FDA-approved

Generic for Effexor^®

Venlafaxine

Starting at $49/mo

Getting psychiatric care for anxiety and depression has never been simpler. Consult with a licensed healthcare provider to determine whether a medication like venlafaxine could be right for you.

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Details

Prescribed by a healthcare provider experienced in treating anxiety & depression, if appropriate
Unlimited provider messaging
Unlimited 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.

Only available if prescribed after an online consultation with a healthcare provider.

Controlled substances such as Xanax and Adderall are not available through our platform.

This page has been medically reviewed by Sylvia Valadez, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC.

Important safety information

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Answer a few questions about your symptoms and health history. A licensed provider will review through our platform.

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Venlafaxine

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.

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Featured reviews

Real results from guys like you

Kyle

I truly felt like Hims took my symptoms and how I felt into careful consideration. Now, I know I can reach out to my practitioner at any time on my phone and can make adjustments as needed.

Sam

I was able to secure an online appointment way faster than I had imagined and was back on my regular medication schedule within maybe a week or so of that consultation.

Nick

I found support that I rarely experienced in a traditional clinical setting. They made me feel like there was no reason not to get help. No judgment. No unnecessary tests. Just support and solutions.

Jeff

The process could not have been easier! I submitted a form, and within the day I was chatting with a provider. I never felt judged.

Justin

It has given me the treatment I needed without the hassle and perceived stigmas. I can’t thank Hims enough.

These customers’ results have not been independently verified. Individual results will vary. Customers were given free product.

75%

Feel better

Over 75% of Hims customers who checked in with their provider reported improvements in their mental health symptoms.¹

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1. Results vary. Data were self-reported between 11/26/2021 and 08/01/2022 by Hims 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 Hims platform; and 3) had an active subscription for such antidepressant medication through the Hims platform within 90 days after signing up.

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Frequently asked questions about venlafaxine

How long does it take for venlafaxine (generic for Effexor) to work?

Venlafaxine was shown to be effective as a treatment for major depressive disorder in clinical trials lasting 8-12 weeks and as a treatment for generalized anxiety disorder in clinical trials lasting 8 weeks to 6 months. If you start taking venlafaxine and do not feel any improvement in your condition, talk to your healthcare provider. Do not stop taking venlafaxine without consulting your doctor.

Does venlafaxine cause hair loss?

Hair loss is not a generally recognized side effect of venlafaxine. However, all medications carry a risk of new or unusual side effects. If you start taking venlafaxine and notice a significant increase in hair loss, talk to your healthcare provider.

Can you get venlafaxine online?

Consult with a psychiatrist or other qualified psychiatry provider online through our platform. If prescribed venlafaxine, genuine venlafaxine XR will be shipped to you discreetly. You’ll have ongoing check-ins with a healthcare provider to evaluate whether your treatment plan is working.

Does venlafaxine interact with other drugs?

Who should not take venlafaxine?

You should seek medical advice from a healthcare professional before taking venlafaxine if you have any of the following medical conditions: seizures, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, glaucoma, kidney disease, or liver disease. You should also talk to your doctor before taking venlafaxine if you are breastfeeding. Talk to a health care professional about drug information, common or more serious side effects, and potential withdrawal symptoms.

Does venlafaxine make you gain weight?

One possible side effect of venlafaxine is weight changes, such as weight loss or weight gain. Some patients experience a sudden drop in appetite, which can cause rapid or unhealthy weight loss.

Is venlafaxine a controlled substance?

No, venlafaxine is not considered a controlled substance according to the Controlled Substances Act. It is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Because SNRIs are generally considered non-addictive, they do not fall under the controlled substance category.

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