Effexor Xr
Major Depressive Disorder
37.5mg · 75mg · 150mg
Venlafaxine capsules for depression and generalised anxiety. They raise both serotonin and noradrenaline, a broader action than SSRIs.
From$1.07/ capsuleView
Venlafaxine
One venlafaxine product sits on this shelf: Effexor XR, in 37.5 mg, 75 mg and 150 mg capsules, for Major Depressive Disorder and Generalised Anxiety Disorder.
Key points
- Venlafaxine carries a boxed warning for increased suicidal thoughts in people under 24, especially during the first months of treatment or after a dose increase.
- Do not take venlafaxine with MAO inhibitors, linezolid or methylene blue; a washout period is required between stopping one and starting the other.
- Stopping venlafaxine abruptly can cause dizziness, tingling, nausea and irritability.
How does Venlafaxine work?
Venlafaxine blocks the transport proteins that pull serotonin and noradrenaline back into nerve cells, leaving more of both available in the brain. At lower doses it acts mainly on serotonin; at higher doses it also raises noradrenaline. Among Antidepressants, this dual action sets venlafaxine apart from SSRIs, which affect serotonin alone.
Further reading
What is venlafaxine used for?
Venlafaxine is used to treat major depressive disorder, generalised anxiety disorder and panic disorder.
How does venlafaxine affect serotonin and noradrenaline?
Venlafaxine blocks the transport proteins that pull serotonin and noradrenaline back into nerve cells, leaving more of both available in the brain. At lower doses it acts mainly on serotonin, while at higher doses it also raises noradrenaline. This dual action sets it apart from SSRIs, which affect serotonin alone.
How long does venlafaxine take to work?
Venlafaxine usually takes 1 to 4 weeks to show its full effect.
What are the side effects of venlafaxine?
Common side effects include nausea, drowsiness (somnolence) and dry mouth. Other side effects can include insomnia, sweating and sexual dysfunction. Serious side effects include suicidal ideation and serotonin syndrome, which require immediate medical attention.
Can venlafaxine be taken with alcohol or other medicines?
Alcohol can interact with venlafaxine. Do not take venlafaxine with MAO inhibitors, linezolid or methylene blue, and a washout period is required between stopping an MAO inhibitor and starting venlafaxine. Venlafaxine also interacts with aspirin.
In which products can I find venlafaxine?
On Direct Meds, venlafaxine comes as Effexor XR. Compare their forms, strengths and packs.
What does venlafaxine cost in rand?
Compare the rand prices for each product, strength and pack above. Prices are converted from US dollars.
Payment and prices →Is venlafaxine available over the counter in South Africa?
Yes, online. Direct Meds does not ask for a prescription to order venlafaxine. We are a broker, not a dispensing pharmacy. We arrange orders and delivery with our affiliated supplier on your behalf.
Ordering without a prescription →Do you deliver venlafaxine to South Africa?
Yes. Our affiliated supplier delivers across South Africa. Estimated delivery is 7 days with Express Delivery, which includes online tracking, or up to 3 weeks with Regular Delivery.
How ordering works →