Possible side effects of Effexor

A warning is being issued with Effexor and with other SSRI and SSRN anti-depressants advising of risk of suicidality. Family members should be advised of this potentially fatal side effect so they may bring the patient to a hospital emergency for surveillance and protection. 

 Common side effects include:

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Sleepiness
• Insomnia
• Vertigo
• Dry mouth
• Sexual dysfunction
• Sweating
• Vivid dreams
• Increased blood pressure
• Electric shock like sensations 

Less Common side-effects include:

• Panic Attacks
• Drowsiness
• Depressed feelings
• Cardiac arrhythmia
• Increased serum cholesterol
• Gas or stomach pain
• Abnormal vision
• Nervousness, agitation or increased anxiety
• Suicidal thoughts suicidal ideation
• Confusion
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
• Loss of appetite
• Constipation
• Tremor
• Tardive dyskinesia
• Difficulty swallowing
• Lack of sexual desire
• Raised blood pressure
• Allergic skin reactions
• External bleeding
• Serious bone marrow damage 
• Hepatitis
• Pancreatitis
• Seizure

Effexor and other medications

Effexor XR® does not interact significantly with many other medications, including Lithium®, Valium® (diazepam), and Tagamet® (cimetidine, an anti-ulcer medication). While taking Tagamet ® for high blood pressure or liver disease the patient should be cautious in taking Effexor XR® because the interaction may be more pronounced when these disorders are present. Effexor XR® definitely should not be taken at the same time as the MAOIs (Parnate® or Nardil®). Interactions with these compounds could be lethal. 

Physical and Psychological Dependence

Although no researches have been conducted on humans, several in vitro studies revealed that Effexor has virtually no affinity for opiate, benzodiazepine, phencyclidine (PCP), or N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptors.

There was no indication of drug-seeking behavior in the clinical trials. However, it is not possible to predict on the basis of experience the extent to which a CNS active drug will be misused, diverted, or abused once marketed.