I finally understand my therapy. The app reminds me, answers my questions — and I don't feel alone with it anymore.
Venlafaxine: Effect, Dosage, Side Effects and Stopping
Venlafaxine, mostly known as Trevilor, is one of the most frequently prescribed SNRIs in Germany and acts on both serotonin and noradrenaline. About 5 million people in Germany take antidepressants (a German figure, broadly comparable across Western countries), many of them venlafaxine with severe depression or when SSRIs have not worked sufficiently. Unlike most other antidepressants, venlafaxine is considered particularly difficult to stop because of its short half-life of 5 hours.
Never stop venlafaxine abruptly - the discontinuation syndrome is particularly pronounced because of the short half-life. Check the blood pressure regularly (especially at a higher dose). With suicidal thoughts, Telefonseelsorge 0800 1110111 (a German crisis helpline), in an acute crisis call the emergency services (112; or 999/112 in the UK). Last updated: May 2026.
1. At a Glance: Technical Data Sheet
Venlafaxine is one of the most important SNRIs in Germany and a proven antidepressant for severe depression and anxiety disorders. Below are the key facts for quick orientation; the individual points are explained in detail in the following chapters.
Depression, generalised anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social phobia
Usual dose
75-225 mg/day (prolonged-release, once daily); maximum dose 375 mg/day
Half-life
Only about 5 hours - the main reason for the discontinuation syndrome
Metabolism
CYP2D6 to the active metabolite desvenlafaxine
Special feature
Dose-dependent rise in blood pressure (noradrenaline effect)
Most important warning
Pronounced discontinuation syndrome - never stop abruptly, taper very slowly
Prescription status
Yes
Table scrollable to the right
2. What is venlafaxine?
Venlafaxine is a serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) and one of the most frequently prescribed antidepressants in Germany. It is known above all under the trade name Trevilor. Like duloxetine, it acts on two neurotransmitter systems - serotonin and noradrenaline - and is used above all for depression and anxiety disorders.
A special feature of venlafaxine is its dose-dependent effect: at a low dose it acts essentially like an SSRI (only on serotonin), only at higher doses does the noradrenaline effect come in. This makes venlafaxine flexible to use - and explains why the dosing is so important for the effect.
The most important and best-known topic with venlafaxine is, however, stopping: venlafaxine is considered one of the most difficult antidepressants of all to stop. The discontinuation symptoms can be pronounced and distressing - which is why we devote a detailed chapter of its own to this topic. Those who know this from the start can plan the therapy correctly from the outset.
3. How does venlafaxine work pharmacologically?
Venlafaxine inhibits the reuptake of serotonin and noradrenaline into the nerve cells - and at very high doses, to a small degree, of dopamine too. Through the inhibition, these neurotransmitters remain available in the synaptic cleft for longer. As with all antidepressants, it is only a longer-term adaptation of the nerve cells (over weeks) that leads to the actual therapeutic effect - not the immediate increase of the neurotransmitters.
Pharmacokinetics in brief
Venlafaxine is well absorbed after oral intake and converted in the liver via CYP2D6 to the active metabolite O-desmethylvenlafaxine (desvenlafaxine), which is also active. The half-life of venlafaxine itself, at about 5 hours, is very short - that is precisely the main reason for the pronounced discontinuation syndrome: if the level falls quickly, the nervous system reacts promptly with withdrawal symptoms. The prolonged-release form (delayed release) smooths the level curve and enables the once-daily intake.
The metabolism via CYP2D6 is clinically important: people with genetically different CYP2D6 activity ("slow" or "fast" metabolisers) can react very differently to venlafaxine - this explains part of the individual differences in effect and tolerability.
4. The dose-dependent effect
A characteristic feature of venlafaxine that distinguishes it from other antidepressants - the effect changes with the dose:
Dose range
Mechanism of action
Clinical profile
Low dose (up to about 75 mg)
Predominantly serotonin inhibition
Acts essentially like an SSRI
Medium to higher dose (from about 150 mg)
+ relevant noradrenaline inhibition
Full SNRI effect, often additionally effective in treatment resistance
Very high dose (from about 300 mg)
+ slight dopamine inhibition
In severely treatment-resistant depression under supervision
Table scrollable to the right
This dose dependence has practical consequences: in some patients who do not respond sufficiently to a low dose, an increase in the dose can bring an additional effect through the addition of the noradrenaline effect. At the same time, certain side effects also increase with a higher dose - above all the rise in blood pressure (its own chapter). The correct dose is therefore an individual weighing of effect and tolerability.
