Can you take Effexor on an empty stomach? 

Can you take Effexor on an empty stomach? 

Yes, you can take Effexor on an empty stomach. There are no such restrictions when it comes to using this antidepressant and it can be taken with or without food. 

However, if taking Effexor without food is heavy on your stomach and you feel nauseous soon after taking the med, I would recommend taking it with food. The presence of food in your stomach acts like a barrier and protects the lining of your stomach from damage. 

The presence or absence of food doesn’t really change the way your med works or its overall efficacy (1). However, food does delay the onset of action, but it’s totally worth it if Effexor is heavy for you to take on an empty stomach. If you are concerned about your side effects, talk to your healthcare provider. 

Just make sure you take Effexor properly and do not forget or skip your doses. It is also important to not exceed the recommended dodge strength. Antidepressants should be taken in the best possible way to make the most out of them.

Potential benefits and risks of taking Effexor on an empty stomach

Taking Effexor (venlafaxine) on an empty stomach can have both benefits and risks.

Benefits of taking Effexor on an empty stomach

  • Faster Absorption: Taking Effexor on an empty stomach can lead to faster absorption of the medication into your bloodstream. This means that you may start experiencing the effects of the medication more quickly.

Risks of taking Effexor on an empty stomach

  • Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Effexor can irritate the stomach lining, causing gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, stomach pain, and digestive disturbances. Taking it on an empty stomach may increase the likelihood of experiencing these side effects. (2)
  • Upset Stomach: Effexor can sometimes cause stomach upset or increase stomach acid production. Taking it without food may exacerbate these effects, leading to discomfort or heartburn.
  • Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Effexor can cause dizziness or lightheadedness, especially when starting or changing the dosage. Taking it on an empty stomach may increase the risk of experiencing these symptoms.
  • Lowered Tolerance: Some individuals may have a lower tolerance for taking Effexor on an empty stomach, experiencing more severe side effects than others.

Final words

To sum up, Effexor can be taken with or without food. It’s important to note that the specific effects of taking Effexor on an empty stomach can vary among individuals. If you have concerns or questions about taking Effexor, it is recommended to consult with your healthcare provider. 

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References

1.-

Khan A, Upton GV, Rudolph RL, Entsuah R, Leventer SM. The use of venlafaxine in the treatment of major depression and major depression associated with anxiety: a dose-response study. Venlafaxine Investigator Study Group. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 1998 Feb;18(1):19-25. doi: 10.1097/00004714-199802000-00004. PMID: 9472838. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9472838/

2.-

Singh D, Saadabadi A. Venlafaxine. 2022 Oct 10. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 30570984. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535363

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