Effexor (Venlafaxine) Medicare Coverage

Effexor is a medication that contains the active ingredient Venlafaxine. Effexor is used to treat a variety of disorders including generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, panic disorder and social anxiety disorder.

Effexor is typically taken 1-3 times daily, depending on what type of symptoms are being treated. Effexor comes in a long-acting or short-acting formulation.

Common side effects of Effexor include insomnia, exitability, weight loss, loss of appetite, fatigue, dizziness, shakiness, headache, sweating, upset stomach, constipation, gas, dry mouth and strange dreams.

How much does Venlafaxine cost with Medicare?

Venlafaxine coverage and costs may vary based on the specific plan you have, as well as what coverage stage you're in.

Contact your plan carrier or consult your plan formulary for more cost information.

Does Medicare cover Venlafaxine?

According to GoodRx, 100% of Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D plans covered Venlafaxine, the generic form of Effexor, in 2023.¹

• Medicare Advantage plans or Part D plans that cover Venlafaxine include copay amounts that can range widely from one plan to another. Plan members may also be responsible for meeting a deductible before the plan’s drug coverage kicks in.
  
  
• Medicare Advantage plans that offer prescription drug coverage are called Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plans (MA-PD). 89% of 2023 Medicare Advantage plans included prescription drug coverage.²
  
  
• Medicare prescription drugs plans each have their own formulary, or drug list, that details what prescription drugs are covered by the plan and how they are covered.

Drug coverage may vary based on plan availability. You may be able to find Medicare Advantage plan options in your area that cover Venlafaxine. We represent carriers such as Humana, Aetna, UHC, Anthem BCBS, Wellcare, Cigna Healthcare, and Kaiser Permanente.

You can also compare Part D prescription drug plans available where you live and enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan online when you visit MyRxPlans.com.

Additional information

Effexor can increase the chance of suicidal thoughts or actions in young adults. Follow up with your doctor closely and talk to them if you experience signs of worsening depression or anxiety, or if you have any suicidal thoughts.

Take your Effexor dose with food, at the same time of day every day.

Continue taking Effexor even if you don’t notice a difference, or if you start to feel better. You may have to take Effexor for a few weeks to start feeling the effects.

This article is for informational purposes only. It is not healthcare advice, treatment, or diagnosis. It is not an endorsement of or recommendation for this medication. Speak to your doctor or healthcare provider about your specific healthcare needs, including your prescription medications. Only take medication as directed by your doctor.

Coverage and costs of prescription medications will vary by Medicare plan. Not all plans are available in all areas.

Written by Hayden Gharibyar, Pharm.D.