Effexor Alternatives

Effexor is effective at treating depression symptoms for most people, and is also generally well-tolerated. However, it is possible that the antidepressant may not adequately control a person's symptoms or that side effects will occur. In these cases, alternatives to Effexor -- such as therapy, other antidepressants, or alternative therapies -- may be considered. If Effexor is not working for you or your child or if you are experiencing bothersome Effexor side effects, you should talk with your healthcare provider about trying Effexor alternatives.

Effexor Medicine

Effexor Alternatives: An Overview

Effexor^® (venlafaxine hydrochloride) is a prescription medicine used to treat depression. The medication is part of a group of antidepressant drugs called serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).

For the most part, Effexor is effective at treating depression symptoms and people tolerate it well. However, as with all medicines, it is possible that side effects will occur or that the medicine may not adequately control a person's symptoms. Fortunately, there are several alternatives to Effexor for depression treatment, including:

Therapy
Other depression medications (also known as antidepressants)
Electroconvulsive therapy
Alternative (natural) therapies.

Therapy as an Effexor Alternative

Many forms of psychotherapy, including some short-term (10 to 20 weeks) therapies, can help people with depression.

"Talk" therapies help patients gain insight into and resolve their problems through verbal exchange with the therapist, sometimes combined with "homework" assignments between sessions. Behavioral therapists help patients learn how to obtain more satisfaction through their own actions and how to unlearn the behavioral patterns that contribute to, or result from, their depression.

(Click Psychotherapy for Depression to learn more about this depression treatment option.)

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