Venlafaxine (brand name Effexor) is an SNRI antidepressant people use for major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety, panic disorder, and social anxiety. If your doctor suggested venlafaxine, you probably want straight answers: what it does, what to watch for, and how to avoid problems. Below I’ll cover the basics in plain language.
How it works: venlafaxine raises levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which can improve mood and reduce anxiety. Typical starting dose for the extended-release form is 75 mg once daily. Some people start lower; dosing depends on your symptoms and health. Doctors usually adjust the dose slowly. A common upper limit for many patients is around 225 mg per day, but your prescriber will set the right target for you.
Common side effects: nausea, headache, dry mouth, sweating, dizziness, insomnia, and sexual side effects. Blood pressure can rise at higher doses, so monitoring is a good idea. Most side effects lessen after a few weeks; tell your doctor if something persists or gets worse.
Taking it: take venlafaxine with food if it upsets your stomach. If you get insomnia, try taking it in the morning. Don’t mix it with alcohol—alcohol can make side effects worse and slow recovery.
Drug interactions: avoid starting venlafaxine with MAO inhibitors, and be careful if you’re on other serotonergic drugs (SSRIs, triptans, some pain meds) because combined use can raise the risk of serotonin syndrome—a serious condition with fever, rapid heart rate, confusion, and muscle stiffness. Also watch for increased bleeding risk if you take blood thinners or NSAIDs together with venlafaxine.
Stopping or switching: abrupt stopping can cause withdrawal symptoms—dizziness, electric-shock sensations, anxiety, and flu-like symptoms. If you plan to stop or switch meds, ask your prescriber for a gradual taper plan. Many people reduce dose slowly over weeks to avoid withdrawal.
When to call your doctor: if you notice chest pain, very high blood pressure, severe mood changes, suicidal thoughts, or signs of serotonin syndrome, get medical help. If side effects are annoying but not dangerous, your prescriber may change the dose or try another medication.
If you’re pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, bring this up before starting venlafaxine—your doctor will weigh risks and benefits. Also keep a current list of all medicines and supplements and share it at each visit.
Want to read more? Look for reliable patient guides from your clinic or national health sites, and bring specific questions to your prescriber. Venlafaxine can help a lot, but the safest outcomes come from careful dosing, watching for interactions, and tapering responsibly when it’s time to stop.
