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medication

Venlafaxine

Also known as: Effexor

Chemical structure of Venlafaxine (PubChem CID 5656)
Structure via PubChem
Half-life
11 h
Typical timing
morning
Food rule
with food
Default unit
mg

Overview

Venlafaxine is an antidepressant medication belonging to the serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) class. It is primarily used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), and panic disorder (PD) (MedlinePlus). It is also sometimes used off-label for other conditions like neuropathic pain and hot flashes (DrugBank). Venlafaxine is available in immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (ER) formulations. The ER formulation is often preferred due to its once-daily dosing and potentially better tolerability profile compared to the IR version, which typically requires multiple daily doses (FDA label). As a prescription medication, its use is directed by a licensed clinician.

Deep dive

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Known interactions

  • Category rule: supplement × medication
    Note

    Some supplements change how the body processes medications (absorption, liver enzymes, or additive effects).

    Specific pairs are checked against a licensed drug database and shown with their own severity. Always confirm with your provider or pharmacist.

  • Category rule: vitamin × medication
    Note

    Certain vitamins interact with specific medications (e.g., vitamin K with blood thinners).

    Specific pairs are checked against a licensed source; confirm with your provider.

  • Compound-pair rule
    Avoid

    Combining SSRIs/SNRIs with MAOIs can cause life-threatening serotonin syndrome.

    Do not combine. Allow at least 14 days between stopping one and starting the other (5 weeks for fluoxetine).

  • Compound-pair rule
    Avoid

    Combining SSRIs/SNRIs with MAOIs can cause life-threatening serotonin syndrome.

    Do not combine. Allow at least 14 days between stopping one and starting the other (5 weeks for fluoxetine).

  • Compound-pair rule
    Avoid

    Combining SSRIs/SNRIs with MAOIs can cause life-threatening serotonin syndrome.

    Do not combine. Allow at least 14 days between stopping one and starting the other (5 weeks for fluoxetine).

  • Compound-pair rule
    Avoid

    Combining SSRIs/SNRIs with MAOIs can cause life-threatening serotonin syndrome.

    Do not combine. Allow at least 14 days between stopping one and starting the other (5 weeks for fluoxetine).

  • Compound-pair rule
    Avoid

    5-HTP raises serotonin and layered onto an SSRI/SNRI risks serotonin syndrome.

    Avoid combining 5-HTP with prescription serotonergic antidepressants.

  • Compound-pair rule
    Caution

    Additional serotonin precursor with an SSRI/SNRI can push serotonin too high.

    Do not combine without a prescribing clinician's guidance.

  • Compound-pair rule
    Avoid

    St John's Wort has serotonergic activity and induces CYP3A4, altering SSRI levels.

    Avoid combining.

Sources referenced

* Cochrane * DrugBank * Examine.com * FDA label * Mayo Clinic * MedlinePlus * PubChem

Stackwise compiles summaries from publicly available scientific and regulatory references. Always verify important decisions with a licensed clinician.

Related compounds

Others in the medication category or studied for the same goals.

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