venlafaxine (Effexor)
Meet with a licensed provider online to explore if an antidepressant medication like venlafaxine (Effexor) may be right for you.
Treatment for:depression, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder
585+ insurance plans accepted
Quickly confirm coverage or view self-pay rates
First, choose your state
You’ll get the most accurate information if we know where you’re seeking care, as insurance coverage and self-pay rates vary by state.
Then, pick a plan or self-pay
Below are the insurances we accept in your state. Don’t see yours listed or don’t have insurance? You can still get help through self-pay.
Great news! We’re in network with
*This is a common co-pay range for mental health services with an in-network provider; however, you may have a different co-pay or other out-of-pocket costs (such as a deductible), dependent upon your specific plan’s benefits. After confirming that the provider you’d like to work with accepts your plan (over the phone with our support team or on the provider’s profile), please contact your insurance to determine your exact financial responsibility, prior to scheduling.
Work with a provider who fits your needs — hand-selected by (or for) you.
You can choose therapy in person or online, whichever works best for you; psychiatry is exclusively online.
Receive help quickly — have your first session as soon as this week.
Individual & relationship counseling
Get individual therapy for depression, stress, and more (for yourself or your child/teen). Or, work through your unique relationship challenges in couples/marriage or family therapy.
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Psychiatry/medication management
Reduce or manage symptoms of mental health conditions like anxiety and ADHD, with psychiatric medication.
first session
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Work with a provider who fits your needs — hand-selected by (or for) you.
You can choose therapy in person or online, whichever works best for you; psychiatry is exclusively online.
Receive help quickly — have your first session as soon as this week.
What is an SNRI?
A serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) is a class of medication commonly used to treat mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, OCD, and PTSD.
How does an SNRI work?
SNRIs increase the availability of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Serotonin is a naturally-occurring brain chemical that supports the regulation of mood and memory; norepinephrine is also a naturally-occurring brain chemical that supports focus, attention, and energy.
How prescribing works
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Find a provider who meets your needs
Browse our providers online or call our scheduling team for matching assistance — find a provider who accepts your insurance and meets your needs, whether that’s a clinical specialty or a shared life experience. Choose a date and time that works for you and how you’d prefer to pay (using insurance or self-pay).
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Meet 1:1 to begin treatment
Meet online with your provider to begin treatment. At your first session, share any symptoms or struggles you’re experiencing along with your goals. Together, you and your provider will discuss if medication may be a good next step. Your provider may write you a prescription to be filled at your local pharmacy.
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Attend sessions and start feeling better
Once your treatment plan is created, your provider will regularly check in and encourage feedback to ensure any medication you may be prescribed is effective for you.
FAQs
What is venlafaxine (Effexor) used for?
Venlafaxine is used to treat depression, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. As a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), it works by balancing levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain.
Does venlafaxine (Effexor) cause weight gain or loss?
Yes, weight changes are possible with venlafaxine. Side effects like nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss may cause temporary weight loss. Studies of antidepressant medications also show venlafaxine can cause some weight gain. If you're worried about weight changes with venlafaxine, talk with your provider about your concerns.
How long does it take for venlafaxine (Effexor) to work?
Venlafaxine starts working soon after you start taking the medication. However, it may take a few weeks before you notice a distinct improvement in your symptoms. If you have questions about the effectiveness of venlafaxine for your condition, talk with your provider to learn more.
Is venlafaxine (Effexor) a controlled substance?
No, venlafaxine is not a federally controlled substance, as it is not known to be habit-forming or addictive. For more information about how venlafaxine works, you can speak with your pharmacist or provider.
Does venlafaxine (Effexor) make you tired?
Yes, tiredness is a common side effect of venlafaxine. Taking venlafaxine may also cause problems with sleep, which could contribute to feelings of tiredness. However, keep in mind that tiredness or low energy may also be a symptom of your condition. If you're feeling tired with venlafaxine treatment, talk with your provider or pharmacist to discuss ways to manage this side effect.
How do I wean off venlafaxine (Effexor)?
If you are considering weaning off venlafaxine, do not do so on your own. Suddenly stopping venlafaxine may cause withdrawal symptoms, such as headache, agitation, anxiety, trouble sleeping, sweating, confusion, trouble with balance, and nightmares. If you're interested in stopping venlafaxine, talk with your provider before taking any action. They can help you gradually wean off the medication to lower your risk for withdrawal symptoms.
How long does venlafaxine (Effexor) withdrawal last?
The duration of withdrawal symptoms from venlafaxine depends on individual factors, such as how you responded to venlafaxine, your dose and how quickly you're weaned off the drug, other conditions you may have, and other medications you may be taking. Typically, withdrawal symptoms for venlafaxine are mild and go away within a few weeks if your dosage is slowly lowered over time. In some cases, though, withdrawal symptoms may last for several months. If you're concerned about the duration of your withdrawal symptoms, talk with your provider.
Can I get a prescription online?
You can meet online with a licensed provider at Thriveworks — if it’s clinically appropriate, they may prescribe you medication for the treatment of a diagnosed mental health condition. Your Thriveworks provider will send your prescription to a local pharmacy to be filled.
Can I use my health insurance for online prescriptions and refills?
Thriveworks accepts most major insurance plans for our online psychiatry and therapy services. Your insurance may also cover the cost of any medication prescribed to you by your Thriveworks provider, which can be filled at a local pharmacy. Check with your insurance provider to confirm your medical and prescription coverage information.
How do I get a prescription at Thriveworks?
Schedule an online appointment with a licensed psychiatric provider at Thriveworks. After meeting with you and discussing your symptoms and treatment plan, your provider may recommend a prescription medication and/or additional services to help you reach your goals.
We offer psychiatry in these select states
Our psychiatry services are done completely online, so you can schedule with any psychiatric provider in your state.
Accepting medication as part of your mental health care plan is an individual and often deeply personal decision. At Thriveworks, we’re here to help you understand your care options and support you on the path toward wellness. We prioritize treating the whole patient, whether through medication, therapy, or a combination of both — guided by clinical best practices and rigorously developed treatment strategies to help clients safely and efficiently resolve their symptoms.
Dr. Scott Gordon Chief Medical Officer