5. What is venlafaxine used for?
Depression
The main indication. In moderate to severe depression, venlafaxine is an established antidepressant - also in patients who have not responded sufficiently to an SSRI (the additional noradrenaline effect can be an advantage here). Venlafaxine is one of the antidepressants with good effectiveness in severe depression.
Generalised anxiety disorder
In anxiety disorders, venlafaxine is well effective and approved. As with SSRIs, a temporary intensification of the anxiety can occur at the start - hence a slow gradual start.
Panic disorder
In panic disorders with or without agoraphobia, venlafaxine is used - with a particularly cautious starting dose, to minimise the initial activation.
Social phobia (social anxiety disorder)
In social anxiety disorder too, venlafaxine is approved and effective, often in combination with psychotherapy.
6. Dosage and intake
The dosing is determined individually and started gradually. The prolonged-release form enables the once-daily intake:
Depression: usually starting with 75 mg/day (prolonged-release), an increase if needed; usual maintenance dose 75-225 mg/day
Panic disorder: a very cautious start (e.g. 37.5 mg) for 7 days, then a slow increase
Maximum dose: up to 375 mg/day (in severe depression, under supervision)
Kidney impairment: a dose reduction is required
Liver impairment: a dose reduction is required
The most important intake notes
Once daily (prolonged-release form) at the same time, usually in the morning
Take with a meal - reduces nausea
Swallow the prolonged-release capsule whole - do not chew or split it (destroys the delayed release); some capsules may be opened and the contents sprinkled (note the package leaflet)
A gradual start reduces initial side effects
If a dose is forgotten: make it up as soon as possible; if it is almost time for the next, skip it - never double. Because of the short half-life, discontinuation symptoms can occur even with one forgotten dose
Never stop abruptly - see the stopping chapter
7. When does venlafaxine work - and how fast?
Like all antidepressants, venlafaxine does not work immediately. The typical onset latency is 2 to 6 weeks, with the full effect after 6 to 8 weeks. In the first weeks, side effects often occur before the actual effect sets in.
Typical course: in the first days, nausea, inner restlessness or sleep disturbances can occur - these usually subside after 1 to 2 weeks. First subtle improvements (clearer thinking, a little more drive) often show after 2 weeks, the noticeable improvement in mood after 4 to 6 weeks. Patience is decisive - a premature discontinuation possibly misses an effective therapy.
If the effect fails to appear after 6 to 8 weeks, the therapy is adjusted - with venlafaxine often through an increase in the dose (because of the dose-dependent noradrenaline effect), which brings an additional effect in some patients.
8. Common side effects
Venlafaxine has a side-effect profile that is shaped by the combined serotonin and noradrenaline effect. Common:
Nausea - the most common side effect, especially at the start; usually improves after 1-2 weeks
Increased sweating - typical of SNRIs, often stubborn
Inner restlessness, nervousness
Constipation
Reduced appetite
Sexual dysfunction - see its own chapter
A rise in blood pressure and pulse - especially at higher doses (its own chapter)
Most side effects are dose-dependent and improve over the course. The increased sweating, however, can be stubborn and also persist in the long term.
9. Venlafaxine and blood pressure
A topic particularly relevant to venlafaxine. Through the noradrenaline effect, venlafaxine can raise the blood pressure - and indeed in a dose-dependent way: the higher the dose, the more pronounced the possible rise in blood pressure. At low doses the effect is small, at high doses (over 200-300 mg) it can become clinically relevant.
Blood-pressure checks are important above all at higher doses and with pre-existing high blood pressure
Before the start of therapy the blood pressure should be known, with regular checks in at-risk patients
With a marked rise in blood pressure under therapy: dose reduction or, if necessary, a switch of the preparation
Pre-existing, poorly controlled high blood pressure should be treated before the start
This blood-pressure effect distinguishes venlafaxine (and other SNRIs) from pure SSRIs, which barely influence the blood pressure. In patients with cardiovascular diseases or high blood pressure, this is an important factor in the choice of the antidepressant.
10. Sexual side effects
Like all serotonergically acting antidepressants, venlafaxine can cause sexual dysfunction - a common but often concealed topic. This includes loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, delayed or absent orgasm, reduced arousability.
