Effexor XR belongs to a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which doctors prescribe to treat major depressive disorder, anxiety and panic disorder. Effexor XR may help restore balance to the chemicals in the brain responsible for these illnesses, thus relieving their symptoms. Before taking this drug, it is important to know the possible side effects that accompany it.
Headaches
In clinical trials, headaches were one of the most common side effects patients experienced, according to eMedTV.com. Aside from the common symptoms of a headache, some patients also experienced symptoms of a migraine headache. A migraine is a severe headache with throbbing pain usually felt on one side of the head. Nausea, vomiting and a sensitivity to light and sound may also accompany the pain.
Insomnia
Insomnia is another side effect of Effexor XR. Insomnia refers to difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, and its symptoms include waking in the middle of the night, waking earlier than usual and waking in the morning not feeling refreshed. Until the body adjusts to the medication, eMedTV suggests setting a regular sleep-wake schedule and sticking to it, avoiding stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine 4 to 6 hours before bedtime, and also avoid taking late afternoon naps.
Hypertension
Some patients taking Effexor XR experience hypertension, or high blood pressure, for a short period of time until their bodies becomes acclimated to the medication. Hypertension typically has no symptoms, but can lead to serious medical conditions such as heart attack, stroke and heart failure. When taking Effexor XR, patients should ask their doctors how closely they will be monitored.
Sexual Problems
Effexor XR is known to cause a variety of sexual side effects. These include difficulty ejaculating, erectile dysfunction and a decrease in libido. While ejaculation problems and erectile dysfunction affect men only, a decrease in sexual desire can affect both genders. If these side effects do not subside or become worse, patients need to report them to their doctors immediately.
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