Effexor is an antidepressant that is commonly used to treat depression in adults. This eMedTV Web page offers an in-depth look at how this prescription drug works and how and when to take it -- and also lists some potential Effexor side effects.
Anxiety, yawning, and loss of appetite are a few common Effexor side effects. This part of the eMedTV library also covers rare side effects, such as cataracts and anemia, and side effects you should report to your doctor, such as hallucinations.
Of the known side effects seen with Effexor, weight gain occurs in at least 1 percent of people. This eMedTV page lists tips for dealing with weight gain, such as getting regular exercise, limiting alcohol intake, and eating a heart-healthy diet.
A few examples of Effexor sexual side effects include impotence, a decreased sex drive, and priapism. This eMedTV page covers other sexual side effects that may potentially occur with Effexor, how often they occur, and treatments a doctor may suggest.
Side effects can occur with the use of Effexor, and seizures are among the drug's rare side effects. This eMedTV resource explains that seizures are also a possible complication that may occur with newborns if Effexor is taken during pregnancy.
Certain side effects may occur with the use of Effexor, and insomnia occurs in about 22 percent of people. This eMedTV page contains a list of insomnia symptoms and describes how improving sleep habits can help cure insomnia.
Sexual side effects may occur with Effexor, and impotence is one affecting up to 6 percent of male patients. This eMedTV Web page defines impotence and discusses possible treatment options that your healthcare provider may recommend.
This eMedTV Web page explains that Effexor is licensed to treat depression in adults but is not approved for the treatment of depression in children. This article also lists some off-label Effexor uses, such as treating migraines or neuropathic pain.
This page on the eMedTV site explains that if you're taking Effexor and hair loss becomes a problem, you should let your healthcare provider know. As this article explains, hair loss is a rare side effect of Effexor.
Side effects may occur with Effexor, and weight loss is one of the most commonly reported problems. This eMedTV article explains that people lose an average of one to two pounds when they first begin treatment with this medication.
Side effects may develop with Effexor, and dry mouth is reported in up to 22 percent of patients. This eMedTV Web page offers tips for helping with a dry mouth, such as avoiding drinks with caffeine and sipping water or sugarless drinks often.
In some cases, a healthcare provider may prescribe Effexor to help prevent migraines. This eMedTV resource offers a discussion on Effexor and migraine headaches, including information on when a doctor may prescribe Lexapro for this use.
For people with depression, the starting dosage of Effexor is 75 mg daily. This eMedTV page also lists the highest recommended dose for most people (225 mg daily) and some factors that can affect your dosage (such as other drugs you're taking).
This eMedTV page offers a list of medicines that may cause Effexor drug interactions (such as linezolid, haloperidol, and triptans) and explains how drug interactions with Effexor can alter the levels of some drugs in the blood or cause side effects.
Effexor may affect your ability to perform complex tasks requiring mental and motor skills. This eMedTV page offers more Effexor warnings and precautions, including other possible side effects and a list of certain people who should not take the drug.
This eMedTV page gives an overview of generic Effexor, which is manufactured by TEVA Pharmaceuticals and is sold under the name Venlafaxine tablets, and provides information about the generic versions of Effexor XR.
If you're on Effexor and pregnancy occurs, tell your doctor. This eMedTV page explains that while Effexor could possibly harm an unborn child, a doctor may prescribe the drug to a pregnant woman if its benefits outweigh the possible risk to her fetus.
Most doctors tell their patients that it is okay to breastfeed while taking Effexor. As this eMedTV page explains, any decision you make about Effexor and breastfeeding should be a shared decision between you and your doctor.
Effexor can be used "off-label" to treat fibromyalgia. This eMedTV Web page discusses previous studies on Effexor and fibromyalgia, and explains that more research is needed on whether Effexor is a safe and effective fibromyalgia treatment.
This eMedTV article offers a list of Effexor overdose symptoms that may occur if you take too much of the drug, including increased heart rate or reduced blood pressure. This page also lists various treatment options for an Effexor overdose.
It is hard to know for sure if there is a link between using Effexor and suicide or suicidal behavior. This eMedTV page explains that you should tell your doctor about any signs of suicidal behavior (such as insomnia), even if you aren't on Effexor.
Symptoms of Effexor withdrawal can include agitation, anxiety, tiredness, and irritability. This eMedTV Web page describes how a healthcare provider will try to minimize the risk of these symptoms occurring in someone who is stopping Effexor.
As this eMedTV article explains, if you choose to drink while taking Effexor, you should drink light-to-moderate amounts. This page further explores Effexor and alcohol, including what the research says about the safety of combining the two.
This page on the eMedTV site describes some Effexor alternatives (including therapy, other antidepressants, and alternative therapies) and explains when some of these alternatives to Effexor may be appropriate.
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