- Mental Health
- Depression
- SNRIs
Effexor
Effexor (venlafaxine) online prescription for depression and anxiety
If you are living with depression, general anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, or panic disorder, the prescription medication Effexor can help. Get a same-day prescription or refill of Effexor from a board-certified doctor online.*
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Treats various mental health disorders
Available in immediate or extended-release
4 FDA-approved uses
*Prescriptions are provided at the doctor’s discretion. Some cases of mental health management may not be suitable for telehealth primary care. If that’s the case, our doctors will help guide you to the best alternatives. Learn more about our controlled substances policy and how you can save up to 80% with our prescription discount card.
About Effexor (venflafaxine) medication
Effexor is part of a group of selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), which help rebalance important chemicals in the brain. Like any selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, Effexor is FDA approved to help depression and anxiety. It may also help other mental health and neurologic conditions when prescribed off-label (meaning medically safe and effective, but not fully funded for study by the FDA).
Some conditions that Effexor is known to treat include depression, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. Off-label uses include migraine prevention, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), among others.
Effexor may be prescribed as immediate-release or extended-release tablets and capsules. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage you are prescribed.
If you are prescribed Effexor, be sure to continue taking the course daily unless your doctor specifically tells you to stop. It’s also very important to reduce the dose slowly if needing or wanting to stop, if possible, as withdrawal effects can be significant should you stop altogether (cold-turkey, as it’s called).
Effexor uses
There are 4 FDA-approved uses for Effexor, but it may also be used off-label to treat other conditions. Your doctor may prescribe it for any of the following common reasons. It’s also possible that your healthcare provider may prescribe it for other reasons not listed here. Ask your online doctor if you have questions about why a medication is prescribed.
Major depressive disorder (MDD)
Major depressive disorder is described as sadness and hopelessness that don't go away for over a 2 week period.
Generalized anxiety disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder causes patients to worry more than they consider normal. Including preventing normal day-to-day activities, trouble focusing, and rapid heartbeat.
Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
Social anxiety disorder causes people to worry about any interactions with people. This includes social situations like meeting new people or going to crowded locations.
Panic disorder
Panic disorder causes sudden panic attacks or intense feelings of fear and discomfort.
Effexor side effects
The side effects associated with taking Effexor are typically mild. Most Effexor side effects are related to physical discomfort. Effexor has some common side effects. They may include:
Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include hallucinations, sweating, twitching, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Serotonin syndrome happens when too much serotonin is in your system. This is rare, and usually only happens when other drugs that raise serotonin levels are also present.
Blurred vision
Seizure
Difficulty breathing
Unusual bleeding problems
Low blood sodium
Severe nervous system reaction
You should call 911 if you notice any of these severe side effects or develop other new or concerning symptoms. Use of Effexor in young children under age 12 is not advised because it is not approved by the FDA for child use.
How to take Effexor
Your pharmacist will provide you with instructions on how to take your Effexor prescription.
Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions. Call your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions.
Effexor can come in different forms and doses, so follow the specific instructions on your prescription. It is typically prescribed one time per day. Some specific instructions may include; Extended release: 75 mg orally once daily.
What to avoid while taking Effexor
Effexor has many possible drug interactions. Don’t change what you take without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications or supplements, as well as over-the-counter drugs.
Ask your doctor when taking Effexor before taking any opioid medications, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, or seizure medication.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if it is acceptable to consume alcohol while taking Effexor.
Some research shows that regular alcohol consumption may increase nervous system side effects, including dizziness and drowsiness. Alcohol may also reduce the medication’s ability to do its job, making it harder to treat depression and anxiety.
Avoid taking MAO inhibitors, as these can cause severe and possibly fatal drug interactions.
Tell your doctor before stopping Effexor XR treatment, as this can increase the withdrawal symptoms and worsen the generalized anxiety disorder or depression.
Medication alternatives to Effexor
If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment, they may suggest another selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor or an antidepressant in another drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:
Depression and Anxiety
Panic disorder
Effexor prescription FAQs
How much does Effexor cost?
Without insurance,the typical cost of brand name Effexor is $490 for a supply of 30 capsules of 37.5 mg. This price will fluctuate depending on insurance and the pharmacy, and the generic form is significantly cheaper with or without insurance
How can I refill my Effexor prescription?
Visit one of our primary care doctors today to refill Effexor. It can be picked up from any local pharmacy.
What should I avoid while taking Venlafaxine?
Effexor should not be taken with or within 2 weeks of monoamine oxidase inhibitors. You should not take other serotonin-increasing medication without asking your doctor for medical advice. Effexor may increase the effects of other medications that can cause bleeding, including aspirin and Advil. Go over your medication list with your doctor at your visit to ensure there are no concerning drug interactions.
How long does it take to get used to Effexor?
It takes about 3 days for Effexor to remain consistent in your bloodstream. Also, any side effects may taper off after the first couple weeks. Full mental-health benefit could take 2-6 weeks to be noticeable at any given dose.
What time of day is it best to take Effexor?
There is no set time to take Effexor XR. Just make sure to take it at the same time every day. If you have trouble sleeping, take Effexor in the morning.
What are the dangers of taking Effexor?
While Effexor is ideal for treating panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, depression, and social anxiety disorder, there is a risk of serious side effects, including:
Suicidal thoughts
Serotonin syndrome
High blood pressure
Closed-angle glaucoma
mania or hypomania
Allergic reaction
Low blood sodium
Seizures
Pneumonia
High cholesterol
Who should not take Effexor?
People with a history of brain disease, damage, or seizures as this can increase the risk.
Heart disease or high or low blood pressure, as Effexor can make these worse.
History of mania as Effexor can make this worse.
Kidney disease or liver disease as these can increase adverse side effects
What happens if I miss a dose of Effexor?
Take the missed dose of Effexor as soon as possible; however, if it is close to your next dose, you can skip and take your scheduled dose.
What happens if I take too much Effexor?
Small overdosing can cause nausea, serotonin syndrome, vomiting, anorexia, drowsiness, tremors, anxiety, tachycardia, and changes in blood pressure. Large overdoses can cause delirium, seizures, and coma. As with any prescription medicine, call your local poison control center or doctor for medical advice as soon as the overdose happens.
3 simple steps to request your Effexor prescription today
Step 1
Book an Effexor prescription request appointment.
You can book a same-day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
Talk to your medical provider regarding your Effexor prescription.
You can visit a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
Step 3
Pick up your Effexor prescription.
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
Effexor prescription pricing details
How pricing works
To get a new or refill on your Effexor prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
Paying with insurance
Membership
$16.99/month
First month free
Visits
Copay
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price with insurance
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
- We accept these insurance plans and many more:
Paying without insurance
Membership
$16.99/month
First month free
Visits
$129
30 days of free membership
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Visit price without insurance
Initial visits are $129.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
Frequently Searched Antidepressant and Anxiety Medications
Effexor prescription resources
Sources:
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
Effexor XR Official Website. "Effexor XR." Accessed on October 13, 2023, at https://www.effexorxr.com/.
FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration). "Effexor XR (venlafaxine hydrochloride) Extended-Release Capsules." FDA. Accessed on October 13, 2023, at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/020699s107lbl.pdf.
Mayo Clinic. "Venlafaxine (Oral Route) - Side Effects." Mayo Clinic. Accessed on October 13, 2023, at https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/venlafaxine-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20067379?p=1.
Cleveland Clinic. "Venlafaxine (Tablets)." Cleveland Clinic. Accessed on October 13, 2023, at https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/20828-venlafaxine-tablets.
PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.