Insurance acceptance varies by provider. Klarity is a marketplace platform and does not bill insurance directly.
Effexor (venlafaxine) is commonly prescribed to treat depression and other mood disorders. It helps regulate neurotransmitter levels in the brain, improving mood.
On Klarity Health, you can consult a licensed healthcare provider online and determine if an Effexor prescription or another medication is right for you. If medically appropriate, you may get an Effexor online prescription within 24 hours.* Some providers on Klarity accept 50+ major insurance plans.
Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy; a diagnosis, treatment, or prescription is not guaranteed.
Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy; a diagnosis, treatment, or prescription is not guaranteed.
Insurance acceptance varies by provider. Klarity is a marketplace platform and does not bill insurance directly.
Your provider will discuss treatment options with you, which may or may not include medication.
Klarity Health connects you with experienced, licensed providers who specialize in depression treatment. Select your state and insurance plan to see available providers.
You can get an Effexor prescription online by consulting a licensed healthcare provider such as a doctor or psychiatrist (MD), nurse practitioner or psychiatric nurse practitioner (NP), or physician assistant (PA). You can find a broad-certified provider on telehealth platforms like Klarity Health and book a same-day appointment.
After assessing your symptoms and medical history, a board-certified provider that specializes in mental health conditions, like depression or anxiety, can determine if Effexor or another medication is right for you. They can then call your prescription into any online or local pharmacy. Some states require an in-person visit for controlled medications, so check local regulations.
Venlafaxine is available in immediate-release (IR) tablets and extended-release (XR) capsules. Effexor is available as an immediate-release capsule.
Immediate-Release (IR) Tablets
• Available doses: 25 mg, 37.5 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, and 100 mg
• Starting dose: 75 mg per day, divided into 2-3 doses
• Maximum dose: 375 mg per day
• Dose adjustments: Increased in increments of up to 75 mg every 4 days (minimum) until an effective dose is reached
Extended-Release (XR) Capsules
• Available doses: 37.5 mg, 75 mg, and 150 mg
• Starting dose for major depressive disorder: 75 mg once daily
• Maximum dose: 225 mg per day
• Dose adjustments: Increased by 75 mg every 4 days if needed
Effexor should be taken with food and swallowed whole—do not crush, chew, or divide the tablets or capsules. If you have trouble swallowing, Effexor XR capsules can be opened and sprinkled onto a spoonful of applesauce. The mixture should be swallowed immediately and followed with a glass of water.
If you need to stop taking Effexor, your doctor will gradually decrease your dose to prevent withdrawal symptoms like fatigue, headaches, insomnia, and nausea.
The most common side effects of Effexor include a feeling of general weakness (asthenia), headache, nausea, dizziness, insomnia, extreme sleepiness (somnolence), dry mouth, anxiety, abnormal ejaculation, and sweating.
Serious side effects may include elevated blood pressure, increased risk of bleeding, angle-closure glaucoma, seizure, sexual dysfunction, hyponatremia (low sodium levels), serotonin syndrome, interstitial lung disease, and eosinophilic pneumonia. Stopping Effexor abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms.
Effexor (venlafaxine) has a boxed warning, also called a black box warning, for increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially when starting the medication or during dose changes. This warning is the FDA’s strongest safety warning, highlighted in a black box on the medication label to alert users to serious risks. Individuals taking Effexor should be closely monitored for worsening depression, suicidal ideation, or unusual behavior changes.
You shouldn’t take Effexor if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the past 14 days, as it can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Effexor can also interact with blood thinners, triptans commonly used to treat migraines, stimulants, and medications that can increase blood pressure, like certain decongestants. Individuals with uncontrolled high blood pressure, severe liver or kidney disease, or untreated narrow-angle glaucoma shouldn’t take Effexor.
If you take Effexor and experience side effects, consult your provider and report adverse effects to the FDA via MedWatch at 1-800-FDA-1088.
According to Drugs.com, with its discount, generic venlafaxine costs:
Dosage | Price |
25 milligrams | $17.94 |
37.5 milligrams | $18.59 |
50 milligrams | $19.85 |
75 milligrams | $21.54 |
100 milligrams | $23.32 |
Dosage | Generic Venlafaxine (Extended release capsule) | Effexor XR (Extended release capsule) |
37.5 mg | $43.45 | $561.00 |
75 mg | $47.83 | $627.47 |
150 mg | $50.61 | $682.66 |
Effexor XR’s manufacturer, Viatris Specialty LLC, offers a savings card that lets eligible individuals save up to $150 per fill and a rebate program that offers one rebate per paid-in-full prescription. Individuals with or without insurance can save up to 80% with a prescription or drug discount card from SingleCare Rx, NeedyMeds, drugs.com, GoodRx, WellRx, or other providers, whether or not you have insurance.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) is a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI) that targets norepinephrine and dopamine, unlike Effexor, which affects serotonin and norepinephrine. Studies suggest that Wellbutrin has a lower risk of sexual dysfunction and withdrawal symptoms while still improving mood and motivation.
When Effexor is metabolized, it converts into desvenlafaxine, the active ingredient in Pristiq. Since Pristiq doesn’t require metabolism, it provides steadier blood levels and may have fewer side effects. While both boost serotonin and norepinephrine, Pristiq’s simpler metabolism allows for more predictable dosing and fewer drug interactions. However, Effexor has more dosing options, making it better for those needing flexible adjustments.
Both Effexor and Cymbalta (duloxetine) are SNRIs, but Cymbalta is also FDA-approved for chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia and diabetic neuropathy. Studies show it treats both emotional and physical symptoms of depression, making it a strong option for those with pain-related conditions. Effexor is often preferred for anxiety disorders and severe depression but has a more challenging withdrawal due to its short half-life.
FDA Approvals:
All can cause side effects, such as nausea, dry mouth, dizziness, insomnia, sweating, increased heart rate, and constipation. The best way to determine the right medication is to consult a healthcare provider.
Reviews from real patients who received treatment from healthcare providers on Klarity Health.
*Appointments are generally available within 24 hours. Free initial consultations are available only with select providers. Prescriptions, particularly for controlled substances, may require an in-person evaluation depending on the state of residence and current federal regulations.
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy. Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose or treat any condition, including guaranteeing prescription medication of any kind or dosage. Not all providers on Klarity Health prescribe all medications, particularly medications that are controlled substances.
If you’re having a mental health crisis or experiencing a psychiatric emergency, it’s crucial to seek immediate help from a mental healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist. You can also call your local emergency services, visit your nearest emergency room, or contact a crisis hotline, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, by calling or teTrazodoneting 988 or dialing the Lifeline’s previous phone number, 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) in the U.S.