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Is the word efeito the same in Brazilian and European Portuguese?

No

While the spelling, meaning, and grammatical category (masculine noun) of "efeito" are identical in both Brazilian and Continental Portuguese, there are differences in pronunciation and typical usage (collocations).

In terms of pronunciation, Brazilian Portuguese tends to have more open vowels and a more melodic, syllable-timed rhythm. In Continental Portuguese, vowels—especially unstressed ones—are much more closed and can even become nearly silent, giving the word a more "clipped" sound.

In terms of typical usage, the verbs and adjectives that commonly accompany "efeito" vary. Brazilians frequently pair the word with the verb fazer (e.g., fazer efeito), whereas Portuguese people more naturally use the verb surtir (e.g., surtir efeito). Furthermore, when discussing medical side effects, Brazilians typically use the term efeito colateral, while a person from Portugal is more likely to say efeito secundário.

Brazilian Portuguese Examples

  1. O remédio não fez efeito. (The medicine didn't work/take effect.)
  2. O efeito colateral me deixou muito enjoado. (The side effect made me very nauseous.)
  3. Essa medida vai ter um efeito positivo na economia. (This measure will have a positive effect on the economy.)
  4. O efeito dominó foi sentido por toda a empresa. (The domino effect was felt throughout the whole company.)
  5. O efeito da luz no cenário era incrível. (The effect of the light on the scenery was incredible.)

Continental Portuguese Examples

  1. O medicamento não surtiu efeito. (The medication did not take effect.)
  2. O efeito secundário foi bastante intenso. (The side effect was quite intense.)
  3. Isto terá um efeito imediato na população. (This will have an immediate effect on the population.)
  4. O efeito de estufa é uma preocupação global. (The greenhouse effect is a global concern.)
  5. O efeito da nova lei entra em vigor amanhã. (The effect of the new law comes into force tomorrow.)