Effexor (venlafaxine hydrochloride) is a prescription medication used to treat patients with major depressive disorder. This medication is believed to work by increasing the levels of mood-stabilizing chemicals within the brain. Discuss the potentially harmful side effects of Effexor with your doctor before beginning treatment with this medication.
Suicidal Thoughts or Behavior
The use of certain antidepressants, such as Effexor, has been associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior, especially among patients under the age of 24, warns the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Contact your doctor or pediatrician immediately if you experience any type of harmful mood or behavioral changes, such as anxiety, restlessness, agitation, aggressiveness, hostility, increased depression, memory difficulties or panic attacks, while taking Effexor.
Heart Rate Irregularities
You can develop potentially harmful heart rate irregularities as a side effect of taking Effexor, warns Drugs.com, a drug information website for consumers. An abnormally fast or irregular heart rate can lead to additional side effects, including nervousness, dizziness or chest pain. Any heart rate changes experienced during Effexor treatment should be immediately reported to your primary care physician.
Breathing Difficulties
Potentially harmful breathing difficulties can occur in patients receiving treatment with Effexor. You can experience shortness of breath, which may occur in conjunction with anxiety, chest pain or heartbeat irregularities. Certain patients can also develop a dry mouth or throat, which can instigate persistent or recurrent coughing episodes. Breathing-related side effects can be serious and should be reported to your doctor as soon as possible.
Blurred Vision
In clinical trials for this medication, approximately 6 percent of treated patients experienced blurred vision as a harmful side effect of Effexor, reports the FDA. Blurred vision, which may also occur in conjunction with dizziness or headache, can cause you to become unstable when you walk and may negatively affect your ability to drive a car. Persistent vision changes or sensations of dizziness can be harmful and should be discussed with your doctor immediately.
Sexual Dysfunction
You can develop abnormal changes in your sexual function as a side effect of Effexor treatment. The FDA reports that approximately 12 percent of patients receiving treatment with this medication experienced difficulty becoming aroused or achieving orgasm. Men who take this medication may have trouble maintaining an erection during sexual intercourse--a condition called impotence. Certain patients also experience a significant decrease in sexual drive or desire (libido), which may impact intimate relationships. These potentially harmful sexual side effects should be discussed with your intimate partner and doctor before you begin treatment with Effexor.
Stomach Upset
Stomach upset can occur as a side effect in certain patients taking Effexor. Health officials at the FDA report that nearly 40% of patients taking Effexor during clinical trials experienced nausea as a side effect of treatment. Additional stomach-related side effects can include constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, heartburn, gas or changes in appetite.
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