Effexor XR Side Effects

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Effexor XR is an extended-release formulation of venlafaxine HCI, a medication prescribed as a treatment for depression and anxiety disorders such as major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder.[1] Effexor XR is classified as a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, or SNRI, along with other drugs such as Paxil and Cymbalta. These drugs work by increasing serotonin and norepinephrine, natural substances in the brain that work to maintain mental balance. Potential common Effexor XR side effects include dizziness, sleep disturbances, dry mouth, digestive difficulties, and sexual side effects.[2]



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Brand name for Venlafaxine[3]
Manufacturer Pfizer[4]
Uses Treat of depression and anxiety disorders[3]
Common side effects Dizziness, dry mouth, difficulty sleeping, digestive difficulties, sexual side effects[2]
Who should not take Effexor XR Individuals taking MAOI inhibitors, women who are pregnant, those suffering from hypertension[2]
Disclaimer The information provided by PharmacyDrugGuide.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not take any action based on the information on this page without consulting a physician.
 

Contents

Common Effexor XR Side Effects

The most common Effexor XR side effects, experienced by at least 10 percent of clinical trial participants, included dryness in the mouth, constipation, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, tiredness, reduced appetite, upset stomach, increased nervousness, perspiration, and general weakness.[2] These side effects generally subsided within four to eight weeks, as the medication began to work. More serious side effects may be experienced less frequently by a smaller percentages of individuals:

  • Some individuals taking Effexor XR may also experience weight gain, or an increase in blood pressure or cholesterol levels. Sexual side effects, including delayed ejaculation and decreased sexual desire may also occur.
  • Occasionally, patients taking Effexor XR may have suicidal thoughts or attempt to kill themselves. This typically occurs among children, adolescents, and young adults.[5] Children taking Effexor XR may experience slow growth and weight gain.[6]
  • Effexor XR, as well as other anti-depressants, may also result in the development of serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome symptoms include blood pressure changes, rapid heart rate, confusion, digestive difficulties, fever, shakiness, sweating, and agitation. If not monitored, serotonin syndrome may lead to seizures and coma.[7]

Drug Side Effects

Drug Side Effects

Effexor XR Allergic Reactions

Both active and inactive ingredients in Effexor XR may cause an allergic reaction. The active ingredient in Effexor XR is venlafaxine HCl. Inactive ingredients include cellulose, ethylcellulose, hypromellose, gelatin, iron oxide, and titanium dioxide. An allergic reaction may be indicated by unexplained itching, rash, or hives, swelling, wheezing or difficulty breathing, and difficulty swallowing. Patients who develop such symptoms are advised to consult a physician promptly.[7]

Effexor XR Precautions and Warnings

  • Effexor XR may aggravate pre-existing conditions in individuals with a history of glaucoma, bleeding problems, heart problems, hypertension, high cholesterol, kidney or liver disease, seizure disorder, and thyroid disease. In addition, it may cause dizziness, drowsiness or blurred vision.[8]
  • Children may be more sensitive to Effexor side effects, especially regarding appetite and weight loss.
  • Classified as a pregnancy category C drug, Effexor XR may be harmful to a fetus, and cause newborns to develop withdrawal symptoms if the drug has been taken during the last trimester of pregnancy. Effexor XR does pass into breast milk from nursing mothers, and may have troubling side effects in nursing infants.[3]
  • Patients may experience signs of withdrawal if the amount of medication is reduced, or if Effexor XR treatment is abruptly halted.
  • Effexor use has been linked to an eye condition that causes the pupil to remain dilated for an extended period of time. This condition, called mydriasis, is more common among patients with histories of glaucoma or elevated pressure of the eye.
  • Pfizer recommends that patients using Effexor XR abstain from alcohol while on the drug.[2]

Effexor XR Coupons

How to find Effexor XR coupons.

Also See: Effexor XR Coupons, Effexor XR Patient Assistance Programs, Effexor XR Free Samples, Cymbalta Coupons, Lexapro Side Effects, Abilify Side Effects, Zoloft Side Effects, Trazodone Side Effects, Paxil Side Effects, Cymbalta Side Effects, Pristiq Coupons, Pfizer Patient Assistance Programs

References

  1. ↑ http://www.effexor.com/effexor-xr-treatment.aspx
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 http://www.effexor.com/about-effexor/side-effects-withdrawal.aspx
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/archives/fdaDrugInfo.cfm?archiveid=1531
  4. ↑ http://www.pfizerpro.com/content/showlabeling.asp?id=472
  5. ↑ http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/InformationbyDrugClass/UCM096273
  6. ↑ http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a694020.html#side-effects
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 http://www.effexor.com/about-effexor/antidepressant-information.aspx
  8. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-4896-Effexor+XR+Oral.aspx?drugid=4896&drugname=Effexor+XR+Oral
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