How Long Does It Take Effexor to Work? — Talkspace

Effexor (venlafaxine) is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) used to treat mental health conditions like major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. It’s also sometimes prescribed off-label — meaning it’s not FDA-approved but may help — to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), migraine, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Effexor helps boost levels of serotonin and norepinephrine—two brain chemicals that play a big role in regulating mood and alleviating symptoms of many mental health conditions. If you’re just starting it (or thinking about it), you probably have questions: How long until I feel a difference? What’s normal to experience at first? And how can I tell if it’s actually working?

It’s important to note that how long a drug takes to work can vary depending on individual factors like dosage, symptom severity, medical history, and the condition being treated. There are some general guidelines, though. Read on to learn more about how long it takes for Effexor to work​.

How Fast Does Effexor Take to Work?

Unfortunately, there is no set timeline for when people will start feeling the positive effects of Effexor or any other medication. Results can vary from person to person, but research shows that up to 60% of people see improvement within six to eight weeks when taking antidepressants like Effexor.

Many people first see improvements in physical symptoms, like improved energy levels, appetite, and sleep patterns. Mood-related symptoms, like emotional stability and reduced anxiety, may take a little bit longer before improvement is noticeable. 

Factors That Affect How Long Effexor Takes to Work

Several factors influence how fast Effexor will start working. Not all drugs work the same way for every person who takes them. One person may have great success with a specific drug, but another may find the same medication, used for the same condition, doesn’t work at all. 

Here are the key factors that play a role in how long it takes for Effexor to work: 

• Dosage and adjustments
• The condition being treated
• Individual body chemistry, including weight, age, and health history 
• Other drugs being taken
• Comorbid conditions
• Interactions with other medications  

Dosage and adjustments

Effexor is generally started at a low dose — the standard beginning dose is usually 75 mg/day, taken in two to three doses. The dosage can gradually increase based on individual response and tolerance. Slowly increasing the dosage allows the body to adapt to each increase instead of responding to a huge change, which can increase side effects. 

The maximum dose for depression is typically not more than 225 mg/day. However, in some cases of severe depressive symptoms, up to 375 mg/day, divided into three doses, might be suggested. Higher doses can result in quicker relief for some people — that said, they can also come with a greater risk of adverse effects. 

Condition being treated

In some cases, the condition you’re treating can affect how quickly a drug works. For example, Effexor may work faster for anxiety than it does for major depressive disorder. 

Physical symptoms of anxiety—such as intense restlessness or panic attacks—may improve more quickly than depressive symptoms like persistent sadness or loss of interest in activities. The severity of symptoms can also influence how quickly a medication takes effect. Some people with milder symptoms notice improvements sooner than those experiencing more severe cases.

Individual body chemistry

Factors like metabolism, genetics, liver and kidney function, and overall health will significantly affect how Effexor is absorbed and processed in the body. Someone with a slower metabolism or impaired liver function might not experience effects as quickly.

Interaction with other medications

The use of other medications can influence the effectiveness of Effexor. Certain drugs might enhance or interfere with how well and fast it works. For example, a different type of antidepressant or another medication that alters serotonin levels might change response times or increase the risk of side effects like serotonin syndrome.

It’s crucial to tell your doctor about everything you’re taking — even over-the-counter (OTC) medications can interact with Effexor. 

How to Know If Effexor Is Working

One simple but effective way to determine how well Effexor is working is by tracking specific symptom improvements. You can monitor several things that will mark improvement, although it’s important to remember that timelines can vary depending on individual responses.

Track any change in mood or behavior. It’s not uncommon for changes to be subtle at first but improve and strengthen over time, and some people won’t notice significant improvements for several weeks. 

Improved mood and emotional stability

One of the biggest signs Effexor is working well is if you notice less persistent sadness or you feel less emotional numbness throughout your days. You might be less overwhelmed by typical daily stressors and more in control of negative emotions. Complete mood stabilization will likely take longer, up to several weeks in some cases, as serotonin and norepinephrine levels gradually adjust in the brain.

Increased energy and motivation

You may have come across Effexor while seeking tips on how to get motivation when depressed. That’s because Effexor can help restore energy levels, making it easier to complete daily tasks, socialize and reengage with hobbies. Many say they’re less physically tired and are motivated to start (and finish) activities again. Don’t worry if you don’t feel it immediately. It’s common to need initial adjustments to your dosage before noticing a change in energy levels and motivation. 

Better sleep patterns

Look for improvements in sleep quality after starting Effexor. Falling asleep faster, waking up less throughout the night, and not oversleeping anymore are early signs the drug is working. Because Effexor impacts norepinephrine levels, it can help regulate sleep-wake cycles, especially in cases where depression or anxiety are affecting how well you’re sleeping.

Reduced anxiety and worry

When taken for anxiety disorders, you might not immediately feel a decrease in physical symptoms like a racing heartbeat, restlessness, or intrusive thoughts. Eventually, Effexor’s dual action on serotonin and norepinephrine can help calm your stress response, but you should be prepared — it might take four to eight weeks to feel the full effects.

Fewer physical symptoms of depression or anxiety

Depression and anxiety can cause physical manifestations, like headaches, digestive issues, or muscle tension. Once Effexor starts working, these types of physical symptoms often subside before emotional ones do.  

More positive thought patterns

As Effexor takes effect, you might have fewer negative thoughts, and your unhealthy self-critical inner dialogue may quiet down. There can be cognitive shifts, too — like feeling more hopeful or less pessimistic. These benefits can emerge after around two to four weeks, but generally become more pronounced over time.

Improved social engagement and daily functioning

A strong indication that this antidepressant is working is improved social interaction. You might feel less isolated or more willing to connect with others. You also may find it easier to maintain your daily functioning and routines, meet work obligations, and participate in things you once enjoyed but have had little interest in lately.  

What to Do If Effexor Isn’t Working

If you’re concerned you’re not seeing the desired results and it’s been at least six to eight weeks since you started taking Effexor, talk to your doctor. They can offer solutions or modifications to your treatment plan. Some options might include:

• Dosage adjustments: If your antidepressant dose is too low or too high, look for signs like changes in symptom severity or increased side effects. Your doctor can help adjust the dose based on how you’re responding to the medication.
• Switching medications: If your antidepressant is not working as expected, your doctor may suggest an Effexor alternative.
• Combining medications: Sometimes, adding another drug can enhance results.
• Therapy integration: To achieve optimal outcomes, medication should be combined with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or other forms of therapy.
• Lifestyle changes: Incorporate habits that support mental health into your life. For example, exercise, mindfulness, healthy eating, and prioritizing sleep can all improve the results of your treatment plan.

Never stop taking Effexor without talking to your doctor first. Abruptly stopping this drug can cause potential Effexor withdrawal symptoms, so it’s crucial to follow a healthcare provider’s guidance if you plan to stop taking your prescription. 

Talk to a Psychiatric Provider About Effexor

Medication response times can vary widely from person to person. Make sure you closely monitor changes in symptoms after you take Effexor and keep in contact with your healthcare provider so proper adjustments can be made as needed.

If you’re concerned about effectiveness, side effects, or how long it’s taking Effexor to work, seek professional support promptly. Online psychiatry and therapy services from Talkspace make mental healthcare accessible. It’s your one-stop shop for evaluation, medication management, and therapy sessions.

Contact Talkspace to get your Effexor prescription online and learn more about the medication today.