Venlafaxine
Venlafaxine is a serotonin–noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) antidepressant. In the UK it is prescribed for depression and for generalised anxiety disorder when a clinician judges it appropriate. Modified-release formulations are common; your label will state how often to take them.
This medicine is part of the Mental health medicines category.
Generic name: venlafaxine
Quick answers
Short replies to searches people often run before speaking to a clinician. For the overview of what the medicine is used for, see the short summary under the page title above.
What is it for?
Venlafaxine is a serotonin–noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) antidepressant.
How long does it take to work?
Many antidepressants need several weeks on a steady dose before full benefit; your GP usually reviews you in that window.
What are common side effects?
Common effects include nausea, headache, dry mouth, sweating, constipation, dizziness, and sleep disturbance.
Can you take paracetamol or ibuprofen with it?
Interactions include other antidepressants, tramadol, triptans, linezolid, NSAIDs (bleeding risk), and medicines that affect heart rhythm.
More about what Venlafaxine is used for
Venlafaxine is a serotonin–noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) antidepressant. In the UK it is prescribed for depression and for generalised anxiety disorder when a clinician judges it appropriate.
Modified-release formulations are common; your label will state how often to take them.
How does Venlafaxine work, and how long does it take to work?
It increases activity of serotonin and noradrenaline in the brain, which may improve mood and anxiety over several weeks.
It has little effect on some other receptors at usual antidepressant doses, but dose-related effects on blood pressure can occur.
How and when should you take Venlafaxine?
Take exactly as prescribed — immediate-release may be twice daily; prolonged-release is often once daily. Swallow whole if you have capsules or tablets labelled as prolonged release.
Do not stop abruptly; withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, electric-shock sensations, nausea, and anxiety can occur — your GP will advise a taper.
What are the common side effects of Venlafaxine?
Common effects include nausea, headache, dry mouth, sweating, constipation, dizziness, and sleep disturbance. Nausea often improves after the first week or two.
Tell your GP if you feel persistently restless or agitated.
Serious side effects of Venlafaxine — when to get urgent help
Seek urgent help for suicidal thoughts, severe agitation, chest pain, severe headache, very high blood pressure, fits, or signs of serotonin syndrome.
Serotonin syndrome is rare but an emergency if you take several serotonergic drugs together.
What if you miss a dose of Venlafaxine?
If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless your next dose is due soon. Do not double up.
For prolonged-release, follow the leaflet — missed-dose rules differ by product.
Who should not take Venlafaxine?
Do not use with MAOIs or within the prohibited switching period. Caution in heart disease, high blood pressure, glaucoma, epilepsy, bipolar disorder, and bleeding disorders.
St John’s wort must not be combined with venlafaxine.
Can you take paracetamol or ibuprofen with Venlafaxine? — other interactions
Interactions include other antidepressants, Tramadol, triptans, linezolid, NSAIDs (bleeding risk), and medicines that affect heart rhythm. Check every new prescription with a pharmacist.
Alcohol can worsen side effects.
Venlafaxine in pregnancy and breastfeeding
Discuss risks and benefits with your GP or psychiatrist if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
Blood tests and monitoring on Venlafaxine
Blood pressure may be checked when starting and after dose increases. Your team may review you regularly for mood and side effects.
What might your GP prescribe instead of Venlafaxine?
Your prescriber may consider Duloxetine, SSRIs, or other treatments depending on diagnosis, kidney function, and what you have tried before.
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Reviewed by UK registered pharmacists for accuracy and clarity. Content is informational only.
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Frequently asked questions about Venlafaxine
People also ask — common Google searches
- What is Venlafaxine used for?
- Venlafaxine is a serotonin–noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) antidepressant. In the UK it is prescribed for depression and for generalised anxiety disorder when a clinician judges it appropriate. Modified-release formulations are common; your label will state how often to take them.
- How long does Venlafaxine take to work?
- Many antidepressants need several weeks on a steady dose before full benefit; your GP usually reviews you in that window. Always follow your prescriber’s follow-up plan.
- Can you take Venlafaxine with paracetamol or ibuprofen?
- Interactions include other antidepressants, Tramadol, triptans, linezolid, NSAIDs (bleeding risk), and medicines that affect heart rhythm.
- What are the side effects of Venlafaxine?
- Common effects include nausea, headache, dry mouth, sweating, constipation, dizziness, and sleep disturbance. Nausea often improves after the first week or two. See the sections below for more detail, including serious side effects and when to seek urgent help.
- Is venlafaxine an SSRI?
- It is an SNRI — it affects serotonin and noradrenaline. SSRIs mainly boost serotonin. Your prescriber chooses the class that fits your situation.
- Why must venlafaxine be tapered slowly?
- Stopping quickly can cause discontinuation symptoms such as dizziness, flu-like feelings, and anxiety. Your GP usually reduces the dose gradually.
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Often used with
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