NSTK · 01.2026Independent supplement reference
NutriStack
Edition 1.0Updated July 13, 2026

Venlafaxine

Prescription ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026

Prescription serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) approved for major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. Exhibits dose-dependent neurotransmitter effects: primarily serotonergic at lower doses, with additional noradrenergic activity at higher doses. Dosage must be determined by your prescribing physician.

Evidence tier
Strong
Indexed sources
10 1998–2024
Interactions
0
Depletes
1 nutrient
Read the sources → Compare profiles
Publication status

Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.

See the editorial and medical-review policies for the publication gate.

This generated database record has not completed a claim-level review by a qualified human medical reviewer. Bibliography links and evidence labels are not approval. The page remains available for reference and is excluded from search indexing.

In short

What the research says.

A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.

Prescription serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) approved for major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. NutriStack rates the supporting evidence as strong. Common adult dosing is 37.5–225 mg daily (as prescribed by your physician), though a prescriber sets the actual dose. With long-term use it can deplete sodium. This profile indexes 10 sources.

What it's good for
  • Depression symptom relief2,3
  • Generalized anxiety reduction6
  • Social anxiety improvement6
  • Panic attack prevention
  • Chronic pain relief in some patients4
What to watch for
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Concurrent MAOI use (within 14 days)
  • Known hypersensitivity to venlafaxine or desvenlafaxine1,2

The bottom line

Evidence rating strong. Most-documented uses: depression symptom relief, generalized anxiety reduction, social anxiety improvement. 10 sources indexed (1998–2024), with 0 interaction records on file.

The science

How it works, mechanistically.

Core mechanism

Inhibits the reuptake of both serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE) by blocking their respective transporters (SERT and NET). At lower doses (75 mg), serotonin reuptake inhibition predominates; norepinephrine reuptake inhibition becomes clinically significant at doses above 150 mg. Weak dopamine reuptake inhibition at very high doses.3,10

Class
SNRI
Absorption
Water-soluble; take with food
Dosing

Dosing & protocol.

Common range
37.5–225 mg daily (as prescribed by your physician)
Recommended form
Extended-release capsule

Take with food to reduce nausea. Swallow extended-release capsules whole; do not crush, chew, or dissolve. Taper gradually to minimize discontinuation symptoms.3

Depletions

What it depletes.

Nutrients this medication can lower over time, and what to replace.

Sodium

Moderate

Antidepressant-associated SIADH can increase renal free-water retention and dilute serum sodium, producing hyponatremia.

Monitor Serum sodiumOnset Often within the first 2 to 4 weeks; can occur later

Full Venlafaxine depletion and interaction guide →

Safety

Full safety detail.

Side effects

  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Insomnia
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Elevated blood pressure (dose-dependent)
  • Increased sweating
  • Discontinuation syndrome

Contraindications

  • Concurrent MAOI use (within 14 days)
  • Known hypersensitivity to venlafaxine or desvenlafaxine1,2
  • Uncontrolled hypertension (relative)
  • Concurrent use with IV methylene blue or linezolid
Sources

Sources, by evidence tier.

Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.

Meta-analyses & systematic reviews

6

Reviews & position papers

1

Reference material

3
FAQ

Common questions.

Quick answers about Venlafaxine, drawn from the data on this page.

What is Venlafaxine?

Prescription serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) approved for major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. Exhibits dose-dependent neurotransmitter effects: primarily serotonergic at lower doses, with additional noradrenergic activity at higher doses. Dosage must be determined by your prescribing physician.

What is Venlafaxine used for?

Commonly cited benefits of Venlafaxine include: Depression symptom relief; Generalized anxiety reduction; Social anxiety improvement; Panic attack prevention; Chronic pain relief in some patients. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as strong.

What is a typical dose of Venlafaxine?

A typical adult dose of Venlafaxine is 37.5–225 mg daily (as prescribed by your physician). The commonly recommended form is Extended-release capsule. These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.

What are the side effects of Venlafaxine?

Reported side effects include nausea, headache, dizziness, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, elevated blood pressure (dose-dependent). This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.

How strong is the evidence for Venlafaxine?

NutriStack rates this as Strong, meaning multiple high-quality meta-analyses or systematic reviews converge on the same finding. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.

Use this with your stack

Venlafaxine in NutriStack.

Add it to your stack, see how it interacts with everything else you take, and get a Stack Score that updates the moment it does.

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NutriStack is an informational and organizational tool, not a medical service, and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.