Venlafaxine for anxiety, also known as Effexor, is widely used to treat various disorders. In fact, data shows that over 30% of adults in the United States experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives, and Venlafaxine is among the treatments.
These disorders can disrupt daily life, making it hard to handle routine tasks like work, school, and personal relationships. Dr. Ed Ratush, in the HealingUS podcast, highlights how anxiety has become a common issue for many people today. He discusses how doctors like him use mindfulness, technology, and strong patient relationships to help manage and treat anxiety effectively. Dr. Ratush also talks about new developments in anxiety treatment in the U.S. and the personal commitment needed for healing.
If you or your loved ones are suffering from anxiety, read this guide to make a good move. This article discusses venlafaxine for anxiety. It highlights potential side effects and substances to avoid while taking Venlafaxine.
What is Venlafaxine?
Venlafaxine (Effexor) is an antidepressant in the Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI) class. It helps boost serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain, which improves mood and mental balance.
Venlafaxine is officially used to treat major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. It also helps ease symptoms of:
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
- Migraines and tension headaches
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Fibromyalgia
Effexor is FDA-approved for treating anxiety and depression. Mild side effects like headaches and drowsiness may occur, but these usually fade as the body adjusts to the medication.
Can You Use Venlafaxine for Anxiety?
To treat anxiety, medication is not the only solution; diet, lifestyle, environment, and many other aspects play a crucial role. Studies show that no medication can fully cure anxiety. Even though venlafaxine cannot wholly cure anxiety, it can reduce anxiety symptoms. It is FDA-approved for treating anxiety disorders by adjusting the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. This helps improve mood and provides relief from anxiety.
Venlafaxine can be used for:
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
- Panic disorder (PD)
- Specific phobias
- Separation anxiety disorder
By boosting these brain chemicals, venlafaxine helps people manage anxiety better and feel more balanced.
How to Take Venlafaxine for Anxiety
Venlafaxine for anxiety can be taken daily with food, either in the morning or evening. It’s important to stick to the prescribed dosage to avoid health issues from missed doses or overdoses.
Forms of venlafaxine include:
- Oral capsule
- Oral tablet
- Immediate release
- Extended-release
Venlafaxine Dosage For Anxiety Disorders
Dosages of venlafaxine (Effexor) vary based on
- Age
- Health
- Other Medical Conditions
A standard starting dose is 37.5 mg to 75 mg daily. Doctors may start with a lower dose to see how it works. If there’s no improvement, they can increase it to 225 mg daily.
It takes time for venlafaxine to work. Most antidepressants can take up to six weeks to relieve anxiety. Venlafaxine usually takes four to six weeks for full effects, but some people may feel better within the first one or two weeks.
Side Effects of Venlafaxine While Treating Anxiety
Like many medications, venlafaxine for anxiety (Effexor) can cause side effects. Most people experience only mild side effects, especially in the first week of treatment.
Common side effects of venlafaxine (Effexor):
- Drowsiness
- Sweating
- Shaking
- Headaches
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Trouble sleeping
- Diarrhea
- Changes in appetite
Serious side effects of venlafaxine (Effexor) that may require immediate attention:
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Breathing problems
- Seizures
- Irregular heartbeat
- Serotonin syndrome
- Hyponatremia
- Mania
- Angle-closure glaucoma
Your doctor can start you on a low dose that increases gradually to help minimize these side effects.
Substances to Avoid While Taking Venlafaxine
Taking certain medications, herbs, or supplements with venlafaxine (Effexor) can change how it works or increase the risk of serious side effects. Don’t start, stop, or change any medications without your doctor’s approval.
Venlafaxine can interact with various substances, leading to worsened side effects and health complications. Key interactions include:
- Blood thinners: Increases the risk of excessive bleeding.
- Benzodiazepines: Heightens the severity of side effects from both.
- Migraine medications: Raise the risk of serotonin syndrome.
- NSAIDs: Increases the risk of bleeding.
- MAOIs: Using MAOIs with Effexor can lead to serotonin syndrome.
- Thioridazine: Increases the risk of serotonin syndrome when mixed with Effexor.
- Pimozide: Increases the risk of serotonin syndrome when combined with Effexor.
- Alcohol: Can worsen symptoms and mimic overdose effects.
Always check with your doctor about potential risks when using Venlafaxine for anxiety.
FAQs: Venlafaxine for Anxiety
Q: How fast does venlafaxine work for anxiety?
A: Venlafaxine usually takes 4 to 6 weeks to work fully, but you might start feeling better in 1 to 2 weeks. Common side effects like nausea, headaches, sweating, and dry mouth usually fade after a few weeks.
Q: Why is venlafaxine called a happy pill?
A: Venlafaxine is called a “happy pill” because it increases serotonin and noradrenaline, chemicals that improve mood.
Q: What happens if I stop venlafaxine?
A: Stopping venlafaxine suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms like irritability, nausea, dizziness, and headaches. Missing doses may also cause a return of your symptoms.
Q: Does venlafaxine help with panic attacks?
A: Yes, venlafaxine (Effexor XR) is approved to treat panic disorder.
Q: Is venlafaxine better than SSRIs?
A: Venlafaxine may work faster than SSRIs, and some people’s remission rates are better by the second week of treatment.
How Recovery Relevance Can Help?
If you’re dealing with anxiety or the effects of venlafaxine, don’t worry! Relevance Recovery has experts available 24/7 to check your symptoms and see if Effexor is right for you.
Start with our free assessment to quickly determine if treatment is a good choice. If so, we’ll connect you with a clinician who can prescribe medication. We’re proud to be a leading provider in New Jersey, helping you on your path to better mental health!
