Venlafaxine, marketed as Effexor, may be prescribed in the treatment of anxiety disorders or depression. It is a prescription-level medication that may also be used for people who suffer from hot flashes or flushing. It is available as a pill or a capsule. According to the Mayo Clinic, Effexor may not show its effects for treating conditions for a month or more. While your doctor may prescribe a different dose, most patients with depression or anxiety disorders will begin with 75mg once per day. That may be raised to 225mg as the treatment progresses.
Confusion
Taking Effexor can cause serious side effects that cloud your mind. This can be general mental confusion or specific confusion about who a person is---even friends, family members and spouse---where you are and what day or time it is. Since these are serious, talk with your physician about them immediately.
Depression
While Effexor is designed to help treat mental depression, it also can cause it in some people. If you do not appear to be coming out of your depressed state while taking the medication, or if your depression appears to be deepening, call your doctor.
Movements
There are some inexplicable motions that are tied in with your psychological state of mind that are possible side effects from venlafaxine. These may include uncontrolled excitement in actions, feelings and speech. You also may mimic the way someone else speaks or moves, or you may have chewing motions you can't control. There also is the possibility of leg or arm motion that you can't control. Other physical side effects may include having unusual mannerisms or motions, grimacing, or being unwilling or unable to speak.
Mental Changes
Effexor also can cause some mental changes and even delusions. These may include visual, sensory or auditory hallucinations, mood changes, delusions from which you cannot be persuaded by facts, acting in a contrary manner to that which is asked of you, nervousness, hostility, irritability, and lessened responsiveness or awareness of yourself or your surroundings.
Other Side Effects
An overdose of Effexor may cause you to become agitated. Seek emergency help if you take too much of the drug. Other psychological side effects possible from the medicine include panic, lethargy, unconsciousness or coma. For adolescents, there is an increased risk of suicidal thoughts, tendencies and actions.
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