What can be done: speak openly with the doctor (the symptoms are often only recognised on active enquiry), consider a dose reduction, a switch to an antidepressant with a lower sexual side-effect profile (e.g. mirtazapine, bupropion). Important: the depression itself also impairs sexuality - a careful distinction is sensible. This topic is dealt with in more detail on the page on sertraline.
11. Serious side effects and warning signs
Serotonin syndrome
A rare but potentially life-threatening complication with combination with other serotonergically acting substances (other antidepressants, MAO inhibitors, triptans, tramadol, St John's wort). Symptoms: restlessness, confusion, sweating, a racing heart, fever, trembling, muscle twitching.
Call the emergency services immediately (112; or 999/112 in the UK) on suspicion of serotonin syndrome
With the occurrence of high fever, heavy sweating, pronounced trembling or muscle twitching, confusion, a racing heart under venlafaxine therapy - especially with recent intake of further serotonergically acting medicines - call the emergency services immediately.
Blood-pressure crisis and cardiovascular
Above all at high doses a rise in blood pressure, in rare cases cardiac arrhythmias. Venlafaxine can influence the QT interval - caution with heart diseases and QT-prolonging concomitant medicines.
Bleeding tendency and hyponatraemia
Like SSRIs, venlafaxine can increase the bleeding tendency (caution with NSAIDs/anticoagulants) and cause a hyponatraemia (sodium deficiency, especially in older people).
Suicidality
Above all at the start and in young patients (under 25 years), the risk of suicidal thoughts can be temporarily increased. Close support in the first weeks. Important: the depression itself is the main cause of suicidality - the treatment lowers the risk overall.
12. The discontinuation syndrome - why venlafaxine is particularly difficult
The central topic with venlafaxine. Among all antidepressants, venlafaxine is considered one of the most difficult to stop - the discontinuation symptoms are often particularly pronounced and distressing. The reason lies in the very short half-life: if the drug level falls quickly, the nervous system reacts promptly and severely.
Common discontinuation symptoms
Dizziness, light-headedness - often the strongest and most stubborn symptom
Electrical sensations ("brain zaps") - short, flash-like sensations in the head, often with eye movements; particularly common and pronounced with venlafaxine
Never stop abruptly - particularly important with venlafaxine
Very slow tapering over weeks to months - often slower than with other antidepressants
Very small dose steps, especially in the low dose range ("hyperbolic tapering") - sometimes with the help of special drops or by opening the capsule and gradually reducing the pellets
With strong symptoms slow the pace or temporarily go back to the previous dose
Sometimes a switch to an antidepressant with a longer half-life (e.g. fluoxetine) to ease the stopping - a strategy that the doctor can consider
Patience - the whole process can take weeks to months
Medical support is particularly important here
The discontinuation syndrome is not an addiction
The pronounced discontinuation syndrome is not a sign of an addiction, but an adaptation reaction of the nervous system. It is, however, an important reason never to stop venlafaxine on one's own and to approach the therapy with realistic planning from the start. Those who plan stopping should allow enough time and work closely with the doctor.
13. Interactions with other medicines
Venlafaxine has clinically relevant interactions via the serotonergic effect and the CYP metabolism:
Category
Substance
Risk/effect
Recommendation
Serotonin syndrome
MAO inhibitors (tranylcypromine, moclobemide, linezolid, methylene blue)
With venlafaxine, restraint is called for on the topic of alcohol:
Enhanced sedation - fatigue, dizziness, light-headedness can add up
Alcohol as a depressant - worsens the underlying illness and the therapy success
Impaired reaction ability - dangerous in road traffic
Alcohol can intensify discontinuation and side-effect symptoms
Practical recommendation: during the acute phase of the treatment, avoid alcohol as far as possible. Later, occasional moderate consumption is usually possible, but no "comfort drinking" when the mood is low. When in doubt, discuss with the doctor.
15. Venlafaxine vs. other antidepressants
Active substance
Class
Strengths
Weaknesses
Venlafaxine
SNRI
Dose-dependent (low SSRI-like, high with noradrenaline); effective in severe depression
Pronounced discontinuation syndrome; rise in blood pressure at higher doses
For sleep disturbances, loss of appetite; barely any sexual side effects
Weight gain, sedation
Bupropion
NDRI
Barely any sexual side effects, no weight gain
Only limited availability in Germany
Table scrollable to the right
Clinical rule of thumb: venlafaxine is often a good choice in more severe depression or when an SSRI has not worked sufficiently (the additional noradrenaline effect can help). The pronounced discontinuation syndrome and the blood-pressure effect are, however, to be considered in the choice.
