Venlafaxine Review (Effexor) - Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and Safety - Doctor Explains

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 13:04:34 +0000

In this video we will cover everything you need to know about Venlafaxine, also known as Effexor. This video is part of a video series on mental health problems. So for more mental health related videos check out this playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playli....st?list=PLaG3Bo3L0gX

Generic name: Venlafaxine.
Brand names: Effexor.
Available as a tablet and capsule.

How to use it?
- Tablet or capsule: swallow it whole with half a glass of water. Don’t break the capsule or tablet, do not chew on it and don’t dissolve it in water, as this can decrease its effectivity.
In addition it is advised to take venlafaxine during a meal, as this can decrease your chances on side effects.

When to use it?
Venlafaxine is part of a group of drugs called SNRIs. It can be used to treat several medical conditions:
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Neuropathic pain

What is the correct dosage?
The precise dose will depend on your specific indication of use, the side effect you might experience and the severity of your symptoms.Therefore always use the precise amount and frequency your doctor prescribed you.

- However, when treating a depression in adults a common dose would be: 75–375 mg per day.
- When treating anxiety disorders your doctor might prescribe a dose of: 75–225 mg 1×/day.
- For neuropathic pain your doctor might initially start with a dose of 37.5 mg 1×/day. This can be increased to 75–225 mg per day.

What are common the side-effects?
- Very common (10%): insomnia, dizziness, headache, dry mouth, sedation, nausea, constipation and sweating.
- Common (1–10%): weight change, decreased appetite, abnormal dreams, agitation, decreased libido, tremor, altered taste, somnolence, confusion, yawning, visual disturbance, accommodation disorder, tinnitus, high blood pressure, palpitations, flushing, diarrhoea, vomiting, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, shivering , itching and bruising.
- Uncommon (0.1-1%): mania, hypomania, hallucinations, derealization, incoordination, low blood pressure, rash, urinary retention, urinary incontinence and abnormal liver function tests.
- Rare (0.01-0.1%): hepatitis, convulsions, pancreatitis, erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and several other serious side effects.

Safety:
First of all be careful to combine Venlafaxine with alcohol. As this might increase its dazing effects.
In addition, it can be dangerous to drive while using this drug. As it can cause you to become drowsy, sleepy and/or dizzy. If you experiencing any of these side effects then please do not drive.
Furthermore, Venlafaxine can have interactions with other drugs your are taking. always discuss this with your prescribing doctor.

We will end this video by taking a look at the safety of Venlafaxine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Unfortunately it can be dangerous in both cases, however there are some exceptions. Therefore always discuss this with your doctor.

- Disclaimer: this video and the comments are meant purely informational! This is not medical advice! If you are looking for medical advice always contact your own doctor. -

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- Sebastian Houwing: Investor

Literature:
1: Farmacotherapeutisch Kompas. (2021). Venlafaxine.
2: Apotheek.nl (2021). Venlafaxine.

* The images in this video are used for educational purposes only. Most of the images and videos in this video come from https://www.canva.com/.

Music:
1. Verified Picasso, Fish Room
2. Patrick Patrikos, Good Times
3: Patrick Patrikios, Rockville
4: Patrick Patrikios, Grut

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