Venlafaxine

Also sold as Venlafaxine, Venlafaxine Hydrochloride, venlafaxine

Medicine summary · from official FDA labels · Oct 19, 2026

Serious warning: Suicidality and Antidepressant Drugs Antidepressants increased the risk compared to placebo of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of venlafaxine tablets or any other antidepressant in a child, adolescent, or young adult must balance this risk with the clinical need.

8 recalls on record — a recall affects specific batches; check with your pharmacist.

What it’s used for

Venlafaxine extended-release tablets are a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) indicated for: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) ( 1. 1 ) Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) ( 1.

How to take it

Venlafaxine extended-release tablets should be administered in a single dose with food either in the morning or in the evening at approximately the same time each day. Each tablet should be swallowed whole with fluid and not divided, crushed, chewed, or placed in water.

Important warnings

Serotonin Syndrome : Serotonin syndrome has been reported with SSRIs and SNRIs, including venlafaxine extended-release tablets, both when taken alone, but especially when co-administered with other serotonergic agents. If such symptoms occur, discontinue venlafaxine extended-release tablets and serotonergic agents and initiate supportive treatment.

Common side effects

Major Depressive Disorder - Adverse events in short-term studies that occurred in at least 5% of the patients receiving venlafaxine extended-release capsules and at a rate at least twice that of the placebo group were abnormal ejaculation, gastrointestinal complaints (nausea, dry mouth, and anorexia), CNS complaints (dizziness, somnolence, and abnormal dreams), and sweating. Social Anxiety Disorder - Adverse events in short-term studies that occurred in at least 5% of the patients receiving venlafaxine extended-release capsules and at a rate at least twice that of the placebo group were asthenia, gastrointestinal complaints (anorexia, dry mouth, nausea), CNS complaints (anxiety, insomnia, libido decreased, nervousness, somnolence, dizziness), abnormalities of sexual function (abnormal ejaculation, orgasmic dysfunction, impotence), yawn, sweating, and abnormal vision.

Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS MAOI's: concomitant use contraindicated ( 4 ).

If pregnant or breastfeeding

Forms & strengths

100 MG Oral Tablet · 25 MG Oral Tablet · 37.5 MG Oral Tablet · 75 MG Oral Tablet · 50 MG Oral Tablet

Questions to ask your doctor or pharmacist

Is this the right medicine for my condition, and how long should I take it?
What side effects should I watch for, and which need urgent attention?
Does this interact with my other medicines, supplements, or alcohol?
What should I do if I miss a dose or take too much?