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Effexor Dosage

The usual starting Effexor dosage for treating depression is 75 mg total per day, which is divided into two or three smaller doses. If this starting dosage does not adequately control depression symptoms, or if side effects occur, your healthcare provider may alter your dosage. The highest recommended dose of Effexor for most people is 225 mg total per day. Make sure to talk with your healthcare provider, nurse, or pharmacist if you are unsure about anything related to Effexor or your dosage.

 

Effexor Dosage: An Introduction

The dose of Effexor® (venlafaxine hydrochloride) that your healthcare provider prescribes will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be currently taking.
     
As always, do not adjust your Effexor dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 

Effexor Dosing for Depression

For the treatment of depression, the usual starting Effexor dosage is Effexor 75 mg total per day, divided up into two or three smaller doses. Your healthcare provider may lower your dose if you experience side effects or may increase your dose if needed to control depression symptoms. For most people, the highest recommended dose is Effexor 225 mg total per day, although some people may need to take as much as Effexor 375 mg per day.
 
If you have liver or kidney problems, your healthcare provider might start you on a lower dose of Effexor.
 

General Effexor Dosage Information

Some considerations for people taking Effexor include:
 
 
  • Effexor comes in tablet form. It is taken two or three times a day, depending on how your healthcare provider prescribes it. Effexor should be taken with food.
     
  • Effexor should be taken at the same times each day to maintain an even level of medicine in your system.
     
  • Abruptly stopping medications like Effexor can result in withdrawal symptoms (see Effexor Withdrawal for more information).
     
  • For Effexor to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Effexor will not work if you take it in a way other than how your healthcare provider prescribed it.
     
  • If you are unsure about anything related to Effexor or your Effexor dosage, please talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Do not stop taking Effexor without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;