SNRIPrescription only
Venlafaxine
Tablet or capsule
Quick Summary
Venlafaxine increases serotonin and noradrenaline.
Depression
Anxiety disorders
Medical Uses
Depression: When other treatments haven't worked.
Anxiety disorders: Generalised and social anxiety.
How it's taken
Take with food at the same time each day.
Your doctor decides the right dose for you and how long to take it.
Your doctor decides the right dose for you. Follow their instructions and the label.
Common Side Effects
Nausea
Common.
Raised blood pressure
Checked regularly.
Sweating
Common.
Interactions
Other antidepressants, tramadol and triptans
Risk of serotonin syndrome.
Critical Warnings
Thoughts of self-harm
Black Box Warning: Get help immediately: call 112 or Tele-MANAS (14416).
Don't stop suddenly
Your doctor will help you reduce it slowly.
Sources and further reading
Last updated 21 October 2026. For more detail, see these trusted health organisations.
- Venlafaxine: drug information(opens in a new tab) · MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Venlafaxine: an antidepressant medicine(opens in a new tab) · NHS