your options with your doctor.  I am sorry you are having issues with your insurance company.  That is always hard to deal with.

Thank you for your question and please let us know how things go for you.