Does Effexor XR help with anxiety? (+3 studies)

This article will discuss the effectiveness of Effexor (venlafaxine) in treating anxiety disorders. It will explore its recommended dosages, research findings on its effectiveness, and its overall tolerability.

Additionally, this article will cover the mechanisms by which Effexor helps with anxiety, common side effects, strategies if Effexor is not effective, and alternative medications for managing anxiety.

Does Effexor XR help with anxiety?

Effexor (venlafaxine) can be used in treating anxiety disorders. It is approved for managing Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). Its recommended daily dosages in treating GAD range from 75 to 225 mg, while for SAD, a lower daily dose of 37.5 to 75 mg should be effective [1].

Research studies indicate that it consistently demonstrates higher response rates and improvements in anxiety scores compared to placebo. It is generally well-tolerated, although some common side effects may occur [2,3,4].

However, it is recommended to consult with a medical professional to determine the appropriate dosage and treatment plan for each patient’s condition and response.

What does research suggest?

In one clinical trial, researchers assessed the effectiveness and safety of venlafaxine for treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Over 28 weeks, more than 69% of individuals who received venlafaxine responded positively to the treatment, compared to only 42% of those who took a placebo [2].

Furthermore, the venlafaxine XR group experienced significant improvements in their anxiety symptoms starting from week 1 or 2 and continuing through week 28. According to these results, venlafaxine XR can be regarded as a safe and effective option for the management of anxiety, both in the short and long term [2].

Another recent study has demonstrated the efficacy and safety of venlafaxine in the treatment of several anxiety disorders, including social anxiety disorder (SAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) [3].

The study also noted that venlafaxine is generally well-tolerated, and any side effects usually diminish with ongoing treatment. This highlights the importance of venlafaxine as an alternative to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for patients with anxiety disorders [3]

Furthermore, in a review of 14 studies, it was found that venlafaxine was more effective in reducing anxiety symptoms compared to a placebo. Moreover, the rate at which people stopped the treatment was similar in both the venlafaxine and placebo groups [4].

To illustrate, those taking venlafaxine were more likely to discontinue due to side effects, while those on placebo typically stopped because the treatment wasn’t effective. Overall, the review concluded that venlafaxine is an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for GAD [4].

How can Effexor help with anxiety?

Being a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), venlafaxine increases the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine available in the brain. Norepinephrine is involved in focus, attention, and arousal, whereas serotonin impacts feelings, mood, and anxiety levels [5].

In anxiety disorders, there is often an imbalance of these neurotransmitters. By enhancing the activity of these neurotransmitters, venlafaxine can reduce excessive worrying, improve mood stability, increase feelings of calmness, and enhance overall well-being.

What are the side effects of taking Effexor for anxiety?

Some of these side effects include:

• Nausea
• Sleep disturbances or Insomnia
• Drowsiness and lightheadedness
• Dry mouth
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss or weight gain
• Excessive sweating,  especially at night
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Nervousness
• Headache
• Sexual difficulties

What to do if Effexor isn’t effective for your anxiety?

If Effexor is not effectively controlling your anxiety, you can try a few other approaches. Some of the important approaches include:

Dose escalation

To achieve maximum efficacy, your physician may gradually raise the Effexor dose. For Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), the recommended dose typically ranges from 75 to 225 mg per day. For Social Anxiety Disorder, a lower dose of 37.5 to 75 mg per day may be sufficient [1].

Your doctor will determine the appropriate escalation protocol based on your response.

Self-help techniques

You can engage in self-help techniques to reduce your anxiety. For example, practicing relaxation exercises, deep breathing, engaging in regular physical exercise, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help manage anxiety symptoms while taking Effexor.

Avoid anxiety precipitants

Avoiding excessive caffeine, alcohol, and illicit drugs can also contribute to better anxiety management. These substances can decrease the efficacy of Effecor as they already make anxiety worse.

Engage in therapy

Therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, can complement the medication’s effects by providing coping strategies and addressing underlying factors contributing to anxiety.

What other drugs are effective for anxiety?

Other drugs can be taken if Effexor is found to be ineffective in treating anxiety. It is important to consult with your doctor to determine the most appropriate drug for you. Some of the medications that are approved for treating anxiety disorders are mentioned below [6].

• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and OCD can all be treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which include fluoxetine, sertraline, and escitalopram.

• Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) like duloxetine and venlafaxine are also approved for GAD, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. The prescribed dosage typically starts low and gradually increases to achieve optimal effectiveness.

• Alprazolam, lorazepam, and diazepam are also examples of benzodiazepines that can temporarily relieve anxiety symptoms. They are frequently recommended when treating severe anxiety attacks. As they may cause dependence and withdrawal symptoms, however, minimal doses are preferred.

• Buspirone is also approved for the treatment of GAD and may be an option if Effexor is not effective. It is typically taken in divided doses throughout the day.

• Propranolol, a beta-blocker, can also help reduce the physical signs of anxiety, including shaking or a fast heartbeat. They are often prescribed for social anxiety disorder or performance anxiety.

Based on my research, I have concluded that Effexor is an effective treatment for anxiety disorders, especially Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). Recommended dosages range from 75 to 225 mg per day for GAD and 37.5 to 75 mg per day for social anxiety disorder.

In my perspective, although Effexor is usually safe and well-tolerated, it can result in a number of side effects. To select the most suitable treatment and monitoring plan, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional.

If Effexor is not effective, I recommend exploring alternative medications such as SSRIs, SNRIs, benzodiazepines, buspirone, or beta-blockers, depending on the specific anxiety disorder. Finally, it is important to work with a healthcare professional to find the most suitable treatment approach.

References