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Many treatments are available for anxiety, including medications, therapies, and lifestyle changes. Effexor is one frequently prescribed medication used to treat anxiety disorders. It is commonly prescribed in the extended-release formulation such as Effexor XR. The immediate-release version (Effexor) has been discontinued, but it is still available in a generic form as venlafaxine. But is Effexor good for anxiety? Read on to find out more.
What Is Effexor?
Venlafaxine (Effexor) is an antidepressant belonging to a group of medications called serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). SNRIs boost norepinephrine and serotonin and help the brain maintain the balance of those neurotransmitters.
Effexor XR is
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
- Migraines and tension headaches
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Fibromyalgia
*When medications are used off-label, this means that they are being used for conditions that they are not FDA-approved to treat. Healthcare professionals may use their professional judgement to decide to prescribe a medication off-label because they believe it may be able to treat the condition.
How Does Effexor Work for Anxiety
Three basic molecules, chemically called monoamines, are involved in mood regulation. They primarily function as neurotransmitters, delivering nerve signals to their respective receptors in the brain. Effexor is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) and works by affecting the following neurotransmitters:
- Norepinephrine: Influences motor function, focus, and alertness. It helps regulate the body’s stress response, blood pressure, and heart rate.
- Dopamine: Plays an essential role in motivation, decision-making, pleasure, and arousal.
- Serotonin: Regulates appetite, mood, sleep, memory, social behavior, and desires.
Simultaneously increasing norepinephrine and serotonin levels can be useful for treating depression and anxiety. Antidepressants such as Effexor increase the available amounts of these neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to less anxiety.
How Effective Is Effexor for Anxiety?
Clinical trials have shown that venlafaxine XR (Effexor XR) is
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Proper Effexor Dosage for Anxiety
Effexor for anxiety is commonly used in the form of extended-release capsules or tablets taken once per day.
- Extended-release Effexor XR is available both as a brand name and as generic extended-release venlafaxine. Effexor XR is only available as capsules, while extended-release venlafaxine is available as both tablets and capsules.
- Brand-name Effexor XR is available in the following strengths: 37.5 mg, 75 mg, and 150 mg. The typical starting dose of the extended-release Effexor XR is often 37.5 mg or 75 mg daily, taken once a day in the morning or evening. This dose can be increased based on individual response until reaching the maximum dose of 225 mg daily.
- Extended-release generic venlafaxine is available as capsules in strengths of 37.5 mg, 75 mg, and 150 mg, and as tablets in strengths additional strengths of 150 mg and 225 mg.
- Immediate-release venlafaxine tablets are available, however they are not commonly used for anxiety because they must be taken multiple times per day.
A healthcare provider will determine the correct dosage based on individual factors, including age, symptoms, current or prior medical conditions, and other medications. They will often start at a lower dose to learn how your body reacts to the medication and then increase it slowly until anxiety symptoms are controlled.
Availability of medications may change, and it’s important to always talk with your pharmacist about what is available at your pharmacy and consult with your healthcare provider regarding alternatives if the prescribed medication is not available.
How Long Does Effexor Take to Work
Anxiety medications can work differently in every individual, so how long it takes Effexor to work for you will depend on your specific response to the medication. It’s important to remember that it can take up to 6 to 12 weeks to experience the full effect of Effexor’s impact on anxiety symptoms.
This is a general timeline of what most people experience, but talk with your healthcare provider about what you can expect:
- Weeks 1 to 2: It’s possible to start to notice small improvements in your anxiety, such as less physical tension or improved sleep. Usually, this time is used to monitor for side effects at the lowest dosage of the medication.
- Weeks 3 to 6: Many people start to notice less symptoms of anxiety, and the dose is likely to be increased, reaching the maintenance dose. This is the dose you will continue taking if Effexor works for you.
- Weeks 8 to 12: At 12 weeks, it’s expected that you will be receiving the full effects of Effexor and know if it is a good treatment for you.
At MEDvidi, you can get ongoing support throughout your online anxiety treatment, including regular follow-up appointments where a healthcare provider will assess your response to the medication and treatment effectiveness.
