Effexor--known generically as venlafaxine--is a medication doctors prescribe to treat depression, anxiety and panic disorder. Belonging to a class of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, Effexor works by restoring balance to chemical messengers in the brain, thus improving a person's mood. While beneficial, it has a variety of side effects that may or may not subside over time.
Migraine Headaches
Arthur Schoenstadt, M.D., of eMedTV explains that migraine headaches are one of the most common side effects of this medication, affecting approximately 26 percent of patients taking the drug during its clinical studies.
The symptoms of a migraine headache include a severe throbbing felt on one or both sides of the head, with the pain being the most prominent around the temples or behind one eye or ear. Patients may also experience nausea and vomiting, and have an increased sensitivity to light, requiring complete darkness until the migraine passes. This side effect can last for a few hours or one to two days.
Dry Mouth
Affecting 22 percent of participants during clinical studies, dry mouth is also one of the most common side effects of Effexor. Schoenstadt suggests taking sips of water frequently through the day and with meals, using a humidifier at night and sucking on sugarless hard candy to increase the flow of saliva. He also recommends avoiding drinks with caffeine, as well as alcoholic beverages and smoking--all of these cause the mouth to dry out. If the condition does not improve, the prescribing physician should be consulted to alter the dose or change the medication.
Insomnia
Insomnia is a condition characterized by symptoms that include difficulty falling asleep, waking up too early in the morning, waking frequently during the night without being able to fall back asleep and not feeling refreshed upon waking. Insomnia is a side effect affecting 22.5 percent of users, according to Drugs.com; it should subside as their bodies adjust to the drug.
To help relieve the symptoms of this side effect until it passes, patients can try setting a sleep schedule, going to bed and waking at the same time each day. They may also find it helpful to take a nap no later than 3 p.m. and a warm bath approximately 30 minutes before bed.
Sexual Side Effects
Effexor can cause a variety of sexual side effects that include problems ejaculating and impotence.
According to Schoenstadt, 12 percent of patients taking Effexor in trials suffered from ejaculation problems such as a complete inability to ejaculate, or a delay in the process. This side effect tends to occur in lower doses.
Impotence--or erectile dysfunction--is either the complete inability to achieve an erection, or the inability to maintain one. Six percent of patients during clinical studies suffered from this.
Approximately 5 percent of patients in clinical studies taking higher doses of Effexor experienced a decrease in their sex drive. This side effect appears to be less prevalent in those taking a lower dose.
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