Effexor XR (venlafaxine) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat depression and anxiety. The drug comes as a capsule that you swallow. It’s usually taken once per day.
Effexor XR is used in adults to treat:
Effexor XR belongs to a group of drugs called serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. Its active ingredient is venlafaxine. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.)
Effexor XR comes as an extended-release capsule that you swallow. Extended-release capsules slowly release the drug into your body over a long period.
This article describes the dosages of Effexor XR, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about Effexor XR, see this in-depth article.
The table below highlights the basics of Effexor XR’s dosage. All doses are listed in milligrams (mg).
| Condition | Starting dosage | Maintenance dosage | Maximum dosage |
| major depressive disorder | 37.5–75 mg daily | 75 mg daily | 225 mg daily |
| panic disorder | 37.5 mg daily | 75 mg daily | 225 mg daily |
| social anxiety disorder | 75 mg daily | 75 mg daily | 75 mg daily |
| generalized anxiety disorder | 37.5–75 mg daily | 75 mg daily | 225 mg daily |
What is Effexor XR’s form?
Effexor XR comes as a capsule that you swallow.
What strengths does Effexor XR come in?
Effexor XR comes in three strengths: 37.5 mg, 75 mg, and 150 mg.
What are the usual dosages of Effexor XR?
Your doctor will likely start you on a low dosage and adjust it over time to reach the right amount for you. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for depression
For major depressive disorder, the usual Effexor XR dosage is 75 mg taken once per day as a single dose either in the morning or evening.
In some cases, your doctor may start you on a dose of 37.5 mg once per day for the first 4–7 days of treatment. This gives your body time to get used to the medication and may lower your risk of side effects. Then your dose will be increased to 75 mg once per day.
Your doctor will continue to monitor your depression symptoms and increase the Effexor XR dose as needed. This will be done slowly. Each increase won’t be greater than 75 mg or more frequently than every 4 days.
The maximum dose of Effexor XR for treating depression is 225 mg per day.
Dosage for panic disorder
If you’re prescribed Effexor XR for treatment of panic disorder, your doctor will likely start your treatment with a dose of 37.5 mg to be taken once per day as a single dose. You may take this dose for 7 days before your dosage is increased to 75 mg per day.
After this, your doctor will increase your dose as needed to manage your symptoms. They’ll increase your dose slowly to give your body time to get used to the higher dose. Each dose increase won’t be greater than 75 mg per day or more frequently than every 7 days.
The maximum dose of Effexor XR for the treatment of panic disorder is 225 mg daily.
Dosage for social anxiety disorder
For treatment of social anxiety disorder, the dosage of Effexor XR is 75 mg once per day as a single dose. This is usually the starting, maintenance, and maximum dosage for social anxiety disorder.
Dosage for generalized anxiety disorder
If you have generalized anxiety disorder, your doctor may prescribe Effexor XR at a starting dose of 37.5 mg once per day as a single dose. This may be taken for the first 4–7 days to give your body time to get used to the medication and lower your risk of side effects.
Then your dose will be increased to 75 mg once per day.
Your doctor will monitor your anxiety symptoms and may continue to slowly increase your dose as needed. Dose increases may be up to 75 mg at a time, but not more frequently than every 4 days.
The maximum dose of Effexor XR for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder is 225 mg once per day.
Is Effexor XR used long term?
Yes, Effexor XR is usually used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
Dosage adjustments
If you have certain health conditions, your doctor may adjust your dosage of Effexor XR.
Liver problems. If you have liver disease such as cirrhosis, your doctor will likely prescribe a lower dosage of Effexor XR for you. This is because the drug can build up in the body and increase your risk of side effects.
Your dosage may be reduced by half or more depending on how serious your liver disease is.
Kidney problems. If you have kidney disease, your doctor will likely lower your Effexor XR dosage. How much your doctor decreases your dosage will depend on how serious your kidney disease is.
If you have concerns about possibly needing a lower Effexor XR dose because of a health condition, talk with your doctor.
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Effexor XR’s dosage.
Will my doctor increase my dose of Effexor XR from 75 mg to 150 mg?
Your doctor may increase your dose of Effexor XR from 75 mg to 150 mg. This would depend on the condition that’s being treated and whether your symptoms are responding to your current dosage.
See the “What are the usual dosages of Effexor XR?” section above formore information about how doctors usually adjust the dosage of Effexor XR over time.
