Compare Effexor vs. nefazodone
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
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.
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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.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release
- Pill
Price
Lowest price
$11.99
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$64.53
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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
- Nausea37%
- Headache25%
- Drowsiness23%
- Dry mouth22%
- Dizziness19%
- Difficulty sleeping18%
- Constipation15%
- Nervousness13%
- Weakness12%
- Sweating12%
- Abnormal ejaculation/orgasm12%
- Loss of appetite11%
- Diarrhea8%
- Infection6%
- Vomiting6%
- Anxiety6%
- Blurred vision6%
- Impotence6%
- Indigestion5%
- Tremor5%
- Abnormal dreams4%
- Chills3%
- Rash3%
- Gas3%
- Stiff muscles3%
- Prickling/burning sensation3%
- Yawn3%
- Increased urination3%
- Chest pain2%
- Trauma2%
- Increased blood pressure2%
- Increased heart rate2%
- Decreased libido2%
- Agitation2%
- Confusion2%
- Thinking abnormal2%
- Changes in taste2%
- Ringing in the ears2%
- Dilation of pupils2%
42possible side effects
- Headache36%
- Dry mouth25%
- Sleepiness25%
- Nausea22%
- Dizziness17%
- Constipation14%
- Weakness11%
- Trouble sleeping11%
- Lightheadedness10%
- Indigestion9%
- Blurry vision9%
- Infection8%
- Diarrhea8%
- Confusion7%
- Blind spots in vision7%
- Sore throat6%
- Increased appetite5%
- Changes in blood pressure4%
- Memory problems4%
- Tingling or prickling sensation4%
- Flushing4%
- Flu3%
- Swelling in the arms and legs3%
- Abnormal dreams3%
- Decreased concentration3%
- Increased cough3%
- Chills2%
- Fever2%
- Low blood pressure2%
- Itching2%
- Skin rashes2%
- Nausea and vomiting2%
- Trouble controlling movements2%
- Coordination problems2%
- Slowing of movement or speech2%
- Tremor2%
- Ringing in the ears2%
- Changes in taste2%
- Frequent urination2%
- Urinary tract infection2%
- Problems emptying bladder2%
- Vaginal discharge, itching, and pain2%
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
- 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