Venlafaxine
Mental healthAlso known as Effexor XR
Venlafaxine is an SNRI, an antidepressant that raises both serotonin and norepinephrine — two brain chemicals involved in mood and energy. Like SSRIs, it takes two to six weeks to fully kick in. Two honest things to know: it can nudge your blood pressure up, so your doctor will want to check it, and it's famous for causing withdrawal symptoms if you miss doses or stop suddenly, so consistency really matters with this one.
How to take it
When
The XR capsule is once a day, at about the same time each day. Swallow it whole — don't crush or chew it.
Food
Take it with food — it's gentler on your stomach that way.
Avoid
St. John's wort and other serotonin boosters. Ask before regular ibuprofen or naproxen — bleeding risk goes up. Go easy on alcohol.
Stopping
Never stop suddenly — taper with your doctor. Watch for new or worsening depression or suicidal thoughts, especially under 25 — tell someone and call your doctor right away.
Missed a dose?
Take it as soon as you remember that day. If you don't remember until the next day, skip the missed dose — never take two doses at once.
Common side effects
- Nausea, especially at first — taking it with food helps
- Sweating more than usual
- Dry mouth
- Trouble sleeping or vivid dreams
- Sexual side effects, like lower desire or trouble finishing
Call a doctor if
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat — this is an emergency, call for help immediately
- Fever with agitation, racing heart, heavy sweating, or muscle twitching — possible serotonin syndrome, get help now
- Thoughts of hurting yourself — tell someone right away and call your doctor or a crisis line immediately
- Sudden severe headache, chest pain, or very high blood pressure readings — get medical help now
- Unusual bleeding or bruising that won't stop — get medical help quickly