The one exception is social anxiety disorder. For this condition, the maximum dose is 75 mg taken once daily. It’s unlikely that your doctor would increase your Effexor XR dose to 150 mg for this condition.
If you have more questions about increasing your Effexor XR dose, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
What is considered a low dose or a high dose of Effexor XR?
There’s no specific low dose or high dose of Effexor XR. The dose prescribed for you depends on the condition being treated and your individual response to the medication.
For example, if you’re taking Effexor XR to treat major depressive disorder, your doctor may start you on a dose of 37.5 mg per day for the first 4–7 days. This could be considered a low dose for depression. Thereafter, if you’re tolerating the drug well, your doctor will likely increase your dose to 75 mg per day.
Your doctor will continue to adjust your dosage based on how well the treatment is working and any side effects. Over time, the dosage could be increased up to a maximum dose of 225 mg per day. This could be considered a high dose for depression.
For dosing details by condition, look at the “What are the usual dosages of Effexor XR?” section above. And if you have additional questions about your Effexor XR dosage, including what would be considered a low dose or high dose for your condition, talk with your doctor.
Is there a usual dose or normal dose of Effexor XR?
Yes, if you’re taking Effexor XR for social anxiety disorder, the usual dose is 75 mg once per day.
But for any other condition, including major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, recommended dosages range from a starting dose of 37.5 mg once per day up to a maximum dose of 225 mg per day.
For these conditions, your doctor will adjust your dosage over time to find the right amount for you.
If you have questions about your Effexor XR dosage, talk with your doctor.
The dosage of Effexor XR you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:
- the type and severity of the condition you’re using the drug to treat
- other conditions you may have (see the “Dosage adjustments” section above)
Effexor XR comes as a capsule that you swallow whole. Do not cut, chew, or crush Effexor XR capsules.
If you have trouble swallowing capsules, you can open the Effexor XR capsule and sprinkle the pellets within onto a small amount of applesauce. Without chewing, swallow the applesauce and pellet mixture. Drink a glass of water when you’re finished to make sure you swallow any pellets that may still be in your mouth.
You can also read this article for tips on how to take capsules.
You’ll take Effexor XR once per day. You can take it at a convenient time for you in the morning or evening. But try to take it at about the same time every day. This keeps the drug level consistent in your body and helps the drug to work effectively.
It’s recommended that you take Effexor XR with food.
If you have additional questions about how to take Effexor XR capsules, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And for information on the expiration, storage, and disposal of Effexor XR, see this article.
Accessible drug containers and labels
Some pharmacies provide medication labels that:
- have large print or use braille
- feature a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio
Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesn’t.
If you miss a dose of Effexor XR, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip your missed dose and take your next dose at its regularly scheduled time. You should not take two doses of Effexor XR at once.
If you’re not sure whether you should take a missed dose or skip it, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
If you need help remembering to take your dose of Effexor XR on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.
Do not take more Effexor XR than your doctor prescribes as this can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of overdose
Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:
- sleepiness
- dizziness
- nausea
- tingling or numbness in your arms or legs
What to do in case you take too much Effexor XR
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Effexor XR. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
After you’ve been on Effexor XR for a while, your body can become used to the medication. If you suddenly stop taking it, you may experience antidepressant discontinuation syndrome (ADS). With this condition, you can have withdrawal symptoms such as:
- anxiety
- agitation
- flu-like symptoms (headache, fatigue, muscle aches, sweating)
- insomnia (trouble sleeping)
- dizziness
- nightmares
- confusion
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- loss of appetite
- balance and coordination problems
If you’re thinking about stopping Effexor XR, talk with your doctor first. If you and your doctor decide it’s best to stop the medication, your doctor will slowly lower your dose over time. This decreases your risk of having withdrawal symptoms.
If you have any questions about the risk of ADS with Effexor XR, talk with your doctor.
The sections above describe the usual dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Effexor XR for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.
Remember, you should not change your dosage of Effexor XR without your doctor’s recommendation. Only take Effexor XR exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.
Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Does the dosage of Effexor XR I’m prescribed depend on other medications I’m taking?
- Would a higher dosage of Effexor XR increase my risk of side effects?
- How does the dosage of Effexor XR compare with the dosage of the generic drug venlafaxine?
To learn more about Effexor XR, see these articles:
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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
