*An off-label use of a medication is a use that is not FDA-approved. Prescribers can decide to use a medication off-label because, in their professional judgment, they believe it may offer a benefit to someone.
Effexor XR (venlafaxine) is an antidepressant used to treat depressive and anxiety disorders. Effexor XR’s sexual side effects, such as erectile dysfunction and low libido, may affect some men and women while taking the medication or even after stopping. Your doctor may make changes to your prescription to help manage these symptoms, such as switching you to a different antidepressant or changing your dose.
If you are considering Effexor XR or want to discuss your current medication treatment with a provider, online psychiatry platforms, such as Talkiatry and Brightside Health are a good place to start. Their providers offer assessments and prescription consultation, and can answer any questions you have about Effexor sexual side effects.
What Is Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) & How Is it Used?
Effexor (venlafaxine) is an FDA-approved medication for treating major depressive disorders, anxiety, and other mental disorders. It belongs to the class of medications called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) 1. The medication works similarly to SSRIs by regulating the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine and helping maintain mental balance. Effexor XR contains the active ingredient venlafaxine and venlafaxine is available as a generic medication. Effexor XR (venlafaxine) is commonly used as a medication for anxiety and medication for depression. It is only available as a capsule. It comes in four forms: tablets, solutions, capsules, and extended-release capsules. The dosage depends on the condition, the age, and the severity of the condition.
Online Psychiatry and Medication Management Covered by Insurance
Talkiatry can match you with a real psychiatrist who takes your insurance and is seeing new patients. They’re in-network with major insurers and offer medication management. Get started with a short online assessment
There are instances where Effexor XR may be is used as an off-label non-FDA-approved medication. An off-label use is when a medication is used for a non-FDA approved indication based on the professional judgment of a prescriber. Possible off-label uses for Effexor XR include These are for conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and post-traumatic stress disorder 2. Off-label medications are not approved by FDA for that treatment. However, the licensed healthcare provider may prescribe by using professional judgment on its benefits to the patient.
What Causes Effexor XR Sexual Side Effects?
Effexor XR is an antidepressant belonging to the SNRI class and regulates serotonin and norepinephrine levels. These are the natural hormones substances in the brain that help maintain mental balance. Their increase may affect sexual health in both men and women, causing low libido, delayed or absent orgasms, and erectile dysfunction. These side effects are usuallymanageable, and men with this mental disorder should not worry about post-SSRI sexual dysfunction 3.
Effexor XR Sexual Side Effects
Effexor XR may cause mild side effects, including sweating, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, and sexual side effects. Although mental issues, especially in women, may reduce libido, Effexor XR is known to cause sexual side effects. Reduced sex drive, delayed ejaculation, and inability to get or keep an erection in men may affect a man‘s confidence. As much as this may be an embarrassing topic for discussion, it is advisable to speak to your medical provider to help find solutions. These sexual side effects affect both men and women and do not affect everyone taking the medication. In some instances, you may experience the other side effects of Effexor and not the sexual side effects .
Sexual Side Effects of Effexor XR in Women
Sexual side effects do not affect everyone taking the medication, but when they do, they may affect relationships. Side effects, such as reduced libido, may reduce a woman’s interest in sexual activity. While some women may be hesitant to talk about sexual side effects with their healthcare provider, an open conversation can shed light on the most important symptoms.
Common Effexor XR sexual side effects in women can include:
- Reduced sex drive
- Delayed or absent orgasm
Sexual Side Effects of Effexor XR in Men
Sexual side effects in men that include low sex drive and Effexor XR erectile dysfunction may negatively affect the man’s relationship. While some men may feel hesitant to discuss these issues with their doctor, these symptoms can be managed. Your doctor may recommend changes for treating your condition and creating a healthy balance in your relationship.
Common Effexor XR side effects in men can include:
- Decreased libido
- Erectile dysfunction
- Delayed or absent ejaculation
How to Cope with Sexual Side Effects of Effexor XR
Effexor XR sexual side effects may only last a few weeks for some, but they can feel disruptive to a person’s typical sexual activity. It is also possible for these side effects to be long-term. Your healthcare provider may help you manage some of these side effects. As soon as you notice some of these changes, contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
Adjust Your Dose
Effexor XR may be given in different doses, determined by the severity, age, and condition the medication is used to treat. Your doctor, in most cases, starts you on a low dose and increases your dose gradually, between every four to seven days 4. The doctors will advise you to check for anxiety and depression symptoms as they make these changes to your dose. Therefore, you should talk to your doctor about Effexor XR sexual side effects treatment and how you feel. Your licensed healthcare provider will guide you through a dose adjustment to reduce the risk of antidepressant withdrawal , a serious condition that can occur when antidepressants are stopped abruptly.
Popular Choices for Online Psychiatry
Talkiatry – Safe, virtual mental health care from doctors who take insurance. Most psychiatry visits cost patients $30 or less* Take a short assessment.
Circle Medical – anxiety and depression treatment. Meet with an online doctor today! All prescriptions are based on necessity determined by a medical professional. Diagnosis and prescription over video. Insurance accepted. No membership or hidden fees. Same day appointments. Visit Circle Medical
*Includes copayment, deductible, coinsurance, and $0 Visits. Excludes no shows. **On average. Actual appointment times vary by state and individual patient.
