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Dr. Banita Sehgal
Internal Medicine Physician
My approach to healthcare is rooted in building genuine partnerships with my patients.
Taking the time to understand their needs and goals helps us collaborate effectively and find the best path forward together. What I love most about my work is being someone they can count on — familiar, accessible, and focused on their well-being.
Frequently asked questions
Venlafaxine XR might be right for you if you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, or panic attacks and haven’t found enough relief from other treatments. It can help by balancing key brain chemicals that affect mood and emotions.
Choosing the right medication can feel overwhelming, but your healthcare provider will work with you to understand your symptoms, medical history, and any concerns you have. Together, you’ll find the best approach to support your mental health and overall well-being. Remember, it’s okay to ask questions and take things one step at a time.
Venlafaxine XR usually starts to show some effects within one to two weeks, but it can take four to six weeks (or sometimes longer) to feel the full benefits for depression or anxiety.
Everyone’s different, so it’s important to stick with the medication as prescribed and keep in close contact with your healthcare provider during this time. If you don’t notice improvement or have side effects, they can help adjust your treatment plan.
The main difference is in how the medication is released and taken:
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Venlafaxine XR (extended-release) is designed to release the medicine slowly over time. This means you usually take it once a day, which can be more convenient and helps keep your blood levels steady.
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Regular venlafaxine (immediate-release) releases the medicine quickly and often needs to be taken two or three times a day.
Both forms contain the same active ingredient and work the same way in your body, but the XR version helps simplify dosing and may reduce some side effects related to peaks and troughs in medication levels.
No, venlafaxine is not an SSRI. It belongs to a class called SNRIs – serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors.
While both SSRIs and SNRIs affect serotonin levels in the brain, venlafaxine also impacts norepinephrine, another important neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation. This dual action can make venlafaxine effective for certain people who don’t fully respond to SSRIs.
No, venlafaxine is not a narcotic. It’s an antidepressant medication in the SNRI class, used to treat depression and anxiety by affecting brain chemicals.
Narcotics usually refer to opioid painkillers, which work very differently and carry different risks. Venlafaxine doesn’t have the same effects or risks as narcotics.
Venlafaxine can cause sleepiness or fatigue in some people, especially when you first start taking it or after a dose change. However, others might experience the opposite – like feeling more alert or having trouble sleeping.
If you notice persistent drowsiness or insomnia, it’s a good idea to talk with your healthcare provider. They can help adjust your dose or suggest ways to manage these effects.
Venlafaxine can cause weight changes, but it varies from person to person. Some people may experience weight gain, while others might lose weight or notice no change at all.
If weight changes are a concern, it’s important to discuss this with your healthcare provider. They can help monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan if needed.
The most common side effects of venlafaxine XR include:
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Sweating
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Insomnia
- Loss of appetite
- Increased blood pressure (in some cases)
These side effects often improve as your body adjusts to the medication. If any side effects feel severe or don’t go away, it’s a good idea to check in with your healthcare provider.
Yes! With LifeMD, you can connect with a licensed healthcare provider from the comfort of your home within an hour. If appropriate, your provider may prescribe a medication and send it directly to your local pharmacy.
For even more flexibility, a LifeMD+ membership gives you 24/7 access to care, same-day prescription refills, exclusive wellness perks, and easy access to lab testing — all designed to make managing your health simple and stress-free.
Skip the waiting room. Join LifeMD and take control of your health today.