What to do if you have missed a dose of Effexor? (5+ ways to ensure safe use)

This article will discuss what one should do after accidentally missing an Effexor dose. We will also discuss the potential risks of taking Effexor intermittently and how it can affect your treatment goals. 

What to do if you have missed a dose of Effexor?

If you have missed your Effexor dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if your next dose is just around the corner, you should skip your missed dose and take the next one on time (1,2). 

Taking two Effexor doses without having an adequate time gap in between may increase the concentration of the drug in your body more than you usually require, potentially raising the risk of side effects.

Effexor is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, primarily used as an antidepressant with a couple of off-label uses (1). It is a known fact with antidepressants that you can’t take these meds intermittently. One has to take these medications each day for as long as recommended.

This approach allows the drug to remain in your body at a steady concentration, which is crucial for the management of your symptoms.

Antidepressants are not fast-acting medications. You need to take them for weeks to observe a noticeable change in your symptoms. This is why proper use is crucial.

What are the potential risks of missing an Effexor dose?

Missing one Effexor dose may not significantly affect people; however, individuals can respond differently to a missed Effexor dose. Typically, skipping one dose may result in a mild headache or make you feel anxious. 

These symptoms are generally not severe and tend to improve as soon as you take the next dose. It’s important to note that skipping one dose is not a major concern for someone new to the medication.

However, individuals who have been taking Effexor for months or years may feel its effects more pronouncedly. Accidentally missing a dose or two can happen, but the main concern arises when it becomes a habit. 

Taking Effexor intermittently and frequently skipping doses can significantly impact treatment outcomes.

Furthermore, skipping more than one dose at a time, especially if you’ve been on this medication for a while, can lead to withdrawal symptoms. These may include dizziness, nausea, headache, fatigue, and irritability (3). It’s crucial to maintain a consistent medication routine to avoid these potential issues.

What are the long-term effects of missing Effexor doses?

Missing Effexor doses frequently can significantly affect your therapeutic goals. As discussed earlier, antidepressants need to be taken properly and every single day for as long as prescribed by your healthcare provider. 

These meds gradually make changes in your brain and balance the amount of neurotransmitters that are primarily involved in the pathophysiology of depression and related mental health conditions. This requires proper dose administration and monitoring of side effects.

When you take your antidepressant intermittently, it fails to maintain that balance, and the fluctuation in the excitatory chemicals in your brain does not provide you with a steady therapeutic result (4). This is why it is of crucial importance to ensure the safe and effective use of antidepressants.

How to ensure the safe and effective use of Effexor?

Some important ways to ensure the safe and effective use of Effexor include:

• Take Effexor as prescribed by your healthcare provider every day. Consistency is key to achieving and maintaining the desired therapeutic effect.

• Consider setting a daily reminder, like an alarm on your phone, to help you remember to take your medication at the same time each day.

• Discuss your side effects or any other concerns you may have with your healthcare provider. Do not make any changes to your treatment plan on your own

• Skipping doses, intentionally or unintentionally, can disrupt the balance of neurotransmitters in your brain. Make sure you take your antidepressant at the same time each day.

• Make sure you properly follow the directions provided to you by your doctor. This includes the proper way of taking the antidepressant, the time, and the way your doctor has suggested – like taking it with or without food.

• Do not miss your follow-up appointments. These are important to ensure the safety and efficacy of your treatment plan.

• Antidepressants often take time to show noticeable effects. Be patient and continue taking the medication as prescribed, even if you don’t see immediate changes.

• Do not adjust your dosage or stop taking Effexor without consulting your healthcare provider. Abrupt changes can lead to withdrawal symptoms or a recurrence of depressive symptoms.

As a pharmacist, I have seen many people skipping doses deliberately, which is one of the major concerns related to the treatment and management of depression. 

We have also observed people stopping their meds abruptly, thinking that they are treated now and they don’t need the medication any more. This can do far more harm than good and it’s not up to you to decide whether you have completely cured. This is why you need to stick to your doctor’s directions.

References

1. 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 

2. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA). HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION. EFFEXOR XR® (venlafaxine Extended-Release) Capsules. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/020699s107lbl.pdf 

3. Sabljić V, Ružić K, Rakun R. Venlafaxine withdrawal syndrome. Psychiatr Danub. 2011 Mar;23(1):117-9. PMID: 21448114. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21448114/ 

4. Bockting CL, ten Doesschate MC, Spijker J, Spinhoven P, Koeter MW, Schene AH; DELTA study group. Continuation and maintenance use of antidepressants in recurrent depression. Psychother Psychosom. 2008;77(1):17-26. doi: 10.1159/000110056. Epub 2007 Dec 14. PMID: 18087204. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18087204/