Depression is mental illness that affects an estimated 17 million Americans every year, as stated by the Department of Psychiatry at the Washington School of Medicine in St. Louis. However, 80 percent of those who receive treatment are able to improve their lives drastically. One such means of doing so is with medication such as Effexor.
Digestive Problems
Effexor produces a whole host of common side effects that are not considered a health risk to those who take it. In time, as your body adjusts to the medication, these side effects should begin to subside. Some of the most common side effects you may experience involve your digestive system. Dr. Arthur Schoenstadt of eMedTV states that nausea is one of the most common, affecting 58 percent of patients. Loss of appetite may also occur, as it typically occurs in 17 percent in those prescribed this medication. Constipation and diarrhea may also occur, affecting 15 and 8 percent of patients respectively, while both vomiting and indigestion affects 6 percent of those using this drug.
Insomnia
Considered to be one of the most common side effects of Effexor, according to Kristi Monson, Doctor of Pharmacy, insomnia affects 22 percent of patients taking this medication for depression. Unfortunately, a normal sleep pattern is recommended to help improve and treat this condition as well. HelpGuide states that lack of sleep can have an adverse effect on your mood. Therefore, it is imperative to recognize the signs of insomnia and talk to your doctor about possible ways to manage or treat it.
These signs include an inability to fall asleep, waking up multiple times throughout the night, waking up earlier than usual in the morning, or sleeping through the night and waking up feeling as if you hadn't slept at all.
Ejaculation, Impotence and Libido
Effexor is linked to certain sexual side effects, which are among its most common side effects as well. Men who take this medication may have problems ejaculating. You may experience a delayed ejaculation or find yourself unable to ejaculate at all. While occurring in 12 percent of men taking Effexor, in most cases these men were taking higher doses of the drug.
Impotence may be another problem you encounter if you are a man. This is the inability to achieve or maintain an erection. This side effect, while still among the most common, has a tendency to occur in fewer men--only 6 percent.
Yet another common sexual side effect of Effexor is a decreased libido. This may be experienced by both men and women; however, its frequency is considerably less than the aforementioned sexual problems--it appears to occur in approximately 5 percent of patients and is more prevalent in those taking higher doses. If you suffer from any of these problems, speak to your health care provider. He may be able to adjust your dose or change your medication.
Additional Common Side Effects
Effexor may produce additional side effects that, while still considered common, are not necessarily combined into one specific category. This medication may cause drowsiness or dizziness, make you feel nervous or cause general body weakness. Excess sweating may also occur, along with anxiety or uncontrollable shaking. If you notice that these symptoms persist or become worse, speak to your doctor; she may need to alter your medication.
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