Venlafaxine is a generic medication doctors use to treat depression. But it can also help treat anxiety. It works by affecting the hormones in your brain.
Venlafaxine belongs to a class of antidepressants known as serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It helps increase the level of certain neurotransmitters that regulate mood.
While doctors typically use it to treat depression, venlafaxine also has approval for treating people with anxiety. However, using it involves carefully following a doctor’s advice and proceeding with caution if you notice any negative side effects.
Venlafaxine for anxiety
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Venlafaxine (Effexor) works by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which produces a calming effect and improves mood. It is effective against various types of anxiety and panic disorders.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), suddenly stopping venlafaxine can lead to withdrawal symptoms, including:
nausea and vomiting
dizziness
headaches
nightmares
tingling skin
You might also experience your original symptoms returning. So, it’s important to follow the doctor’s instructions and continue the medication even when you feel better. You should always seek the advice of a healthcare professional before deciding to stop taking venlafaxine.
Experts recommend taking venlafaxine should be under the guidance of a qualified medical professional to ensure safety and promote effectiveness.
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According to NAMI, some symptoms may show improvement as soon as 1–2 weeks after starting venlafaxine. But it might take up to 2 months to notice the full benefits and improvements in your mood.
Different medications will affect everyone differently, and it’s common to try various types of anxiety medications before finding one that works for you. But it’s important to give venlafaxine at least 8 weeks to get to work before you decide to switch.
Low dose vs. high dose
A doctor may start with a low or high dose of venlafaxine, depending on your medical history and symptoms.
Low dose venlafaxine is typically suitable for people with mild or moderate anxiety. Doctors usually start with low dose venlafaxine as starting at a higher dose can worsen symptoms or lead to more side effects. If you don’t respond to the low dose, they may consider a higher dose.
A 2018 review suggests that SNRIs like venlafaxine don’t become much more effective as you increase the dose, but tolerability becomes lower. This means the negative side effects outweigh the benefits.
So, high dose venlafaxine may increase the risk of serious side effects, such as chest pain and difficulty breathing. Doctors typically weigh the benefits of venlafaxine with the potential side effects to decide the appropriate dose.
A thorough assessment and investigation of your symptoms and history may be necessary. Note that high doses of venlafaxine will still fall within a range approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Possible side effects
There are various side effects of venlafaxine, which vary for each person. Possible side effects include:
In some cases, there could be severe side effects, such as:
itching
difficulty breathing or swallowing
chest pain
seizures
unusual bruising or bleeding, especially if combined with medications like ibuprofen
fast or irregular heartbeat
problems with coordination
visual or auditory hallucinations
loss of consciousness
SNRIs like venlafaxine can also increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a condition caused by too much serotonin in your system. This leads to serious symptoms like fast heart rate, anxiety, and agitation, and it can lead to seizures or even death.
Serotonin syndrome is more common if you take venlafaxine with other medications that increase serotonin levels, such as triptan medications for migraine.
Contact a healthcare professional immediately if you notice any of these side effects.
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If you find that venlafaxine isn’t working for you due to side effects or because you don’t see any change in your symptoms, you can consider switching to another medication.
Here are some of the common anxiety medications available in most clinical settings.
If you need help covering the cost of medications, the free Optum Perks Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Follow the links on drug names for savings on that medication, or search for a specific drug here.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines stimulate a brain neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which helps calm people with anxiety disorders.
Due to the risk of these being habit-forming, guidelines state that benzodiazepines are best for short-term symptom relief at a low dose.
Medications that belong to the class of benzodiazepines are:
Venlafaxine is a medication that works by increasing the level of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Venlafaxine is typically effective in treating anxiety and comes as a tablet or an extended-release capsule.
It is important to follow a doctor’s instructions when taking venlafaxine. Suddenly stopping it may lead to withdrawal symptoms and a return of your anxiety.
Venlafaxine could cause some side effects in most individuals, so be sure to discuss with a healthcare professional if the adverse effects become difficult to manage.