16. Venlafaxine in older people
An increased hyponatraemia risk - especially with diuretics; sodium checks sensible
Keep an eye on the blood pressure - the noradrenaline effect
An increased bleeding risk - caution with NSAIDs and anticoagulants
A fall risk due to dizziness and blood-pressure fluctuations
Check kidney and liver function - a dose adjustment is required
The discontinuation syndrome can be particularly distressing - very slow tapering
Polypharmacy - mind interactions
Cautious, slow dosing
17. When to see a doctor? (Warning signs)
Increasing suicidal thoughts or a severe worsening of mood
Manic symptoms (elated mood, reduced need for sleep, risk-taking behaviour)
Symptoms of a serotonin syndrome (restlessness, sweating, trembling, fever, confusion)
A marked rise in blood pressure with symptoms (headaches, visual disturbances)
A racing heart, heart stumbling, fainting
Unusual bleeding, vomiting of blood, black stool
Persistent, very distressing side effects
An absence of effect after 6-8 weeks
Strong discontinuation symptoms during tapering
A wish to stop the medicine - for a supported, very slow tapering
Call the emergency services immediately (112; or 999/112 in the UK)
With acute suicidality with a concrete plan, suspected serotonin syndrome (high fever, confusion, muscle twitching), a severe allergic reaction, a hypertensive crisis (extremely high blood pressure with symptoms) or a seizure. Crisis numbers: Telefonseelsorge 0800 1110111 or 0800 1110222 (a German crisis helpline, free, 24/7).
18. What you can do yourself: 10 Golden Rules
Consistent intake at the same timeParticularly important because of the short half-life - even one forgotten dose can trigger symptoms.
Realistic expectationsThe effect builds up over weeks - first improvement after 2 weeks, full effect after 6-8 weeks.
Patience in the first weeksNausea and restlessness usually subside after 1-2 weeks.
Combination with psychotherapyStudies show the best results with combined treatment.
Keep an eye on the blood pressureMeasure regularly, especially at higher doses and with pre-existing high blood pressure.
Avoid alcoholEspecially in the acute phase - alcohol is a depressant.
Exercise as a boosterDemonstrably acts as an antidepressant.
Speak openly about sexual side effectsThere are solutions - dose adjustment, switch, accompanying medication.
Plan stopping realistically from the startVery slowly, with medical support, allow enough time.
Never stop on your ownParticularly risky with venlafaxine - always agree it with the doctor.
19. How brite supports you with venlafaxine
Transparency notice
brite is a health app. The following functions relate to features of the app and do not replace medical guidance.
Intake reminder: take venlafaxine punctually at the same time - brite reminds you reliably, particularly important because of the short half-life.
Interaction check: check MAO inhibitors, other serotonergic substances, NSAIDs and St John's wort free of charge.
Document the discontinuation plan: accompany the very slow, stepwise dose reduction in a structured way.
Health history: document mood, blood pressure and side effects over time - valuable for medical assessment.
Reminder of check-up appointments: effect and blood-pressure checks.
Digital medication plan: all medicines clearly laid out for your GP, psychiatrist, psychotherapist and pharmacy.
Note
Anonymised observations from brite app user data, do not replace clinical studies.
Observation
Frequency
Typical comment
Brain zaps with a forgotten dose
Very common
"If I forget just one day, I already get these electric shocks in my head - with no other medicine was it like that."
Switch from an SSRI to venlafaxine in treatment resistance
Common
"After 8 weeks of sertraline without real improvement - with venlafaxine 150 mg the breakthrough came through the noradrenaline effect."
Rise in blood pressure with a dose increase
Common
"With 225 mg the blood pressure was suddenly at 150/95 - a dose reduction to 150 mg plus amlodipine solved it."
Stubborn sweating even after months
Very common
"Other side effects are gone, but the night sweating stayed for years - a little better with each dose reduction."
The pellet method during tapering
Common
"I microdosed the last 37.5 mg by counting pellets from the capsule - the pharmacist coordinated it with the doctor."
Switch to fluoxetine before stopping
Occasional, but effective
"My psychiatrist first switched me to fluoxetine - its long half-life makes the final stopping much gentler."