What to Know Before Taking Effexor
Effexor is generally considered a safe medication, but all medications can cause side effects. Also, they may not be safe for people with certain health conditions, as these could interfere with the effectiveness or safety of the medication:
- Liver or kidney disease
- Allergies to venlafaxine
- Problems with bleeding or clotting
- High blood pressure or cholesterol
- Glaucoma
- Interstitial lung disease
- Seizures
Interactions With Effexor
It’s important to tell your healthcare professional about all over-the-counter and prescription medications, supplements, or herbs you take. Some substances can interact with Effexor, and your healthcare professional will help to determine if it is safe for you to take Effexor. Although this is not a complete list, examples of substances that may interfere with Effexor include:
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), which is a type of antidepressant.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are pain medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
- Blood thinners like warfarin that may be used for clotting or bleeding disorders.
- Alcohol.
Side Effects of Effexor
Effexor, like all medications, can cause side effects. Common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Vivid dreams
- Weight change
- Decreased appetite
- Insomnia (difficulty falling asleep)
- Increased sweating, including night sweats
- Sexual problems, such as lowered sex drive or difficulty achieving orgasm
Most people experience mild side effects, if any at all. Some of these side effects may get better with time.
Serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention include:
- Serotonin syndrome, a serious condition that can be life-threatening if not treated
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Low sodium levels (hyponatremia)
- Manic episodes in individuals who have a history of mental health issues
If a person experiences persistent or negative side effects after beginning treatment, they should contact a healthcare provider. Also, note that this is not a comprehensive list of side effects, so it’s important to talk with your healthcare provider about all possible adverse reactions before starting a new medication.
Safely Stopping Effexor
If you need to stop taking Effexor, it’s important not to stop abruptly because it can cause withdrawal symptoms, known as discontinuation syndrome. Examples of withdrawal symptoms include dizziness, nausea, headaches, agitation, and irritability. To avoid experiencing withdrawal, it’s important to talk with your healthcare provider. They will help to create a plan for you to slowly taper Effexor, decreasing the dose gradually over time, according to your response.
Alternatives to Effexor for Anxiety
Not everyone benefits from Effexor for different reasons. In this case, it’s possible your healthcare provider will suggest taking a different anxiety medication. Alternatives to Effexor include the following.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
SSRIs work directly on serotonin and include Zoloft (sertraline), Lexapro (escitalopram), and Celexa (citalopram). They are often used as a first-line treatment for anxiety.
Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
Effexor is an SNRI, but other SNRIs, including Cymbalta (duloxetine) and Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) may be a better fit for certain people.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines like Xanax (alprazolam) and Ativan (lorazepam) work quickly (within hours) to provide relief for anxiety. Although benzodiazepines can be a helpful option for treating anxiety, they should not be used long-term due to dependence and addiction risks.
Non-Medication Strategies
When treating anxiety, it’s important to consider other tools that can help you manage your symptoms. These can include lifestyle changes or cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Lifestyle changes can include increased physical activity, meditation, or even incorporating new routines that allow you to have consistently better sleep.
Wrapping Up
Effexor is an antidepressant used to treat generalized anxiety disorder and other types of anxiety. Being an SNRI medication, it boosts norepinephrine and serotonin levels, which regulate mood, sleep, and alertness.
Still, Effexor can have several side effects and interactions. Discussing your symptoms and health history with your healthcare provider before using the medicine is essential. It may take up to 12 weeks to notice the benefits of taking Effexor, so one should be patient when taking this medication. If you want to know more about pharmacological treatment for anxiety and get a personalized treatment plan, contact MEDvidi today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Effexor a good medication for anxiety?
How long does venlafaxine (Effexor) take to work for anxiety?
What can I take with Effexor for anxiety?
Does Effexor have a calming effect?
Yes. Usually, Effexor has a calming effect. By working on neurotransmitters in your brain, it can help to ease symptoms of anxiety and help you stabilize your nervous system.
When is the best time to take Effexor for anxiety?
The best time to take Effexor is a time that you can remember to take the medication regularly. You should try to take your dose at the same time every day.
Is a dose of 37.5 mg of venlafaxine enough for anxiety?
The starting dose of venlafaxine XR (Effexor XR) is usually 37.5 mg and allows the body to adjust to the medication. Some individuals may find this dose effective for their anxiety, while others will need higher doses. A healthcare provider will help to manage the dose of medication to ensure it is safe and effective for you.
