What it is used for

Depression
Generalised anxiety disorder
Social anxiety disorder and panic disorder

Read our guides:

Off-label uses

Doctors sometimes prescribe a medicine for a condition it is not officially licensed for. This is called off-label use. It is legal and common when there is good evidence it helps, and your doctor should explain why they are suggesting it.

Hot flushes during the menopause or after breast cancer treatment
Nerve pain and preventing migraine

How it works

Venlafaxine increases serotonin and, at higher doses, noradrenaline in the brain. These chemical messengers help regulate mood and anxiety.

Side effects

Like all medicines, Venlafaxine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Many are mild and ease after the first few weeks.

Common side effects

feeling sick
headache
sweating
dry mouth
trouble sleeping
dizziness
constipation
sexual problems

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if these bother you or do not go away.

Serious side effects

These are rare. Call 111 or contact your doctor straight away if you get:

thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life
a fast or irregular heartbeat, or chest pain
very high blood pressure, with a severe headache
signs of serotonin syndrome

Call 999 if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of your lips, mouth, throat or tongue, or trouble breathing.

You can report any side effect to the Yellow Card scheme, run by the medicines regulator.

Stopping and withdrawal

Important safety information

It can raise blood pressure. Your doctor may check it.
It is more dangerous in overdose than SSRIs.
Try not to miss doses.

Questions about your medicine?

A pharmacist can answer questions about your medicines for free, without an appointment. You can also ask your GP for a medication review. Check if you can get free prescriptions.