Venlafaxine: Uses, Side Effects, and How to Take It
Venlafaxine is a prescription antidepressant known as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, or SNRI. It is used to treat depression, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. Your doctor or pharmacist can help decide whether it is appropriate for you.
Venlafaxine can help improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety. Take it exactly as prescribed, do not stop suddenly, and ask your doctor or pharmacist about side effects, other medicines, and personal health conditions.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N06AX16
- Generic
- Venlafaxine
- Class
- snri
- Brands
- Effexor
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Half-life (h)
- 5
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- capsule, tablet
- Regions
- CN, US, EU, JP
- Monitoring
- suicidal-ideation, blood-pressure
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 75mg once daily (initial)
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 150mg to 225mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- divided twice daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 37.5mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid
discontinue gradually before delivery if possible
monitor newborn for serotonin syndrome and discontinuation symptoms
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedinguse lowest effective dose
if breastfeeding, use lowest effective dose and monitor infant closely
monitor infant for sedation, irritability, feeding difficulties, and developmental changes
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlystart at lower dose, reduce by 25-50%
use lower initial dose and slower titration; monitor blood pressure
regular monitoring of blood pressure, renal function, and for signs of hyponatremia
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
adolescents 12 17not recommended
not approved for use in children and adolescents; increased suicidality risk
close monitoring for worsening depression and suicidal ideation
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
moderatereduce dose by 25%
reduce dose by 25-50% depending on severity
monitor renal function periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severereduce dose by 50%
use with caution; extended dosing intervals may be needed
close monitoring of renal function and drug accumulation
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderatereduce dose by 50%
reduce dose by approximately 50%
monitor for increased side effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
alcohol_users
concurrent useavoid
avoid alcohol consumption while taking venlafaxine
monitor for increased CNS depression
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval for Venlafaxine (Effexor)
Drug class
Pharmacological classification
Common uses
FDA-approved indications
Mechanism of action
Primary pharmacodynamic action
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 22, 2026. · Read our editorial policy