Effexor, clinically known as venlafaxine, is a medication prescribed for the treatment of depression and anxiety. It was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1993 and has been extensively studied in clinical trials and post marketing adverse reports. Effexor works by increasing the overall availability of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine. The side effects of Effexor can vary depending on dosage, how long the patient has been on it, and the condition for which it was prescribed.
Nausea and Anorexia
Two of the most common side effects of Effexor are nausea and anorexia. Nausea occurred in up to 58 percent of patients and anorexia occurred in up to 20 percent of patients. In most cases, nausea and anorexia subside after the first initial weeks of becoming adjusted to the medication. The increase in serotonin in the brain plays a significant role in gastrointestinal regulation. Dr. Joel Elmquist at the University of Texas found that serotonin activates neurons that curb appetite and blocks neurons that increase appetite. Patients may want to work with their physician to schedule eating and dosing times in order to retain an optimal body weight. Other depressed patients who have historically struggled with obesity may benefit by switching over to Effexor.
Insomnia
Insomnia has occurred in up to 22 percent of patients taking Effexor. This effect is dose dependent and does not naturally subside over time, due to serotonin's effect on the sleep-wake cycle. EmedTV, an online health resource, suggests that patients keep a regular sleep-wake cycle by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. Patients should also avoid caffeine, alcohol and nicotine five to six hours before going to bed. Other healthy sleep habits include avoiding large meals right before bedtime, napping no later than 3 p.m., and sleeping in a dark, quiet comfortable room. Patients may also experience less insomnia by taking the medication early in the day in order for the effects to wear off by nighttime.
Sexual Side Effects
Patients taking Effexor also reported sexual side effects. These included ejaculation problems, impotence, low sex drive and painful erection. The most common of these was ejaculation problems at 12 percent. Sexual side effects occurred far more often in men than women. These symptoms do not usually subside, so patients should work closely with their doctor to find the best antidepressant with the least sexual side effects.
Headache and Migraine
Effexor can also cause headaches and migraines. Up to 26 percent of patients taking Effexor reported a migraine. It can be a severe intense throbbing pain on one or both sides of the head. Migraines may also cause nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light. Patients can take anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen to help counteract the migraine from flaring up. Migraines usually go away with a few hours, but may last as long as a few days.
Increased Suicide Risk
Effexor, along with other anti-depressants, is required by the Food and Drug Administration to have a black-box warning, alerting patients of an increased risk for suicide. Patients may experience increased suicidal thinking and behavior. The risk is primarily found in children, adolescents and young adults. After the age of 24, the risk of suicide drops off considerably. Patients are advised to weigh the risk of suicide with the clinical need for antidepressants. Patients should work closely with a mental health professional for the first several months in order to monitor any gains in suicidal thinking or behavior.
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