Compare Remeron vs. Effexor
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Improves mood.
Remeron (mirtazapine) improves your mood and helps you sleep better, but can cause more weight gain than any other antidepressant.
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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.
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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.
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Dissolving tablet
- Pill
- Extended release
Price
Lowest price
$8.62
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$11.95
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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 review577 reviews so far
62%
saidit'sworth it
51%
saiditworked well
23%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Effexor (venlafaxine)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
17possible side effects
- Sleepiness54%
- Dry mouth25%
- Increased appetite17%
- Increased appetite17%
- Constipation13%
- Weight gain12%
- Lack of energy8%
- Dizziness7%
- Flu syndrome5%
- Abnormal dreams4%
- Abnormal thinking3%
- Back pain2%
- Swelling in limbs2%
- Muscle pain2%
- Tremor2%
- Confusion2%
- Urinary frequency2%
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%
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
- 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