How to take Venlafaxine
Swallow Venlafaxine whole with water; don’t crush, chew, or dissolve the tablet. It should be taken with food. Take it around the same time each day, either in the morning or evening.
Don’t stop taking Venlafaxine without your clinician’s consent. Stopping suddenly can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as tiredness, aggression, and nightmares. If you want to stop, let your clinician know, and they’ll help gradually reduce your dose.
How long does Venlafaxine take to work?
Venlafaxine is absorbed relatively quickly (within a few hours), but it can take up to two weeks to start seeing the benefits.[1] Initially, your mood and anxiety might improve. By week six, you should feel the full effects of the medicine. If you don’t feel better after six weeks, let your clinician know; they may increase your dose or recommend alternative treatments.
What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Venlafaxine?
If you took more than the recommended dose of Venlafaxine, seek medical attention immediately. Taking too much Venlafaxine can be life-threatening, especially if taken with alcohol or other substances.
If you forget to take Venlafaxine, don’t worry. Take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s nearly time for your next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue taking your medicine as normal.
Treated trusted source:
- Khan, A., et al. (1998). The Use of Venlafaxine in the Treatment of Major Depression and Major Depression Associated With Anxiety. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 18(1), pp.19–25.
This page was medically reviewed by
Dr Daniel Atkinson on No date provided. Next review due on
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