Not medical advice. This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. Venlafaxine requires a valid prescription.
Venlafaxine
Generic Name: VENLAFAXINE
DESCRIPTION Venlafaxine hydrochloride is a structurally novel antidepressant for oral administration.
Data last updated: 30 March 2026 · Source: openFDA.gov, DailyMed (NLM/NIH)
Common Brand Names in India:
What is Venlafaxine Used For?
- Major depressive disorder
How Does It Work?
Preclinical studies have shown that venlafaxine and its active metabolite, O-desmethylvenlafaxine (ODV), are potent inhibitors of neuronal serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake and weak inhibitors of dopamine reuptake.
Dosage & Administration
- DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Initial Treatment The recommended starting dose for venlafaxine tablets is 75 mg/day, administered in two or three divided doses, taken with food.
- Depending on tolerability and the need for further clinical effect, the dose may be increased to 150 mg/day.
- If needed, the dose should be further increased up to 225 mg/day.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects
Serious Side Effects (seek immediate medical attention)
Warnings & Precautions
- WARNINGS Clinical Worsening and Suicide Risk Patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), both adult and pediatric, may experience worsening of their depression and/or the emergence of suicidal ideation and behavior (suicidality) or unusual changes in behavior, whether or not they are taking antidepressant medications, and this risk may persist until significant remission occurs.
- Suicide is a known risk of depression and certain other psychiatric disorders, and these disorders themselves are the strongest predictors of suicide.
- Pooled analyses of short-term placebo-controlled trials of antidepressant drugs (SSRIs and others) showed that these drugs increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults (ages 18 to 24) with major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders.
- Short-term studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults beyond age 24; there was a reduction with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults aged 65 and older.
- There was considerable variation in risk of suicidality among drugs, but a tendency toward an increase in the younger patients for almost all drugs studied.
Who Should NOT Take This?
- CONTRAINDICATIONS Hypersensitivity to venlafaxine hydrochloride or to any excipients in the formulation.
- The use of MAOIs intended to treat psychiatric disorders with venlafaxine tablets or within 7 days of stopping treatment with venlafaxine tablets is contraindicated because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome.
Drug Interactions
Venlafaxine may interact with the following medicines. Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.
Storage Instructions
Store at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
Speak to a psychiatrist on Zospital
Consult a psychiatrist on Zospital before starting Venlafaxine. Verified Indian specialists available for in-clinic and online consultations.
Other Mental Health Medicines
Sources: openFDA.gov · dailymed.nlm.nih.gov · nlm.nih.gov (RxNorm). Information is for educational purposes only. Consult a doctor before use.
FAQS
Venlafaxine – Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Venlafaxine, its uses, dosage and safety.
Venlafaxine is commonly prescribed in India for: Major depressive disorder. Always confirm the indication with a registered medical practitioner before starting any course.
Venlafaxine is sold in India under brand names such as Effexor, Vencip, Venlor, Veniz, Venlafaxine. You can also find it on online pharmacies like 1mg, Pharmeasy and Apollo Pharmacy.
Venlafaxine is a prescription-only (Schedule H) medicine in India. You will need a valid prescription from a registered MBBS / MD doctor to purchase it from a licensed pharmacy.
Common side effects of Venlafaxine can include: Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Constipation, Headache, Dizziness, Dry mouth, Insomnia. Less common but serious side effects can include: Anaphylaxis, Agranulocytosis, Aplastic, Suicidal, Seizure. Stop the medicine and contact your doctor immediately if any of these appear.
Preclinical studies have shown that venlafaxine and its active metabolite, O-desmethylvenlafaxine (ODV), are potent inhibitors of neuronal serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake and weak inhibitors of dopamine reuptake.
Venlafaxine can interact with: Alcohol, Cimetidine, Diazepam, Venlafaxine, Haloperidol, Protein. Tell your doctor about every medicine, supplement and herbal product you take — including ayurvedic and homeopathy preparations — before starting Venlafaxine.
Indian guidelines often recommend lower starting doses of Venlafaxine for patients above 60-65, since kidney and liver function decline with age. A doctor should review the dose, especially if the patient already takes BP, sugar or heart medicines.
Pregnancy safety of Venlafaxine depends on the trimester and individual case. Indian gynaecologists usually avoid Category C/D drugs unless benefit clearly outweighs risk. Speak to your obstetrician before taking Venlafaxine during pregnancy or while planning conception.
Prices in India typically range from ₹30 – ₹500 per strip / vial depending on brand. Generic versions tend to cost 30-60% less than branded ones, and Jan Aushadhi outlets often stock the lowest-priced equivalents. Check 1mg or Pharmeasy for live MRP.
If you remember within a few hours of the missed dose, take it. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one — never double up. Frequent missed doses reduce Venlafaxine's effectiveness, so consider setting a reminder or speaking to your doctor about a simpler schedule.
You can book an in-person or online consultation with a verified Indian specialist on Zospital — visit the doctor directory at https://zospital.com/doctor to find one near you.
Medical Disclaimer
The content provided on Zospital is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.