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Care365 medication guide
Venlafaxine
Approved for selected depression and anxiety disorders. Hot-flush treatment is off-label.
Drug information
Uses, directions and safety information for Venlafaxine.
What it is used for
Approved for selected depression and anxiety disorders. Hot-flush treatment is off-label.
How to use it
Take the prescribed regimen; do not stop abruptly. Kidney or liver impairment may require adjustment.
Before use
Review blood pressure, seizures, bipolar symptoms and relevant allergy.
Possible side effects
Nausea, dry mouth and drowsiness.
When to get medical help
Suicidal thoughts, severe agitation, fever with muscle rigidity or fainting need urgent help.
Medicines and interactions
MAOIs require a prescriber-managed washout; other serotonergic or QT-prolonging medicines need review.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnancy and breastfeeding decisions need individual assessment; do not abruptly stop treatment.
Missed doses, storage and accidental exposure
Follow your own product’s missed-dose instructions. If you are unsure, ask a pharmacist before taking an extra dose. Contraceptives, injections and modified-release medicines may need a specific plan.
Keep the original packaging and follow its storage, expiry and disposal instructions. Keep medicines away from children and pets. Ask about refrigeration, after-opening limits and safe sharps disposal when relevant.
For suspected overdose or accidental swallowing, contact poison control or urgent medical care promptly. Call emergency services for breathing difficulty, collapse or a seizure.
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How Care365 can help
Explore care for your symptoms and prepare for a conversation about treatment. Your healthcare professional will consider your history, current medicines and whether an assessment or referral is appropriate.
Your next steps
Know what to prepare and what to discuss.
Share your history
Prepare your symptoms, allergies, medication list and treatment questions.
Discuss your options
A healthcare professional assesses which care or referral is appropriate.
Plan your follow-up
Follow the advice you receive about treatment, monitoring and next steps.
Related condition guides
Learn about concerns where this medication may be discussed. Treatment depends on your individual assessment.
Prescription renewal and medication review
For a review of Venlafaxine, have your current dose, reason for treatment, remaining supply, benefits, side effects and pharmacy details ready. Ask your pharmacist or prescriber whether a renewal assessment is available and appropriate. A prescription or renewal is not guaranteed.
Questions about Venlafaxine
What is Venlafaxine used for?
Approved for selected depression and anxiety disorders. Hot-flush treatment is off-label.
How should I use Venlafaxine?
Take the prescribed regimen; do not stop abruptly. Kidney or liver impairment may require adjustment.
What side effects can Venlafaxine cause?
Nausea, dry mouth and drowsiness.
When should I get medical help while using Venlafaxine?
Suicidal thoughts, severe agitation, fever with muscle rigidity or fainting need urgent help.
Can Venlafaxine interact with other medicines?
MAOIs require a prescriber-managed washout; other serotonergic or QT-prolonging medicines need review.
What should I know about Venlafaxine during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding decisions need individual assessment; do not abruptly stop treatment.
Sources and product information
Sources checked 2026-09-08. Safety sections are highlights; consult the full product information for complete warnings and instructions.
Check the Canadian Drug Product Database by product name or DIN for current product information.
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