Effexor

(venlafaxine)

●●●●●
3.7/ 5 average rating with 577 reviewsforEffexor
Skip to: drug prices sectionSkip to: what to expect sectionSkip to: side effects sectionSkip to: risks and warnings sectionSkip to: common concerns from users and pharmacists
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Improves mood and helps you relax.

Skip Upsides & Downsides section. Skip to side effects section.

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.

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Quick facts about Effexor
  • 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.
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What to expect from Effexor, on one page

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People’s experience with Effexor

577reviews so far. What do you think?

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.
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What to expect from Effexor, on one page

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How it works

Effexor (venlafaxine) is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) antidepressant. It increases serotonin and norepinephrine activity in the brain, which help regulate mood.

Quick facts about Effexor
  • Drug class: Mental health
  • Rx status: Prescription only
  • Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (venlafaxine)

Used for

Dosage forms

  • Pill
  • Extended release
People’s experience with Effexor

577reviews so far. What do you think?

Prices and coupons

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What to expect when you take Effexor (venlafaxine) for Panic disorder

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  • First few hoursHours
    First few daysDays
    First few weeksWeeks
    First few monthsMonths
  • Effectiveness
  • Starts to kick in
    Full effects
  • First few hoursHours
    First few daysDays
    First few weeksWeeks
    First few monthsMonths
  • Possible side effects
  • Dry mouth
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Sweating
  • Decreased libido
Skip side effects section. Skip to risks and warnings section.

Side effect rates for Effexor (venlafaxine)

From 1642 clinical trials of Effexor when taken for null
  • Nausea
    37%37%
    11%11%
  • Headache
    25%25%
    24%24%
  • Drowsiness
    23%23%
    9%9%
  • Dry mouth
    22%22%
    11%11%
  • Dizziness
    19%19%
    7%7%
  • Difficulty sleeping
    18%18%
    10%10%
  • Constipation
    15%15%
    7%7%
  • Nervousness
    13%13%
    6%6%
  • Weakness
    12%12%
    6%6%
  • Sweating
    12%12%
    3%3%
  • Abnormal ejaculation/orgasm
    12%12%
  • Loss of appetite
    11%11%
    2%2%
  • Diarrhea
    8%8%
    7%7%
  • Infection
    6%6%
    5%5%
  • Vomiting
    6%6%
    2%2%
  • Anxiety
    6%6%
    3%3%
  • Blurred vision
    6%6%
    2%2%
  • Impotence
    6%6%
  • Indigestion
    5%5%
    4%4%
  • Tremor
    5%5%
    1%1%
  • Abnormal dreams
    4%4%
    3%3%
  • Chills
    3%3%
  • Rash
    3%3%
    2%2%
  • Gas
    3%3%
    2%2%
  • Stiff muscles
    3%3%
    2%2%
  • Prickling/burning sensation
    3%3%
    2%2%
  • Yawn
    3%3%
  • Increased urination
    3%3%
    2%2%
  • Chest pain
    2%2%
    1%1%
  • Trauma
    2%2%
    1%1%
  • Increased blood pressure
    2%2%
  • Increased heart rate
    2%2%
  • Decreased libido
    2%2%
  • Agitation
    2%2%
  • Confusion
    2%2%
    1%1%
  • Thinking abnormal
    2%2%
    1%1%
  • Changes in taste
    2%2%
  • Ringing in the ears
    2%2%
  • Dilation of pupils
    2%2%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Where we got our data »

The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Effexor.

Effexor (venlafaxine)
Placebo

People taking Effexor felt side effect more

People taking Effexor felt side effect less

No difference

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.

Means that some groups have a high risk of experiencing this side effect

Pharmacist Q&A

Effexor (venlafaxine) questions for

Frequently Asked Questions

This medication treats generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

Who is this drug for?

This medication treats generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

Common concerns from people taking Effexor (venlafaxine)

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Price
  • Not worth it
    Worked so-so
    Big hassle
    Reviewed Effexor XRon 5/29/2021AVOID AT ALL COSTS. I’ve been on this drug for 5+ years and have been trying to get off of it for over two years. It’s almost impossible to get off of because of the withdrawals and short half life. You have to do it extremely slowly. It did work at first for anxiety after reading all the long term issues it causes been trying to get off ever since. I don’t know how it’s still being prescribed.
    29
    Woman
    Two years or more
    Anxiety
  • Worth it
    Worked well
    Low hassle
    Reviewed Effexor XRon 3/10/2020Sensitivity to discontinuation side effects relative to other antidepressants
    26
    Woman
    A year or so
    Depression
Alcohol
  • Worth it
    Worked so-so
    Low hassle
    Reviewed 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.
    25
    Man
    Two years or more
    Social anxiety
  • Not worth it
    Worked so-so
    Big hassle
    Reviewed 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.
    22
    Woman
    A month or so
    Depression
Food
  • Not worth it
    Worked so-so
    Some hassle
    Reviewed Effexoron 7/16/2020always take with food and never miss a dose, I felt like I was dying and was sick until the next day
    22
    Woman
    A few months
    Migraine
  • Worth it
    Worked so-so
    Big hassle
    Reviewed venlafaxineon 4/23/2020Never miss a dose. Take with food.
    46
    Woman
    A few months
    Anxiety
  • Worth it
    Worked well
    Some hassle
    Reviewed 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.
    29
    Woman
    A few months
    Depression
Pain
  • Worth it
    Worked well
    Big hassle
    Reviewed 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.
    35
    Man
    A year or so
    Anxiety
Sex
  • Not worth it
    Didn’t work
    Big hassle
    Reviewed Effexoron 9/26/2017No libido after 1 tablet
    59
    Man
    Less than a week
    Depression
  • Not worth it
    Worked so-so
    Big hassle
    Reviewed 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!
    34
    Woman
    Depression
  • Not worth it
    Worked well
    Big hassle
    Reviewed Effexoron 10/26/2016Orgasm and ejaculation can be very difficult. Do NOT miss a dose. I thought I was dying.
    49
    Man
    Depression
Sleep
  • Effexor (venlafaxine) may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
  • Not worth it
    Didn’t work
    Big hassle
    Reviewed 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.
    26
    Woman
    A year or so
    Depression
  • Worth it
    Worked well
    Low hassle
    Reviewed 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.
    39
    Woman
    Not sure how long
    Depression
  • Worth it
    Worked well
    Low hassle
    Reviewed Effexoron 8/9/2017you wont get any sleep for the first month
    36
    Woman
    Two years or more
    Social anxiety
Weight
  • Worth it
    Worked well
    Some hassle
    Reviewed venlafaxineon 5/15/2021I have continued to use Venlafaxine because the benefits far outweigh the side effects.
    58
    Woman
    Two years or more
    Depression
  • Worth it
    Worked well
    Some hassle
    Reviewed venlafaxineon 5/23/2020It made me gain weight and I have some headaches but honestly it is worth it!
    24
    Woman
    A year or so
    Anxiety
  • Not worth it
    Worked so-so
    Big hassle
    Reviewed venlafaxineon 8/20/2019This medication DOES cause weight gain. And coming off of it, even at the doctor's recommended pace, was brutal.
    40
    Woman
    A year or so
    Anxiety

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