Effexor, the brand name of the medication venlafaxine, treats depression and anxiety. Side effects may occur when taking Effexor. These side effects may vary depending upon the individual as well as the condition Effexor is used to treat, but certain side effects have proven to be more common than others. Although all of these common side effects are generally mild and will go away as the body gets used to the medication, anyone experiencing side effects that do not go away or are particularly intense should contact a doctor.
Gastrointestinal Issues
While nausea is the most common side effect of Effexor, according to the health website eMedTV.com, other gastrointestinal side effects also are common. These include loss of appetite, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting and indigestion. Gas, weight gain and weight loss also may occur, but are not as common as the others.
Headaches
Headaches also are a common side effect of Effexor. These may include regular headaches or more severe headaches called migraines. The website eMedTV.com indicates that Effexor is sometimes prescribed to prevent migraine headaches, although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved the use of Effexor for this purpose. Because different people may react differently to Effexor, it is impossible to predict who may benefit from Effexor as a method of migraine prevention and who may experience headaches as a side effect of the medication.
Drowsiness, Insomnia and Yawning
Drowsiness is also a common effect that occurs when taking Effexor. People should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery for this reason until they understand if or how this drowsiness will affect them. Because many people taking Effexor also report insomnia as a side effect, this insomnia may also contribute or cause the drowsiness instead of the medication itself. Yawning is also common while taking Effexor. Abnormal dreams were also reported in clinical trials of Effexor, but this side effect is less common than the others.
Mental Changes
Other common side effects of Effexor include feelings of nervousness and anxiety. In addition, agitation, confusion and unusual thoughts can occur when taking Effexor, although these mental changes occur less frequently than nervousness or anxiety. Also, although it is not common, suicidal thoughts or tendencies have been known to occur in people taking Effexor. People experiencing suicidal thoughts while on Effexor should contact a doctor or mental health professional immediately.
Sexual Dysfunction
Ejaculation problems and difficulty achieving orgasm may occur when taking Effexor. Impotence, as defined as being unable to get or maintain an erection, may also occur for some men. Also, a decrease in the desire for sexual activity is also common.
Other Side Effects
Other common side effects of Effexor include high blood pressure, chills, feeling weak, shakiness, sweating and blurred vision. As in the case of the other side effects, these side effects will usually go away on their own as the body adjusts to the medication. However, people who are concerned about any of these side effects should call their doctor.
Member Comments