Switching Antidepressants
Effexor XR is an antidepressant that is safe for use and has no cases post SSRI-sexual dysfunction 5. However, for some people using these medications, the sexual side effects may be harsher, and they may not experience any changes, even with dose adjustments. The healthcare provider maywill in this case, recommend a different antidepressant with fewer sexual side effects and will instruct you through the process of switching.
Consider Therapy
Therapy may help relieve symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders. It is also considered a first-line treatment for mental health issues because of its low occurrence of side effects 5. Talk therapy is one of several types of psychotherapy practiced by a licensed practitioner. They can provide support as you progress through treatment, including your experience taking medication.
You can get to a therapist in different ways, including a session in-person or online. If you are uncomfortable with in-person sessions or have a busy schedule, online therapy options may be helpful to consider. Before you start therapy, consider your needs and goals to help you find the right therapist .
Talk to Your Partner
In cases where your depression and anxiety may be severe, reducing the dosage may not be an option. Therefore, it would be helpful to talk to your partner to understand why you need to continue with the medication. This will help them understand your situation better and may wait till you feel better. The doctor may also recommend some options to help the relationship, such as using lubricants and sex toys. However, these recommendations should be given by the doctor, such as lubricants that are safe to use.
Natural Remedies
There are natural ways that help in maintaining good health and relieve mild symptoms of depression and anxiety. Some include eating healthy balanced meals, exercising, improving sleeping patterns, limiting caffeine and alcohol intake, and spending quality time outside—all the above natural remedies for anxiety work in favor of improved health. If you enjoy journaling and writing down your thoughts, you may find this activity stress-relieving.
Wait for the Side Effects to Improve
If you are experiencing severe depression or anxiety disorder, the doctor may recommend waiting until your mental health improves. This may take a few weeks, but it may be what is best for you at that particular moment.
Questions to Ask Your Health Team
Understanding symptoms and their side effects is one step closer to knowing how to manage them when they get you. Therefore, as you sit with your healthcare provider, you should ask all the questions that may concern you on use, side effects, and dose adjustments. This will help you know when to contact your doctors to seek immediate medical attention by calling 911 or your doctor’s hotline number.
Questions to ask your care team about the sexual side effects of Effexor XR include:
- How long will it take for me to adjust to taking Effexor XR?
- Am I at risk for more severe symptoms if I am already taking other anxiety /depression medications?
- Does Effexor XR cause sexual side effects?
- Does Effexor XR affect libido?
- What is the best dosage for fewer side effects?
- Does Effexor XR cause erectile dysfunction?
- Does Effexor XR cause low libido?
- When should I reach out to you if I am experiencing sexual side effects?
- Is there anything I should tell my therapist about this new medication?
- After how long do Effexor XR sexual side effects go away?
- Does Effexor XR have sexual side effects?
- What is the relationship between Effexor XR and sex drive?
- How do antidepressants from other drug classes compare, such as Effexor XR vs Lexapro?
In My Experience
In my experience, Effexor XR, like any other antidepressant, may cause sexual side effects. The FDA approved the medication as safe and effective for use under supervision by a qualified healthcare provider. Once you start experiencing these sexual side effects, you should immediately talk to your doctor. A healthcare provider will guide you on what to do while maintaining a balance of recovery and optimal health.
Additional Resources
To help our readers take the next step in their mental health journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy is compensated for marketing by the companies included below.
Virtual Psychiatry
Circle Medical – Anxiety and Depression Treatment. Meet with an online doctor today! All prescriptions are based on necessity determined by a medical professional. Diagnosis and prescription over video. Insurance accepted. No membership or hidden fees. Same day appointments. Visit Circle Medical
Talkiatry – Get help from a real doctor that takes your insurance. Talkiatry offers medication management and online visits with expert psychiatrists. Take the online assessment and have your first appointment in days. Free Assessment
Therapy for Anxiety & Medication Management
Brightside Health – develops personalized plans that are unique to you and offers 1 on 1 support from start to finish. Brightside Health accepts United Healthcare, Anthem, Cigna, and Aetna. Appointments in as little as 24 hours. Start Free Assessment
Talk Therapy
BetterHelp – Get support and guidance from a licensed therapist. BetterHelp has over 30,000 therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. BetterHelp starts at $65 per week and is FSA/HSA eligible by most providers. Take a Free Online Assessment and get matched with the right therapist for you. Take free assessment
Anxiety Newsletter
A free newsletter from Choosing Therapy for those impacted by anxiety. Get helpful tips and the latest information. Sign Up
For Further Reading
- Effexor (Venlafaxine) For Anxiety: Effectiveness, Dosage, & More
- How to Get an Effexor (Venlafaxine) Prescription
- Effexor (Venlafaxine) Withdrawal: Symptoms, Duration, & How to Cope
- Effexor Weight Gain: Everything You Need to Know
- What Are the Mental Health Benefits of Exercise?
- Effexor (Venlafaxine): Drug Uses, Warnings, Dosage, & More
- Zoloft (Sertraline) Sexual Side Effects: What They Are & How to Manage Them
Online Anxiety Test
A few questions from Talkiatry can help you understand your symptoms and give you a recommendation for what to do next.
Best Online Psychiatry Services
Online psychiatry, sometimes called telepsychiatry, platforms offer medication management by phone, video, or secure messaging for a variety of mental health conditions. In some cases, online psychiatry may be more affordable than seeing an in-person provider. Mental health treatment has expanded to include many online psychiatry and therapy services. With so many choices, it can feel overwhelming to find the one that is right for you.
