Effexor (venlafaxine): what it does and what to watch for

Effexor is a commonly prescribed SNRI antidepressant. Many people find faster mood and anxiety relief with it compared to older drugs — but it also comes with some side effects and a withdrawal syndrome that deserves respect. This page gives clear, practical info you can use now: why doctors pick it, common effects, dosing basics, and how to stop without trouble.

How Effexor works and who it's for

Effexor boosts serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps lift mood and reduce anxiety. Doctors prescribe it for major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety. Typical adult doses start at 37.5–75 mg a day and may go up to 225 mg for some patients. Effexor XR is the extended-release form most people use to keep blood levels steady.

Side effects, risks, and stopping safely

Common side effects include nausea, headache, sweating, insomnia, dry mouth, and sexual changes. It can raise blood pressure at higher doses, so your doctor will usually check your blood pressure after starting or raising the dose. Serious but rare problems include serotonin syndrome (if mixed with other serotonergic drugs) and allergic reactions.

Stopping Effexor suddenly often causes a withdrawal syndrome: dizziness, electric shock sensations, vivid dreams, mood swings, flu-like symptoms, and irritability. Because Effexor has a relatively short half-life, withdrawal can start within a few days of missing a dose.

To stop Effexor safely, work with your prescriber on a gradual taper. Cutting the dose slowly over weeks or months lowers the chance of withdrawal. If withdrawal symptoms appear, slowing the taper or temporarily increasing the dose can help. Never stop on your own, especially if you’ve been on the drug for months or at high doses.

Watch for interactions: avoid combining Effexor with MAO inhibitors, certain triptans, or other SNRIs/SSRIs without medical guidance. Check with your clinician before adding herbal supplements like St. John's wort. If you drink alcohol, moderate intake is safer — alcohol can worsen depression and some side effects.

If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, tell your doctor. Effexor can have risks during pregnancy and may require a specialist’s input to weigh benefits and risks. If you experience worsening depression, self-harm thoughts, sudden chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or signs of serotonin syndrome (fever, agitation, fast heartbeat, tremor), seek emergency care.

Need a plan? Ask your prescriber these three things: what target dose they expect, how long to stay on treatment, and a clear taper schedule if you stop. That short conversation makes starting or stopping Effexor a lot safer and less stressful.