FDA approved
Generic for Effexor®Venlafaxine
Starting at $49/mo
Getting psychiatric care for anxiety and depression has never been more convenient. Consult with a healthcare provider through our platform to determine whether a medication like venlafaxine could be right for you.Details
- Prescribed by a healthcare provider experienced in treating anxiety & depression, if appropriate
- Unlimited provider messaging
- Free dosage adjustments
What is venlafaxine?
Venlafaxine is a prescription drug, notably the first of a newer type called SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) that offer an alternative to SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). The Food and Drug Administration first approved the drug in 1993 to treat depression in adults and later in 1997 as an extended release (XR) version. It is marketed under the brand name Effexor®.
Venlafaxine uses
Venlafaxine (generic for Effexor XR®) is approved by the FDA to treat major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety order (SAD), and panic disorder (PD). Not all mental health conditions can be treated by a provider through our platform. Those who are not candidates for treatment through our platform should consider seeking care from a medical provider in person to evaluate potential options for treatment.
How venlafaxine works
Venlafaxine affects the balance of two chemicals within the brain. Like other SNRIs, venlafaxine specifically inhibits the nervous system from reabsorbing both serotonin and norepinephrine. Relative to other SNRIs, venlafaxine targets serotonin more than norepinephrine.
Venlafaxine drug interactions
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs, such as linezolid, methylene blue, etc), increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a mild to life-threatening build up of serotonin in the system. Similarly, venlafaxine can interact with other agents that affect serotonin in the brain, such as tricyclic antidepressants, certain pain medications, supplements that contain St. John's Wort or tryptophan. Be prepared to share all prescription and over the counter medications, as well as any other products you take, with your provider.
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How to get venlafaxine online with Hers
1. Simple consultation
Complete an online mental health assessment and intake form, then connect with a healthcare provider through our platform.
2. Free delivery
Get venlafaxine shipped to you for free, if prescribed.
3. Ongoing support
Enjoy secure, ongoing support 100% online—including refills and unlimited dosage adjustments.
What’s an SNRI?
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) zero in on mood-affecting chemicals in the brain and help to regulate their levels to improve your symptoms. Nice, right?
The science of venlafaxine
Your brain naturally makes chemicals that make you feel good, like serotonin and norepinephrine. Venlafaxine keeps neurons from reabsorbing these chemicals so that you have more of them available in your brain, and focuses more on serotonin than other SNRIs. Long story short? This can help relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Venlafaxine
Good to know
Venlafaxine side effects
The most common side effects of venlafaxine include unusual dreams, sexual problems, loss of appetite, constipation, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, or dry mouth, feeling tired, fatigued or overly sleepy, change in sleep habits, problems sleeping, yawning, tremor or shaking, dizziness, blurred vision, sweating, feeling anxious, nervous or jittery, headache, increase in heart rate. Venlafaxine can increase blood pressure and this should be monitored. Discuss any side effects you experience with your provider.
Venlafaxine
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Real results from women like you
* Results vary. Data were self-reported between 11/26/2021 and 08/01/2022 by Hers customers who 1) signed up between 11/04/2021 and 05/04/2022; 2) were prescribed antidepressant medication by a provider after their first consultation on the Hers platform; and 3) had an active subscription for such psychiatric medication through the Hers platform within 90 days after signing up.
Frequently asked questions about venlafaxine
How long does it take for venlafaxine (generic for Effexor®) to work?
Does venlafaxine cause hair loss?
What are the serious side effects of venlafaxine?
- suicidal thoughts
- agitation
- mania
- seizures
- drowsiness
- high blood pressure
- serotonin syndrome
- eye pain or problems
- new or worsened depression or anxiety
Can you take venlafaxine if you are pregnant?
Who should not take venlafaxine?
Is there an immediate release version of venlafaxine?
Learn more about venlafaxine
Important safety information
Learn more about venlafaxine
Important safety information
Important Safety Information
- are allergic to Venlafaxine, or any of the ingredients in Venlafaxine
- take any medicines called monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), or if you have stopped taking an MAOI within the last 14 days
- are drinking alcohol
- are using or abusing recreation drugs or prescription medications
- increased heart rate, low blood pressure
- increased salivation
- irregular menstrual cycle
- increased frequency of urination, difficulty urinating
- changes in taste
- low sodium (symptoms of low sodium levels may include headache, weakness, difficulty concentrating and remembering)
- teeth grinding
- angle closure glaucoma (symptoms of angle closure glaucoma may include eye pain, changes in vision, swelling or redness in or around eye)
- serotonin syndrome (symptoms may include shivering, diarrhea, confusion, severe muscle tightness, fever, seizures, and death)
- increased risk of bleeding events when combined with use of aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. ibuprofen, naproxen), warfarin, and other anticoagulants
- have thoughts of suicide or harming yourself
- have a history of psychiatric or medical problems, including bipolar disorder
- have taken any medication in the past for your condition, whether effective or not
- have suffered adverse or side effects from previous medication therapies
- are receiving any non-medication treatment, such as talk therapy
- drink alcohol or use/abuse recreational or prescription drugs
- are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
- any other serotonergic medications, migraine medications (triptans), pain medications, antibiotic linezolid
- aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. ibuprofen, naproxen), warfarin, and other anticoagulants
- Mix medicines (liquid or pills; do not crush tablets or capsules) with an unappealing substance such as dirt, cat litter, or used coffee grounds;
- Place the mixture in a container such as a sealed plastic bag;
- Throw away the container in your trash at home; and
- Delete all personal information on the prescription label of empty medicine bottles or medicine packaging, then trash or recycle the empty bottle or packaging.
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Mental health supplements
Whether you want help sleeping, or just need a moment of calm, find a better state of mind with our mental health supplements.
* Controlled substances, including amphetamines (such as Adderall) or benzodiazepines (such as Xanax and Valium) are not available through our platform.