Effexor (venlafaxine) typically takes about 4 to 6 weeks to feel its full benefits for mood-related symptoms like depression and anxiety. Some early effects such as improvements in appetite, sleep patterns, and energy levels may be noticed within 1 to 2 weeks. However, the full therapeutic effects, including mood improvement and reduction in anxiety or depression symptoms, often require 6 to 8 weeks of consistent use. In some cases, it may take up to 10 to 12 weeks to reach maximum efficacy. It is important to keep taking the medication as prescribed and consult a healthcare provider if no improvement is noticed after 8 weeks or more.
