Venlafaxine - Efexor XL

Depression (including treatment-resistant depression), generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder.

At lower doses, venlafaxine primarily blocks serotonin reuptake (like an SSRI). At higher doses, it also blocks noradrenaline reuptake, adding a second mechanism. This dual action can be more effective for some people, particularly those who haven't responded to SSRIs alone.

Adults with depression or anxiety, often when an SSRI has not helped enough. Not suitable with MAOIs or with uncontrolled high blood pressure. Use with caution in heart disease.

Order online and we review your request. A prescriber checks your consultation form for clinical appropriateness and contacts you if anything else is needed. Once approved, your medication is dispensed and delivered to your door.

Tracked: Tracked delivery, arrives in two working days - Free

When it arrives: Every order is sent tracked. Where this page says in post today, it goes out today. Where it says in post tomorrow, it goes out the next working day. On the rare occasions a medicine is unavailable, we will contact you to talk about timing and alternatives.

We dispense clinically equivalent generic medications where available. Prices shown are for the generic version. If you prefer the branded version, let us know in your order form and we will confirm any price difference.

Venlafaxine from £20.99 per pack.

Common: nausea, headache, dizziness, dry mouth, sweating, poor sleep, constipation, sexual side effects. Venlafaxine can raise blood pressure, more so at higher doses, so it needs checking regularly. Uncommon: palpitations, tremor, blurred vision.

Do not take with, or within 14 days of stopping, an MAOI antidepressant, and leave at least 7 days after stopping venlafaxine before starting one. Not suitable if your blood pressure is high and not controlled. Use with caution in heart disease or heart-rhythm problems, epilepsy, narrow-angle glaucoma, a history of mania or bipolar disorder, bleeding problems, and liver or kidney disease.

Do not combine with MAOIs. Take care with other medicines that affect serotonin (other antidepressants, triptans, tramadol, St John’s Wort, lithium). Anti-inflammatory painkillers, aspirin and blood thinners increase the risk of bleeding. Tell us about every medicine you take.

Use only if clearly needed. Used late in pregnancy it can cause withdrawal symptoms in the newborn and a small increase in bleeding after birth. It passes into breast milk. Talk to us before ordering if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive.

Take one modified-release tablet once a day with food, and swallow it whole. Have your blood pressure checked regularly, especially at doses above 150mg. Stopping suddenly can cause marked withdrawal symptoms, so come off it slowly with our help. It can take 2 to 4 weeks to start working.