Free tool
Can I eat this with Venlafaxine?
Venlafaxine should be taken with food, and alcohol is best avoided as it can increase the risk of side effects.
Also sold as Alventa XL, Amphero XL, Apclaven XL, Bonilux XL, Depefex XL, Efexor, Efexor XL, Foraven XL, Majoven XL, Mentaven XL, Politid XL, Ranfaxine XL and 20 more. Brand names from the NHS Dictionary of Medicines and Devices.
Type any food below for an instant verdict — we check 33 foods and drinks for Venlafaxine (5 to avoid, 27 to take care with) — or tap one below.
Quick answers
- Should I take Venlafaxine with food?
- Take it with food
- Can I eat st john’s wort with Venlafaxine?
- No, avoid it. Do not use St John's wort while taking venlafaxine.
- Can I drink alcohol with Venlafaxine?
- Yes, with care. Best not to drink alcohol as it can increase the risk of side effects.
Grounded in the checker below. Not a substitute for your pharmacist.
1 · What do you take?
Venlafaxine should be taken with food, and alcohol is best avoided as it can increase the risk of side effects.
Take venlafaxine with food. You can eat and drink normally, but it's best not to drink alcohol. Do not use St John's wort while taking venlafaxine. If you feel dizzy or drowsy, take care until these symptoms pass.
Browse our medication food guides →2 · What do you want to eat or drink?
When to take it: Take it with food
Tap a food to see the answer, or type any food or drink in the box above.
Foods to avoid with Venlafaxine· 5
Take care with Venlafaxine· 27
Fine with Venlafaxine· 1
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This checker summarises published guidance (NHS medicine pages, patient information leaflets and drug labels) for general information only. It is not medical advice, it is not exhaustive, and it cannot account for your dose, kidney function, other medicines, or health conditions. Always follow your prescriber, pharmacist, or the patient information leaflet — especially before changing what you eat or drink. See our editorial policy.
Further reading on Venlafaxine
The pages our answers quote. Every answer shows “Where this comes from” with the exact words, checked 24 September 2026. How we check
The Journal
Read our medication food guides →
A full Venlafaxine guide is on its way. Meanwhile, the Journal covers timing, grapefruit, alcohol and more.
Food groups that matter with Venlafaxine
Every medicine each one affects, on one page.
Medicines with similar food rules
Affected by the same foods as Venlafaxine.