Part Two of Effexor Information, Focusing on Side Effects, Discontinuation or Withdrawal Effects, and Additional Information

This second section of our medication database entry focuses on potential side effects, withdrawal or discontinuation effects, and additional information, while part one covers basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits.

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What are the possible side effects of venlafaxine?

  • If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking venlafaxine and contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:
    • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
    • seizures; or
    • an irregular heartbeat or severely high blood pressure (blurred vision, headache).
  • Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take venlafaxine and talk to your doctor if you experience
    • nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, abdominal pain, or loss of appetite or weight;
    • dry mouth;
    • drowsiness or dizziness;
    • mild tremor, anxiety, or agitation;
    • insomnia;
    • abnormal dreams;
    • sexual problems such as impotence, abnormal ejaculation, difficulty reaching orgasm, or decreased libido;
    • sweating;
    • yawning; or
    • increase in blood cholesterol levels (detected by blood tests).
  • Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect venlafaxine?

  • Do not take venlafaxine if you are currently taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days.
  • Venlafaxine may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including other antidepressants, anxiety medicines, antipsychotics, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any other medicine without first talking to your doctor.
  • Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with venlafaxine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

  • Your pharmacist has additional information about venlafaxine written for health professionals that you may read.
  • Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Limitations and the Source of Our Online Medication Information Database

Although we have made considerable efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, MedLibrary.org makes no guarantee to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. This medication information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend any specific pharmacotherapy. This is an educational resource only -- intended to supplement but not to replace the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of medically qualified healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, please check with your doctor, nurse or local pharmacist. MedLibrary.org does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided here.

Full public license and copyright information is available separately from Cerner Multum, Inc.

Version: 5.01. Revision date: 4/10/03.

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