Effexor is a brand name for the oral prescription medication venlafaxine, which is used to treat depression and reduce the symptoms related conditions such as anxiety and panic disorders. It is available in three different forms: a tablet, an extended-release tablet and an extended-release capsule. MayoClinic.com notes that Effexor may also be prescribed to relieve hot flashes in women undergoing menopause. This drug works by balancing chemical neurotransmitters such as serotonin in the brain. Like all medications, Effexor can cause adverse side effects.
Oral and Stomach Effects
Patients taking Effexor have experienced side effects that affect the mouth and stomach. These include a dry mouth, a slight change in taste in the mouth, a loss of appetite and stomach upset or cramping. Digestive side effects include nausea, vomiting and constipation.
Vision and Hearing Effects
The website Drugs.com reports that Effexor can cause vision hearing related side effects. These include blurred vision, slight loss of vision and redness and pain in the eyes. In rare cases bleeding from the eye has also occurred. Hearing related side effects include a chronic buzzing or ringing sound in the ears.
Heart Effects
An overdose of the Effexor drug can cause some effects related to the heart. According to MayoClinic.com, these adverse and potentially dangerous effects include rapid heartbeat, arrhythmia or irregular heart beat, chest tightness and chest pain.
Nervous System Effects
According to MayoClinic.com, the medication Effexor can adversely affect the nervous system. These side effects include headache pain, mood changes, convulsions, hallucinations, confusion and difficulty sleeping. In some cases fainting spells, dizziness and lightheadedness can also occur. Other effects include memory problems, nervousness and increased aggression in some patients.
Urinary and Intestinal Effects
In some cases, patients taking Effexor have reported side effects related to the gastrointestinal and urinary systems. MayoClinic.com lists these adverse effects to include intestinal bloating, cramping, blood in the stools and light, tarry or black stools during a bowel movement. Urinary side effects include incontinence or leaking urine, dark colored urine and frequent urination.
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