Compare Effexor vs. Oleptro

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

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Effexor (venlafaxine)

Prescription only

Oleptro (Trazodone)

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
Improves mood and helps you sleep.

Oleptro (Trazodone) works well as a sleep aid, but has more side effects when used at higher doses for treating depression.

3.6/ 5 average rating with 59 reviewsforOleptro
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.
  • Commonly used in lower doses to help treat sleep problems (insomnia).
  • Safer sleep medication than others (benzodiazepines or Unisom) for people age 65 and older.
  • Fewer sexual side effects than many other antidepressants.
  • Has been used for sleep and depression for a long time. There's a lot of information available about how it works and how safe it is.
  • Comes as a generic medication and is cheaper than many other sleep aides.
  • Six out of ten people who use an antidepressant for the first time find that it works for them.
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.
  • Not as effective as other medications for depression.
  • More sedating than other antidepressants.
  • Causes more side effects when used at higher doses for depression. Includes sleepiness, dizziness, upset stomach, and irregular heartbeat.
  • Like most antidepressants, can cause higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior for people age 24 and younger.
  • The first antidepressant you try doesn't always work or it can cause side effects you really don't like. You might need to try a few different medications until you find one that works for you.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Extended release
  • Pill
  • Extended release
Price
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Reviews
577 reviews so far
62%
saidit'sworth it
51%
saiditworked well
23%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Effexor (venlafaxine)?

Leave a review
59 reviews so far
73%
saidit'sworth it
49%
saiditworked well
24%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Oleptro (Trazodone)?

Leave a review
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
29possible side effects
  • Somnolence/Sedation
    46%
  • Drowsiness
    41%
  • Dry Mouth
    34%
  • Headache
    33%
  • Dizziness/Lightheadedness
    28%
  • Dry mouth
    25%
  • Dizziness
    25%
  • Nausea
    21%
  • Blurred Vision
    15%
  • Fatigue
    15%
  • Nausea/Vomiting
    13%
  • Diarrhea
    9%
  • Constipation
    8%
  • Skin Condition/Edema
    7%
  • Weight Loss
    6%
  • Nasal/Sinus Congestion
    6%
  • Abdominal/Gastric Disorder
    6%
  • Syncope
    5%
  • Musculoskeletal Aches/Pains
    5%
  • Tremors
    5%
  • Nightmares/Vivid Dreams
    5%
  • Weight Gain
    5%
  • Back pain
    5%
  • Vision blurred
    5%
  • Sexual dysfunction
    5%
  • Hypotension
    4%
  • Incoordination
    2%
  • Ejaculation disorders
    2%
  • Decreased libido
    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
    • Suicidal thoughts or behavior
      • Age 24 years or younger
    • Seizures
      • History of seizures
      • Alcoholism
      • Eating disorder
      • Higher dose
      • Drug interactions
    • Painful erection
    • Low blood pressure
      • Age 65 years or older
    • Driving impairment
      • Alcohol
      • Taking other medicines that make you less alert
    See more detailed risks and warnings