Table scrollable to the right
Venlafaxine experiences: what patients really ask
Stopping venlafaxine - how do I really manage it? The most difficult chapter with venlafaxine and, for many patients, the biggest problem of all. What most people underestimate: venlafaxine has the shortest half-life of all common antidepressants (5 hours) - this makes stopping particularly severe. Practical strategies that work: 1) Reduce very slowly - instead of 75 mg steps, better 18.75 mg steps every 2-4 weeks, 2) Pellet counting - open the prolonged-release capsule and gradually take fewer pellets (agree it with the pharmacy, some generics allow it), 3) Special drops - there are liquid venlafaxine preparations for precise microdosing, 4) Cross-tapering onto fluoxetine - its long half-life (weeks) makes stopping much gentler, 5) Hyperbolic tapering - the last doses need the most time. Most important message: allowing 6-12 months for stopping is realistic - no shame in it.
Venlafaxine brain zaps - what exactly are they? A fascinating and unpleasant phenomenon. Subjective experience: short, flash-like "electric shocks" or "zaps" in the head - often when moving the eyes or on standing up, with a fraction-of-a-second feeling of dizziness, sounds like electrostatic crackling, sometimes combined with nausea. When they occur: with a forgotten dose after 12-24 hours, with a dose reduction, with stopping - particularly prominent with venlafaxine because of the short half-life. Hypothesis on the origin: changes in the GABAergic inhibition in the vestibular system (balance system) due to the rapid fall in the drug level. What helps: a slower taper, a short-term return to the higher dose, sometimes omega-3 fatty acids or vitamin B6 help (empirically reported). Reassuring: brain zaps are harmless and temporary - they leave no lasting damage, even if they feel scary.
Venlafaxine vs. duloxetine - which is better? Both are SNRIs with a large overlap, but with important differences. Venlafaxine advantages: a pronounced dose-dependent effect (good controllability), the cheapest SNRI in many lists, long experience, good in severe depression with treatment resistance. Venlafaxine disadvantages: the strongest discontinuation syndrome, a dose-dependent rise in blood pressure, stubborn sweating. Duloxetine advantages: a broader approval (also neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, diabetic polyneuropathy), no prolonged-release form needed (more even levels), a tendentially milder discontinuation syndrome, less blood-pressure effect. Duloxetine disadvantages: more liver burden, higher costs. Rule of thumb: in depression with a pain component → duloxetine. In severe depression without a pain component and where dose flexibility is needed → venlafaxine. In patients with difficult stopping of other SSRIs/SNRIs in their history → rather duloxetine or mirtazapine straight away.
Venlafaxine and weight - do I gain or lose? A frequently asked question. Initially: venlafaxine can, through the noradrenaline effect, suppress the appetite and cause weight loss - especially in the first weeks. Some patients lose 3-5 kg in the first months. In the long term: the picture often evens out - with increasing improvement in mood, the appetite normalises, some patients then gain moderately (typically 1-3 kg). In comparison: considerably less weight gain than mirtazapine or paroxetine, more than bupropion. With weight loss at the start: eat enough, high-calorie nutritional drinks if necessary, regular meals - do not wait until hunger comes. With long-term weight gain: exercise, dietary counselling, speak with the doctor about a switch if necessary. Important: with massive, unexplained weight change (over 5 kg in 4 weeks), have hormone status, thyroid and blood sugar checked - it can have other causes.
Venlafaxine experiences with sweating - does it ever go away?The night and daytime sweating is the most stubborn SNRI side effect and affects 10-20% of users, often in the long term. Mechanism: the noradrenaline increase activates the sympathetic nerve fibres at the sweat glands. What works: 1) Dose reduction if possible - a dose-dependent effect, 2) Aluminium chloride antiperspirants (e.g. Odaban) - also for unusual areas like chest, back, 3) Increase the amount you drink - helps with the balance, 4) Sage tea or sage extracts - traditionally helpful with sweating, 5) A cool sleeping environment, breathable bedding, 6) With massive sweating: off-label options such as low-dose clonidine or oxybutynin (with the doctor), 7) Last option: a switch to another antidepressant with less sweating (SSRI, mirtazapine, bupropion). Reassuring: even if the sweating lasts a long time, it usually subsides within a few weeks after stopping.
FAQ: Common questions about venlafaxine
The main reason is the very short half-life (about 5 hours): if the drug level falls quickly, the nervous system reacts promptly with discontinuation symptoms - dizziness, "brain zaps", nausea, irritability. Venlafaxine is therefore considered one of the most difficult antidepressants to stop. The solution: very slow tapering over weeks to months in small steps, always with medical support - never stop abruptly.
