How Long Does Effexor Stay in Your System? Plus 4 More Effexor FAQs Answered

Starting a new medication for your mental health — like Effexor (venlafaxine) — can be like stepping into uncharted territory. You may have many questions, and perhaps some uncertainty, about what to expect. But even if you’ve been faithfully taking Effexor for years, there’s always more to learn and understand about your medication.

Your healthcare provider likely covered the basics, such as how long Effexor takes to work and potential side effects. However, you may still have questions about drinking alcohol, pregnancy safety, and how long Effexor stays in your system. You may also want to know what can happen if you stop taking it. We’ll answer five of these frequently asked questions below.

1. How long does Effexor stay in your system?

The length of time that Effexor stays in the body varies from person to person. This is because there can be differences in how quickly we process and eliminate medications. Your age and health conditions are two factors to consider.

However, most people will have mostly cleared venlafaxine, Effexor’s main ingredient, from their body in about 1 day. Other metabolites (byproducts) may stick around for longer.

Kidney and liver problems can increase the time it takes to clear Effexor from the body. And in some cases, you may need to wait at least 7 days after stopping Effexor to clear it out completely before starting certain medications that interact with it.

Effexor is also available as an extended-release (ER) formulation. The ER version (Effexor XR) is absorbed more slowly after you take a dose. However, it’s still cleared from your system at a similar rate.

Promotion disclosure

Effexor (Venlafaxine)

Avg retail price

$8.59(Save Free%)

GoodRx discount

$8.59

See all discounts

How it works

Use GoodRx to find medications, pharmacies, and discounts.

GoodRx discounts can help you pay less for your prescription.

Bring your free coupon or savings card to the pharmacy.

Good to know: Effexor XR contains small, sphere-like white shells that slowly release the medication in your system. These shells don’t dissolve and you may find them in your stools. But don’t be alarmed, this is normal. 

2. What happens if you stop taking Effexor?

At some point, it may be time to stop taking Effexor. If you have to stop Effexor for any reason, you shouldn’t stop it “cold turkey.” Stopping Effexor abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms known as antidepressant discontinuation syndrome.

Symptoms from suddenly stopping Effexor can include:

• Headache

• Nausea and vomiting

• Dizziness

• Trouble sleeping

• Nervousness

• Physical sensations, such as “electric shocks”

The process of stopping Effexor can take some planning with your healthcare provider. They’ll work with you to develop a schedule to slowly lower your Effexor dose over time.

Some experts recommend reducing the dose every few weeks until you’re off the medication. This timeline may differ for you, depending on how you feel while reducing the dose. It’s best to communicate your symptoms with your provider to find a regimen that works for you.

Good to know: Compared to many other antidepressants, the body clears Effexor more quickly. For this reason, it tends to have a higher risk of antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. This is why it’s important to take Effexor as directed and not attempt to stop taking it on your own.

3. Is Effexor safe to take during pregnancy?

If you’re thinking about trying to conceive, or if you’ve recently found out you’re pregnant, you may want to know if it’s safe to continue taking Effexor. 

Effexor hasn’t been studied extensively during pregnancy. However, a few case-control studies suggest that there may be an increased risk of birth defects with Effexor. One study looked at Effexor specifically, while another also included other antidepressants. But another small study didn’t find an increased risk. So, more studies are needed to know for sure.

It’s best to discuss your treatment options with your healthcare provider. This may involve sticking with Effexor, switching to a different medication, or trying a medication-free approach. They can help you weigh the potential benefits and risks when making your decision.

4. Is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Effexor?

In short: No, it’s not recommended to drink alcohol while taking Effexor. Alcohol and Effexor may interact in ways that can be harmful and worsen side effects. For example, Effexor can cause drowsiness, which may be intensified while drinking alcohol.

What’s more, alcohol can worsen depression and anxiety symptoms. If you’re taking Effexor for either of these mental health conditions, alcohol may counteract its benefits.

You may be wondering if an occasional drink or two is OK while taking Effexor. Since alcohol and medications affect everyone differently, it’s best to discuss this with your healthcare provider. They can give you guidance for your specific situation.

5. Are there ways to save on Effexor?

There are ways to save on your Effexor prescription. By using GoodRx discounts, you could save 80% off the average retail price of generic Effexor at certain pharmacies.

The IR version of Effexor is no longer on the market as a brand-name product. But lower-cost generic versions are available. With GoodRx discounts, you could pay as little as $[effexor low price] for the generic version at certain pharmacies.

Effexor XR is available as both brand-name and generic products. At certain pharmacies, the generic version’s price is as low as $12.75 with GoodRx. You could also pay as little as $4 for brand-name Effexor XR with a manufacturer copay savings card.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Niousha Nader, PharmD, BCCCP

Niousha Nader, PharmD, BCCCP is a critical care and geriatric specialist. She has over 12 years of hospital experience, which also includes pediatric, emergency, surgical, and oncologic pharmacy.

Edited by:

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD

Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD, is the director of pharmacy content for GoodRx. She has over a decade of experience as a pharmacist and has worked in clinical, academic, and administrative roles.

Reviewed by:

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP

Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP, is a board-certified ambulatory care clinical pharmacist. In his early career, he provided direct patient care in a variety of settings, including hospital and community pharmacies, and in a primary care clinic as a clinical pharmacist.

Our editorial standards

Meet our experts