Liver Side Effects of Effexor XR

Venlafaxine, marketed as Effexor and Effexor XR (extended release), is a medication used in the treatment of depression. Along with depression, it also may be used to combat anxiety disorders and panic disorders. After it was released to the market with U.S. Food & Drug Administration approval, it also was found to be effective in treating hot flashes.

Hepatic Problems

Effexor XR has been reported, according to RxList.com, to possibly cause a variety of liver problems. The first of these, from reports during clinical trials, is the elevation of gamma-glutamyltransferase, or GGT. This enzyme, when detected through liver function tests to be higher than normal, can mean there may be damage to the bile duct or liver.

Liver Damage and Necrosis

Since Effexor XR is metabolized in the liver, according to the manufacturer, it can affect people who already have cirrhosis of the liver. According to the drug company Wyeth---manufacturer of Effexor XR---in their document "Effexor XR," the liver has a harder time metabolizing and expelling venlafaxine if it already is affected by cirrhosis. The effect increased with more advanced stages of the disease. Also according to the clinical study reported by RxList.com, liver necrosis was detected in test patients. Necrosis means tissue or cell death.

Liver Failure

The human liver works to expel toxins from the body and to help your body absorb nutrients. When it is prevented from doing this, you have liver failure. This can be sudden, as in acute liver failure, or take several years to develop. Some clinical study patients experienced liver failure when they ingested Effexor XR, according to RxList.com.

Hepatitis

While hepatitis can be caused by viruses---hepatitis A, B and C---it also can be caused by alcohol or drugs. According to RxList.com, some patients experienced hepatitis as a side effect from taking Effexor XR. Hepatitis may cause your eyes or skin to turn yellow. It also may cause symptoms that include darkened urine, fatigue, weight loss, decrease in appetite and vomiting or nausea. According to the Mayo Clinic, the only remedy for toxic hepatitis is to stop taking the drug that's causing it. Treatment may include receiving fluids intravenously and anti-nausea medications, or, in extreme cases, a liver transplant.