Venlafaxine tablets and capsules can be either standard or slow release.
Standard tablets release the venlafaxine into your system as soon as you swallow them. Slow release tablets and capsules are released into your system gradually.
Dosage and strength
The usual starting dose for venlafaxine is 75mg a day but your doctor may gradually increase it to a maximum dose of 375mg.
If you have problems with your liver or kidneys your doctor might prescribe a lower dose.
Standard tablets come as 37.5mg or 75mg tablets. Slow release tablets and capsules come as 75mg and 150mg.
How to take it
Take venlafaxine with food.
You will usually take standard tablets twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening.
You will usually take slow release tablets or capsules once a day. You can take them at any time as long as you stick to the same time every day. If you have trouble sleeping, it's best to take it in the morning.
How long to take it for
Once you're feeling better it's likely that you will continue to take venlafaxine for several more months. Most doctors recommend that you take antidepressants for 6 months to 1 year after you no longer feel depressed. Stopping before that time can make depression come back.
The decision to stop your treatment or carry on will depend on what symptoms you have and how serious they are. It will also depend on whether it's a one-off problem or one that keeps coming back, how well venlafaxine works for you, and whether you have had any bad side effects.
If you forget to take it
If you occasionally forget to take a dose, just take your next dose at the usual time. Never take 2 doses at the same time to make up for a forgotten one.
If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.
Stopping venlafaxine
Your doctor will recommend reducing your dose gradually over several weeks, if you have been taking venlafaxine for a long time.
This is to help prevent any withdrawal symptoms you might get as a reaction to coming off the medicine. These include:
- feeling dizzy
- feeling sick
- numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
- trouble sleeping
- feeling agitated or anxious
- headaches
- shaking
If you take too much
The amount of venlafaxine that can lead to an overdose varies from person to person.
Taking too much can cause symptoms such as:
- feeling sleepy
- feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting)
- a faster heartbeat
- feeling dizzy
- fits or seizures
Urgent advice: Contact 111 for advice now if:
- you take more than your prescribed dose of venlafaxine
Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111.
If you need to go to a A&E, do not drive yourself. Get someone else to drive you or call for an ambulance.
Take the venlafaxine packet, or the leaflet inside it, plus any remaining medicine with you.