How much is venlafaxine without insurance?

Is venlafaxine covered by insurance? | How much does venlafaxine cost without insurance? | How to get venlafaxine without insurance

Venlafaxine is a generic prescription (brand name Effexor) antidepressant approved by the FDA to treat major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. However, some healthcare professionals may prescribe venlafaxine off-label for other medical conditions such as hot flashes related to menopause. For approved conditions, doses vary between 75 and 225 mg per day. However, people taking immediate-release venlafaxine can expect to reach that daily dose by taking two or three tablets per day while those prescribed extended-release venlafaxine need only take one capsule per day. Common side effects include dry mouth, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and constipation, among others. Venlafaxine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), a type of drug that helps balance neurotransmitters in the brain to improve mood regulation. Generic SNRIs like venlafaxine are moderately priced, but there are ways to get venlafaxine for less.

Is venlafaxine covered by insurance?

Venlafaxine and venlafaxine ER are both commonly covered by commercial health insurance, Medicare Part D, and Medicaid. The actual out-of-pocket cost will depend on how the insurance plan classifies venlafaxine in its formulary, the copay cost, the plan’s deductible, and, for people on Medicare, the current coverage phase. Many insurance companies classify venlafaxine and venlafaxine ER in their lowest drug tier, meaning that, when deductibles and coverage phases have been accounted for, the drug will have the lowest drug copay cost. On the other hand, Effexor XR, the brand name of venlafaxine extended-release, may be costly even with insurance.

How much does venlafaxine cost without insurance?

Without health insurance, people will pay about $52 for 30 immediate-release venlafaxine tablets and about $135 for 30 extended-release venlafaxine capsules. Keep in mind that two or three immediate-release tablets will be taken each day, totaling 60 or 90 tablets per month. Given this information, generic venlafaxine ER may be a cheaper alternative in many instances. No matter what the format prescribed, though, expect to pay anywhere from $1,200 to $1,700 annually for venlafaxine treatment.

Venlafaxine is one of the higher-priced SNRIs, so a healthcare provider may be able to suggest less expensive SNRI alternatives such as Cymbalta (duloxetine). In addition, there are many effective treatments for both depression and anxiety that cost less than venlafaxine including tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Zoloft (sertraline) or Celexa (citalopram). For anxiety, a mental health professional can also suggest other treatment options including antihistamines, anticonvulsants, beta blockers, buspirone, and, for panic attacks, benzodiazepines.

Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs. The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available. Click the link under “Savings options” to see updated drug prices.

How to get venlafaxine without insurance

Without health insurance, the cash price for a month’s worth of venlafaxine will be about $130. People without insurance may be able to track down a patient assistance program, manufacturer coupons, or manufacturer rebates. If health insurance is lacking, try one of these 5 tips to save money on a venlafaxine prescription.

1. Use a SingleCare savings card

A free venlafaxine coupon from SingleCare can reduce the cost of 30 extended-release venlafaxine capsules from an average of $135 to as little as $8—over a 90% discount. The discount price for venlafaxine ER will vary by participating pharmacy, so select a coupon based on either the lowest price or the most conveniently located pharmacy. 

2. Shop for the lowest price

Even for generic drugs, pharmacies charge different prices. Always compare the pharmacies in your area to find the best deals. You might be surprised how different prices are from one pharmacy to the next.

3. Ask the prescriber for a 90-day prescription

When comparing pharmacy prices for generic venlafaxine, don’t forget to compare prices between 30-day and 90-day prescription fills. Some pharmacies will charge less per tablet for a 90-day supply. Again, use a SingleCare coupon to save even more money. SingleCare’s lowest discounted price for a 90-day supply of venlafaxine ER is $12, or about $4 per month.

4. Get medical advice about switching to another antidepressant

If Venlafaxine is not an affordable option, tricyclic antidepressants and SSRIs are also highly effective at treating clinical depression and anxiety. Some are much less expensive, especially when combined with a SingleCare savings card. Fluoxetine, for instance, is a commonly prescribed SSRI. The lowest SingleCare price for a 30-day fluoxetine prescription can be $4.

5. Fill the prescription with a 340B provider

Some local hospitals and community health clinics may be designated as 340B providers. They can buy prescription generic medications at a subsidized price and pass the low price on to needy patients. The prescribing healthcare provider or local health department officials will have a list of public health clinics or 340B providers in your area.