While Effexor is not specifically approved to prevent migraines, healthcare providers may prescribe it for this use in certain situations. This is because, based on clinical experience, Effexor has been shown to help prevent migraines, especially in people who also have depression or anxiety. If you are taking Effexor and migraine headaches become a problem, be sure to discuss this with your healthcare provider.
An Overview of Effexor and Migraines
Effexor® (
venlafaxine hydrochloride) is a prescription medication used for treating
depression. Just as with most other medicines, there are several possible
Effexor side effects.
Headaches appear to be one of them. This data comes from clinical trials where Effexor was studied extensively and side effects were documented. Yet, in some people, Effexor may be used to prevent
migraines.
A
migraine headache is a severe, intense, throbbing pain felt on one, and sometimes both, sides of the head. The pain is mostly in the front around the temples or behind one eye or ear. Besides pain, other
migraine symptoms may include nausea and vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine pain can last a few hours or up to one or two days.
Migraine research scientists do not know the specific cause of migraines, although they do believe that overly sensitive blood vessels may play a role
(see Migraine Causes). Treatment options for
migraine relief will depend on a number of factors, including the severity and frequency of a person's migraines. For some people, over-the counter drugs, such as
acetaminophen (
Tylenol®), or prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) may be effective. For most people however, stronger migraine medicines are needed to control a migraine attack
(see Migraine Medications).
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