Effexor
(venlafaxine)
Improves mood and helps you relax.
Our bottom line
Effexor (venlafaxine) is good for treating depression and anxiety, but it can cause more withdrawal symptoms if you stop suddenly compared to other antidepressants.
- Price before coupon$59.48
- Lowest price with coupon$11.4481% savings
- Drug class: Mental health
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (venlafaxine)
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.
What to expect from Effexor, on one page
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.
What to expect from Effexor, on one page
Effexor (venlafaxine) is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) antidepressant. It increases serotonin and norepinephrine activity in the brain, which help regulate mood.
- Drug class: Mental health
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (venlafaxine)
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Pay as low as$7.72Retail priceRetail priceLearn more
- Kroger PharmacyGet free coupon$11.44
- CostcoGet free coupon$11.80
- Get free discount$15.00
What to expect when you take Effexor (venlafaxine) for Panic disorder
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Dry mouth
- Difficulty sleeping
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Decreased libido
It can take time for a drug to start working, or for some side effects to go away.
Source: FDA product label and Iodine pharmacistsSide effect rates for Effexor (venlafaxine)
- Nausea37%37%11%11%
- Headache25%25%24%24%
- Drowsiness23%23%9%9%
- Dry mouth22%22%11%11%
- Dizziness19%19%7%7%
- Difficulty sleeping18%18%10%10%
- Constipation15%15%7%7%
- Nervousness13%13%6%6%
- Weakness12%12%6%6%
- Sweating12%12%3%3%
- Abnormal ejaculation/orgasm12%12%
- Loss of appetite11%11%2%2%
- Diarrhea8%8%7%7%
- Infection6%6%5%5%
- Vomiting6%6%2%2%
- Anxiety6%6%3%3%
- Blurred vision6%6%2%2%
- Impotence6%6%
- Indigestion5%5%4%4%
- Tremor5%5%1%1%
- Abnormal dreams4%4%3%3%
- Chills3%3%
- Rash3%3%2%2%
- Gas3%3%2%2%
- Stiff muscles3%3%2%2%
- Prickling/burning sensation3%3%2%2%
- Yawn3%3%
- Increased urination3%3%2%2%
- Chest pain2%2%1%1%
- Trauma2%2%1%1%
- Increased blood pressure2%2%
- Increased heart rate2%2%
- Decreased libido2%2%
- Agitation2%2%
- Confusion2%2%1%1%
- Thinking abnormal2%2%1%1%
- Changes in taste2%2%
- Ringing in the ears2%2%
- Dilation of pupils2%2%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Effexor.
People taking Effexor felt side effect more
People taking Effexor felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Effexor (venlafaxine)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Age 24 years or younger
Effexor (venlafaxine) may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior. Watch for worsening depression or any unusual changes in mood or behavior, especially during the first few months of treatment or with dose changes. Report anything concerning to a doctor immediately. Effexor (venlafaxine) is not approved for use in children younger than age 18.
This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.
Pharmacist Q&A
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this drug for?
This medication treats generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).Common concerns from people taking Effexor (venlafaxine)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Worth itLow hassleReviewed Effexor XRon 3/10/2020Sensitivity to discontinuation side effects relative to other antidepressants26WomanA year or soDepression
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed Effexoron 6/11/2017Venlafaxine and a generous amount of alcohol (as in a night of partying) may cause a state of hypomania with very impolitic behaviour.25ManTwo years or moreSocial anxiety
- Not worth itBig hassleReviewed Effexoron 5/15/2017Do not use alcohol while taking this drug - I had 3 drinks one evening while on this, which normally would make me tipsy, but fine. I nearly ended up in the E.R. because I vomited so much (about 30 times in 2 hours), and I ended up feeling horribly depressed and in terrible stomach and head pain. Also made my anxiety significantly worse.22WomanA month or soDepression
- Not worth itSome hassleReviewed Effexoron 7/16/2020always take with food and never miss a dose, I felt like I was dying and was sick until the next day22WomanA few monthsMigraine
- Worth itBig hassleReviewed venlafaxineon 4/23/2020Never miss a dose. Take with food.46WomanA few monthsAnxiety
- Worth itSome hassleReviewed venlafaxineon 6/25/2019Was initially put on 50mg once a day, since the XR wasn't working. 50mg caused extreme nausea, sometimes vomiting. Switched to 25mg twice a day, which is much better, as long as I take it with food. Has decreased my depression significantly with less side effects than other drugs. Does cause some dizziness when taken with pain killers like naproxen.29WomanA few monthsDepression
- Worth itBig hassleReviewed Effexor XRon 3/13/2020One year in, it has changed my life for the better. Anxiety and tenseness pains obliterated, depression on the shelf and increased general confidence. That said, DO NOT MISS A DOSE. Quick tailspin. If I miss a dose in the morning by the afternoon I begin experiencing brain zaps. Longer than that and I'm back to the worst of depression. Once you get a new dose in you back to normal about 4 hours later.35ManA year or soAnxiety
- Not worth itBig hassleReviewed Effexoron 9/26/2017No libido after 1 tablet59ManLess than a weekDepression
- Not worth itBig hassleReviewed Effexoron 1/19/2017Switched from prozac to effexor to avoid low libido. It did not make a difference in this area at all, if not it made the problem worse. Weight gain of 20 lbs in 1 year and we months of treatment. Also caused horrible constipation. Would never take again!34WomanDepression
- Not worth itBig hassleReviewed Effexoron 10/26/2016Orgasm and ejaculation can be very difficult. Do NOT miss a dose. I thought I was dying.49ManDepression
- Effexor (venlafaxine) may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
- Not worth itBig hassleReviewed Effexor XRon 5/27/2019The reason I am on Effexor was after my suicide attempt. I have been on 225MG for months now, and I am experiencing daytime drowsiness, hard to fall and stay asleep. I have been batting depression my whole life, and Effexor did not help with my depression.26WomanA year or soDepression
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed venlafaxineon 5/9/2019It made me sleepy at first so I took it at night. After about a month, I suddenly had energy late at night and couldn't sleep oh, so I switched it to the morning. Now I feel amazing during the day, way more energy! I highly recommend this medication if you've tried multiple antidepressant that haven't worked.39WomanNot sure how longDepression
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed Effexoron 8/9/2017you wont get any sleep for the first month36WomanTwo years or moreSocial anxiety
- Worth itSome hassleReviewed venlafaxineon 5/23/2020It made me gain weight and I have some headaches but honestly it is worth it!24WomanA year or soAnxiety
- Not worth itBig hassleReviewed venlafaxineon 8/20/2019This medication DOES cause weight gain. And coming off of it, even at the doctor's recommended pace, was brutal.40WomanA year or soAnxiety
- Worth itSome hassleReviewed Effexoron 9/20/2017Gained allot of weight50WomanTwo years or moreDepression
Related articles from Iodine
8 drugs that are surprisingly addictive
Read moreYour medicine may be illegal overseas
Read more2016 was exactly 5% more depressing than 2015
Read moreWant more info on health and medications?
Find more articles