Venlafaxine does not work immediately - the onset latency is 2 to 6 weeks, full effect after 6 to 8 weeks. First subtle improvements often after 2 weeks, a noticeable improvement in mood after 4 to 6 weeks. Side effects such as nausea often occur first and subside after 1 to 2 weeks. Patience is important - giving up prematurely possibly misses an effective therapy.
"Brain zaps" are short, flash-like electrical sensations in the head - often with eye movements, sometimes with dizziness. They typically occur during stopping or with forgotten doses and are particularly common and pronounced with venlafaxine because of the short half-life. They are unpleasant but harmless and temporary. Solution: slower tapering, a temporary return to the previous dose if necessary.
Yes - through the noradrenaline effect, venlafaxine can raise the blood pressure, and indeed in a dose-dependent way: at low doses the effect is small, at high doses (over 200-300 mg) it can become clinically relevant. Blood-pressure checks are therefore important above all at higher doses and with pre-existing high blood pressure. With a marked rise, the dose is reduced or the preparation is switched.
No - venlafaxine is not addictive in the classic sense (no tolerance development, no craving, no addictive behaviour). But: it has a pronounced discontinuation syndrome, which is often confused with addiction. This is an adaptation reaction of the nervous system, not a dependence. Nevertheless, venlafaxine should never be stopped on one's own or abruptly, but always tapered very slowly.
Both are SNRIs with a similar mode of action. Duloxetine has a broader approval in the pain area (neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia). Venlafaxine has a pronounced dose-dependent effect and is considered effective in severe depression, but has a tendentially stronger discontinuation syndrome. The choice depends on the individual situation - with a pain component often duloxetine, in severe depression venlafaxine too. The doctor decides individually.
Better not, especially in the acute phase. Alcohol intensifies the sedation (fatigue, dizziness), is itself a depressant and worsens the underlying illness, and can impair the reaction ability. Later, occasional moderate consumption is usually possible, but no "comfort drinking" when the mood is low. When in doubt, discuss with the doctor.
Because of the short half-life of venlafaxine, discontinuation symptoms can occur even with one forgotten dose (dizziness, "brain zaps"). Make up the forgotten dose as soon as possible; if it is almost time for the next, skip the forgotten one and do not double. A regular intake at the same time is particularly important with venlafaxine - reminder systems help.
With the first depressive episode: acute phase plus maintenance therapy at least 6 to 9 months after symptom remission. With repeated episodes often longer (years). With anxiety disorders also longer therapy times. Because of the difficult stopping, the end of the therapy should be planned carefully and with enough time. Never stop earlier on your own - a risk of relapse and discontinuation.
The prolonged-release capsules should as a rule be swallowed whole, since chewing destroys the delayed release. Some prolonged-release capsules may, however, be opened and the contents (the pellets) sprinkled on soft food - without chewing the pellets. This is also a method in very fine tapering. Whether this is permitted with the specific preparation is in the package leaflet - when in doubt, ask the doctor or pharmacist.
Sources
S3 guideline on unipolar depression - National Care Guideline (Germany). leitlinien.de
S3 guideline on the treatment of anxiety disorders (AWMF 051-028) (Germany). awmf.org
Drug Commission of the German Medical Association (AkdÄ, Germany) — antidepressants and discontinuation phenomena. akdae.de
German Society for Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Neurology (DGPPN, Germany). dgppn.de
Medical disclaimer: This article serves general information and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis or therapy. Dosages and treatment decisions are always determined individually by the treating doctor. Never stop venlafaxine on your own or abruptly - the discontinuation syndrome is particularly pronounced; always taper very slowly. With suicidal thoughts, Telefonseelsorge 0800 1110111 (a German crisis helpline), in an acute crisis call the emergency services (112; or 999/112 in the UK). With symptoms of a serotonin syndrome or a hypertensive crisis, seek medical help immediately. Last updated: May 2026.
.gif)
Never stop venlafaxine abruptly - the discontinuation syndrome is particularly pronounced because of the short half-life. Check the blood pressure regularly (especially at a higher dose). With suicidal thoughts, Telefonseelsorge 0800 1110111 (a German crisis helpline), in an acute crisis call the emergency services (112; or 999/112 in the UK). Last updated: May 2026.
