Compare Remeron vs. Effexor

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

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Remeron (mirtazapine)

Prescription only

Effexor (venlafaxine)

Prescription only
Improves mood.

Remeron (mirtazapine) improves your mood and helps you sleep better, but can cause more weight gain than any other antidepressant.

●●●●●
3.3/ 5 average rating with 152 reviewsforRemeron
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
Upsides
  • Effective at relieving some depression symptoms.
  • Starts to work more quickly than most antidepressants.
  • Can help you fall asleep if you have trouble sleeping.
  • Can also help relieve anxiety.
  • Good option if you are underweight or frail, because it can help you gain weight.
  • Available as a generic.
  • 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.
Downsides
  • Makes you more tired than other antidepressants.
  • More likely to cause minor weight gain (1-5 pounds) and raise cholesterol than any other antidepressant.
  • 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.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Dissolving tablet
  • Pill
  • Extended release
Price
Lowest price
$8.80
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Lowest price
$9.83
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Reviews
152 reviews so far
45%
saidit'sworth it
39%
saiditworked well
26%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Remeron (mirtazapine)?

Leave a review
577 reviews so far
62%
saidit'sworth it
51%
saiditworked well
23%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Effexor (venlafaxine)?

Leave a review
Side effects
17possible side effects
  • Sleepiness
    54%
  • Dry mouth
    25%
  • Increased appetite  
    17%
  • Increased appetite
    17%
  • Constipation
    13%
  • Weight gain
    12%
  • Lack of energy
    8%
  • Dizziness
    7%
  • Flu syndrome
    5%
  • Abnormal dreams
    4%
  • Abnormal thinking
    3%
  • Back pain
    2%
  • Swelling in limbs
    2%
  • Muscle pain
    2%
  • Tremor
    2%
  • Confusion
    2%
  • Urinary frequency
    2%
See more detailed 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
Risks and risk factors
  • Suicidal thoughts or behavior
    • Age 24 years or younger
  • Serotonin syndrome
    • Using other medications that affect serotonin
  • Heart problems
    • History of heart problems
    • History of liver problems
    • Higher dose
  • Driving impairment
    • Alcohol
    • Taking other medicines that make you less alert
  • Weight gain
  • Blood disorders
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • 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
    Learn more about Remeron (mirtazapine)
    Learn more about Effexor (venlafaxine)