When it comes to mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety disorders, there are many treatment options that can help reduce the impact of symptoms on your day-to-day life. For instance, your health care provider is likely to recommend therapy. However, it’s also possible that they’ll prescribe you an antidepressant, such as Effexor.

Effexor is the brand name for venlafaxine, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor that may be used to treat people with major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder or panic disorders. It may be prescribed to you if your symptoms are too severe to manage on your own or if they aren’t being improved with other options, such as psychotherapy alone.

Just like every type of medication, Effexor can come with some side effects. By learning about these side effects, you can know what to expect and when to talk to your doctor about concerning symptoms. It’s also important to understand how your body will react if you miss a dose, leading to withdrawal symptoms.

8 side effects of Effexor

Effexor works to alleviate depression and anxiety symptoms by increasing the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Serotonin plays a role in mood regulation, while norepinephrine affects your body’s “fight-or-flight” response, impacting your stress reaction. By boosting the levels of these neurotransmitters, Effexor can help reduce and manage symptoms on a daily basis.

While Effexor can play a positive role in your mental health journey, there are a few side effects that you may experience as well. Here are eight key side effects of Effexor: 

1. Difficulties having or keeping an erection
2. Ejaculation issues 
3. Decreased libido
4. Sweating
5. Dry mouth
6. Sleepiness
7. Nausea
8. Constipation

Although these are the most common side effects of Effexor, there are more severe side effects that may require emergency services, including a fast heartbeat and seizures.

8 withdrawal symptoms of Effexor to know about

Your body can have side effects from taking Effexor as prescribed, but you may also have a reaction if you miss a dose or suddenly stop taking it without proper tapering and approval from your doctor. 

Effexor has a short half-life. A half-life refers to the amount of time it takes for the dosage of the active substance to decrease by half. It indicates how long the drug stays in the body. In the case of Effexor, the active ingredient is venlafaxine hydrochloride, and it has a half-life ranging from five to 13 hours. The length can vary depending on whether the formula is immediate or extended release.

Due to the short half-life, your body can register quite quickly when the next dose needs to be taken. If it’s not taken as prescribed, such as if you miss a dose, it can lead to withdrawal symptoms or discontinuation syndrome.

Here are some noticeable effects of withdrawing from Effexor:

1. Dizziness
2. Heightened irritability
3. Unusual dreams, including nightmares
4. Confusion
5. Diarrhea
6. Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
7. Restlessness 
8. Appetite changes

If you want to withdraw from Effexor safely and effectively, be sure to collaborate with your health care provider on the best process, such as slowly decreasing your dosage over time. If you accidentally forget a dose, take it as soon as possible, though you should still call your doctor to determine if your schedule needs to be adjusted or if you should skip the next dose.

Lightfully can help you manage your mental health, including managing Effexor side effects

For many people with persistent or worsening depression or anxiety, medication can be an effective treatment that helps to improve their overall quality of life. If you’re prescribed Effexor, knowing what to expect from the side effects can reduce the uncertainty and make you more aware of how your body is reacting to the medicine. Your doctor can help you every step of the way, including managing potential adjustments, safe tapering and withdrawal symptoms.

If you need more intensive care beyond outpatient therapy and medication, Lightfully can help. Not only do we treat your entire person at every level, but we also include medication management with psychiatrist meetings. Clients in our Residential Treatment and Partial Hospitalization Program have weekly psychiatrist meetings, and the Intensive Outpatient Program and Virtual Inpatient Outpatient Program have psychiatrist meetings as needed.

Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.