Effexor 75 Mg. Side Effects

Effexor is a prescription medication used to treat depression and anxiety. It is the brand name for the medication venlafaxine. Effexor works by increasing the overall availability of the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine.The drug was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1993 and in 2009, there were over 13,000 Effexor prescriptions dispensed. The side effects of Effexor are dose dependent and clinical studies have measured the side effects in 75 mg, 225 mg and 375 mg doses. The 75 mg dose, compared to higher doses, results in the both lower and higher adverse events depending on the specific side effect.

Nausea and Anorexia

Two of the most common side effects of 75 mg Effexor are nausea and anorexia. According to Drugs.com, nausea occurs in around 32 percent of patients and anorexia occurs in around 14 percent of patients. Gastrointestinal upsets occur with most antidepressants and the symptoms usually subside over time as the patient becomes adjusted to the medication. The possible mechanism for how Effexor increases nausea and anorexia is in the role of increased neurotransmitter activity. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that altered levels of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine are the three main neurotransmitters associated with anorexia. In addition, Dr. Joel Elmquist at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center states that serotonin activates the neurons that curb appetite and blocks the neurons that increase appetite.

Insomnia and Somnolence

According to Drugs.com, with patients taking the 75 mg dose, roughly 22 percent experience insomnia and another 17 percent experience somnolence. Insomnia refers to the inability to fall asleep at night within a timely manner and the inability to stay asleep throughout the night. Somnolence refers to the feeling of sleepiness throughout the day. These two side effects are most likely interconnected, with insomnia most likely contributing to sleepiness the following day. EMedTV, an online resource, gives several suggestions for reducing insomnia while taking Effexor. Patients should keep a regular sleep-wake cycle and go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Patients should also avoid using caffeine, alcohol and nicotine at least four to six hours before going to bed. Avoid eating large meals just before bed and try not to nap any later than 3 p.m.

Nervousness and Anxiety

Nervousness and anxiety are also commonly reported side effects for patients taking the 75 mg dose of Effexor. According to Drugs.com, nervousness may occur with around 21 percent of patients and anxiety may occur with as much as 11 percent of patients. Nervousness differs from anxiety in that it involves an over-stimulation of the central nervous system, but without any looming fear that accompanies anxiety. Both nervousness and anxiety may be accompanied by an increased heart rate, perspiration and shortness of breath. Although Effexor is prescribed for the treatment of anxiety and panic disorder, patients may experience anxiety at first until they become adjusted to the medication. Paradoxically, nervousness and anxiety occurred most in the lower dose of 75 mg compared to the 225 mg and 375 mg doses. In the June 2010 issue of "Neuroscience," Gasca-Martinez and associates stated that dopamine may contribute to the early onset of anxiety because dopamine decreases GABA, the neurotransmitter associated with the state of calmness and well being.