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Venlafaxine Alternatives Compared

View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Venlafaxine Remove Venlafaxine from your drug comparison Cymbalta Remove Cymbalta from your drug comparison Zoloft Remove Zoloft from your drug comparison
View side-by-side comparisons of medication uses, ratings, cost, side effects and interactions.
Venlafaxine Remove Venlafaxine from your drug comparison Cymbalta duloxetine Remove Cymbalta from your drug comparison Zoloft sertraline Remove Zoloft from your drug comparison

Venlafaxine is an antidepressant that may cause a discontinuation syndrome if abruptly stopped after long-term administration. Prescribed for Major Depressive Disorder, Autism, Anxiety, Depression,... View more

Cymbalta has antidepressant, anti-anxiety, and pain-relieving properties; however, it has been associated with a discontinuation syndrome on withdrawal even when tapered. Prescribed for Back Pain,... View more

Zoloft is an effective antidepressant with less potential for drowsiness than many other antidepressants. Prescribed for Panic Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder,... View more

Prescription only

Prescription only

Prescription only

Ratings & Reviews

View all 2279 reviews

View all 1519 reviews

View all 1523 reviews

Drug Class

Side Effects

Commonly reported side effects include: anorgasmia, asthenia, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, insomnia, nausea, nervousness, headache, anorexia, decreased appetite, delayed ejaculation, diaphoresis, xerostomia.

See the full venlafaxine side effects document.

Common side effects include: asthenia, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, hypersomnia, insomnia, nausea, sedated state, headache, xerostomia.

See the full Cymbalta side effects document.

Common side effects include: diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dyspepsia, fatigue, insomnia, loose stools, nausea, tremor, headache, paresthesia, anorexia, decreased libido, delayed ejaculation, diaphoresis, ejaculation failure, xerostomia.

See the full Zoloft side effects document.

Pricing and Coupons

* Prices are without insurance
Quantity 30 each
Dosage 75 mg
Per Unit* $1.36
Cost* $40.82

View all venlafaxine prices

Quantity 15 delayed release capsule
Dosage 60 mg
Per Unit* $7.35
Cost* $110.27

View all Cymbalta prices and generic prices

Quantity 10 tablet
Dosage 100 mg
Per Unit* $3.02
Cost* $30.24

View all Zoloft prices and generic prices

Get free Discount Card

Get free Discount Card

Get free Discount Card

Generic Availability

Yes (this medicine)

Yes

Yes

Dosage Form(s) Available
  • Oral capsule, extended release
  • Oral tablet
  • Oral tablet, extended release
  • Oral delayed release capsule
  • Oral concentrate
  • Oral tablet

Brand Names
Effexor, Effexor XR Other duloxetine brands include: Drizalma Sprinkle, Irenka

N/A

Half Life

The half-life of a drug is the time taken for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce to half its original value.

4 hours

17 hours

66 hours

CSA Schedule**

View glossary of terms.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.
N
Not a controlled drug

Is not subject to the Controlled Substances Act.

Pregnancy Category
C
Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.
C
Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.
C
Category C Risk cannot be ruled out

See the full Pregnancy Warnings document.

FDA Alerts

FDA Alerts (5)

FDA Alerts (4)

FDA Alerts (8)

Drug Interactions

A total of 638 drugs are known to interact with venlafaxine:

  • 138 major drug interactions (552 brand and generic names)
  • 495 moderate drug interactions (2164 brand and generic names)
  • 5 minor drug interactions (22 brand and generic names)

A total of 562 drugs are known to interact with Cymbalta:

  • 100 major drug interactions (447 brand and generic names)
  • 439 moderate drug interactions (1910 brand and generic names)
  • 23 minor drug interactions (187 brand and generic names)

A total of 618 drugs are known to interact with Zoloft:

  • 140 major drug interactions (558 brand and generic names)
  • 471 moderate drug interactions (1937 brand and generic names)
  • 7 minor drug interactions (35 brand and generic names)

Alcohol/Food/Lifestyle Interactions
  • Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of venlafaxine such as dizziness, drowsiness,... View more
  • DULoxetine may cause liver damage, and taking it with alcohol may increase that risk. You should... View more
  • You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with sertraline. Alcohol can... View more

Disease Interactions

First Approval Date

December 28, 1993

N/A

December 30, 1991

WADA Class

View World Anti-Doping Agency classifications.

N/A

N/A

N/A

More Information

Consumer Resources

Professional Resources

Related Treatment Guide

** The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) schedule information displayed applies to substances regulated under federal law. There may be variations in CSA schedules between individual states.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer