Compare Effexor vs. nefazodone

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Effexor (venlafaxine)

Prescription only

Serzone (nefazodone)

Prescription only
Improves mood and helps you relax.

Effexor (venlafaxine) is good for treating depression and anxiety, but it can cause more withdrawal symptoms if you stop suddenly compared to other antidepressants.

●●●●●
3.7/ 5 average rating with 577 reviewsforEffexor
Treats depression.

Serzone (nefazodone) is usually used with other medicines to treat depression, but it is more likely to cause liver damage.

Upsides
  • Effexor (venlafaxine) effectively treats depression, anxiety, and panic disorder.
  • Effexor (venlafaxine) causes more sleepiness than other antidepressants, so it's beneficial for people who have trouble sleeping.
  • Effexor (venlafaxine) might work when other antidepressants haven't worked since it affects two chemicals in the brain that impact your mood.
  • Effexor (venlafaxine) has several uses, which may be good for people with multiple conditions.
  • Effexor (venlafaxine) is available in generic, which is cheaper.
  • Serzone (nefazodone) is a good choice to take with other medicines for depression if they haven't worked by themselves.
  • Serzone (nefazodone) is available in generic.
Downsides
  • Effexor (venlafaxine) can cause side effects such as decreased libido and increased blood pressure.
  • Like most antidepressants, it can cause a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior for people aged 24 years or younger.
  • Compared to other antidepressants, it's more likely to cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it and can causes more sleepiness.
  • While Serzone (nefazodone) is available as a generic, it's not considered a first or second choice medicine for depression because it is more likely to cause liver damage than other similar medicines.
  • Serzone (nefazodone) is usually taken 2 times a day; the first choice medicines are only taken 1 time a day.
  • It can take up to 3 months before you notice the full effects of Serzone (nefazodone).
  • Compared to other similar medicines, Serzone (nefazodone) has a lot of interactions with other drugs, so your doctor might have to adjust the doses of your other medicines.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Extended release
  • Pill
Price
Lowest price
$11.44
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Lowest price
$74.15
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Reviews
577 reviews so far
62%
saidit'sworth it
51%
saiditworked well
23%
saidit'sa big hassle

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Side effects
39possible side effects
  • Nausea
    37%
  • Headache
    25%
  • Drowsiness
    23%
  • Dry mouth
    22%
  • Dizziness
    19%
  • Difficulty sleeping
    18%
  • Constipation
    15%
  • Nervousness
    13%
  • Weakness
    12%
  • Sweating
    12%
  • Abnormal ejaculation/orgasm
    12%
  • Loss of appetite
    11%
  • Diarrhea
    8%
  • Infection
    6%
  • Vomiting
    6%
  • Anxiety
    6%
  • Blurred vision
    6%
  • Impotence
    6%
  • Indigestion
    5%
  • Tremor
    5%
  • Abnormal dreams
    4%
  • Chills
    3%
  • Rash
    3%
  • Gas
    3%
  • Stiff muscles
    3%
  • Prickling/burning sensation
    3%
  • Yawn
    3%
  • Increased urination
    3%
  • Chest pain
    2%
  • Trauma
    2%
  • Increased blood pressure
    2%
  • Increased heart rate
    2%
  • Decreased libido
    2%
  • Agitation
    2%
  • Confusion
    2%
  • Thinking abnormal
    2%
  • Changes in taste
    2%
  • Ringing in the ears
    2%
  • Dilation of pupils
    2%
See more detailed side effects
42possible side effects
  • Headache
    36%
  • Dry mouth
    25%
  • Sleepiness
    25%
  • Nausea
    22%
  • Dizziness
    17%
  • Constipation
    14%
  • Weakness
    11%
  • Trouble sleeping
    11%
  • Lightheadedness
    10%
  • Indigestion
    9%
  • Blurry vision
    9%
  • Infection
    8%
  • Diarrhea
    8%
  • Confusion
    7%
  • Blind spots in vision
    7%
  • Sore throat
    6%
  • Increased appetite
    5%
  • Changes in blood pressure
    4%
  • Memory problems
    4%
  • Tingling or prickling sensation
    4%
  • Flushing
    4%
  • Flu
    3%
  • Swelling in the arms and legs
    3%
  • Abnormal dreams
    3%
  • Decreased concentration
    3%
  • Increased cough
    3%
  • Chills
    2%
  • Fever
    2%
  • Low blood pressure
    2%
  • Itching
    2%
  • Skin rashes
    2%
  • Nausea and vomiting
    2%
  • Trouble controlling movements
    2%
  • Coordination problems
    2%
  • Slowing of movement or speech
    2%
  • Tremor
    2%
  • Ringing in the ears
    2%
  • Changes in taste
    2%
  • Frequent urination
    2%
  • Urinary tract infection
    2%
  • Problems emptying bladder
    2%
  • Vaginal discharge, itching, and pain
    2%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Suicidal thoughts or behavior
    • Age 24 years or younger
  • Serotonin syndrome
    • Taking tricyclic antidepressants, lithium, tramadol, fentanyl, amphetamines, certain headache medications (triptans), St. John's Wort
  • Withdrawal
    • Stopping Effexor (venlafaxine) suddenly
  • Increased bleeding
    • Taking other blood-thinning drugs (including aspirin, NSAIDs such as Advil, warfarin)
  • Increased blood pressure
    • Bipolar disorder
      • History of bipolar disorder
      • At risk for bipolar disorder
    See more detailed risks and warnings
    • Higher risk of suicide
      • People under age 24
    • Liver failure
    • Low blood pressure
      • Taking medicine for high blood pressure
    • Possible bipolar disorder
    • Seizures
      • History of seizures
    • Lower heart rate
      • History of heart attack or heart disease
      • Medicines that slow the heartbeat
    See more detailed risks and warnings
    Learn more about Effexor (venlafaxine)
    Learn more about Serzone (nefazodone)