Venlafaxine
Also known as: Efexor
What it's for
Venlafaxine is an antidepressant for depression, anxiety, and panic disorder. It increases serotonin and noradrenaline in your brain to improve your mood.
Comes as: Capsules or tablets (often modified-release)
How to take it
- Adults: Usually start with 75mg daily, increased if needed.
- Modified-release capsules: Take once daily with food.
- Swallow whole - do not crush or chew.
- It can take 2 to 4 weeks to feel the benefit.
Doses here are typical. Always follow the instructions from your prescriber or on the packet — they come first.
Common side effects
- Feeling sick
- Headache
- Sweating
- Dry mouth
- Difficulty sleeping or drowsiness
The leaflet inside the packet lists all known side effects.
Important safety points
- Do not stop suddenly - reduce the dose gradually
- Can raise blood pressure - your doctor may monitor this
- Avoid alcohol
- May affect your ability to drive
Get medical help urgently if…
- You have thoughts of harming yourself or suicide
- You have a seizure
- You have chest pain or very fast heartbeat
- You have severe agitation, high temperature, and muscle stiffness
Call NHS 111 for urgent advice, or 999 if someone is seriously unwell.
Before you act on anything here
This page is general information, written to help you understand — it is not personal medical advice and it cannot tell you what is right for you. Talk to your own GP, pharmacist or nurse about your own health.
- Need help now but it's not an emergency? Call NHS 111 or use 111.nhs.uk.
- Emergency? Call 999 or go to A&E.