Venlafaxine side effects
Common side effects of Venlafaxine include:
- Anxiety
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory loss
- Tremor
- Altered taste
- Changes in appetite
- Weight changes
- Disturbances in heart rhythm (arrhythmias)
- Digestive disturbances
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Visual changes
- Tinnitus
- Difficulty sleeping
- Yawning
Please ensure that you read the patient information leaflet for a full list of side effects.
Contraindications
Venlafaxine should not be taken by anyone with uncontrolled high blood pressure.
Drug interactions
Venlafaxine can interact with over 600 different medications and recreational drugs. Therefore, it is vital that you discuss any drugs you are taking with the prescribing physician.
Can I take Venlafaxine when pregnant?
Venlafaxine may increase the risk of birth defects if used during pregnancy. The risks vs benefits of Venlafaxine will be considered by your doctor, before deciding whether to prescribe Venlafaxine.
Will Venlafaxine make me gain weight?
Appetite stimulation is a side effect of Venlafaxine. This can lead people to increase their calorie intake, which can lead to weight gain.
Will Venlafaxine make me sleepy?
Some people do experience drowsiness when taking Venlafaxine. If this applies to you, you should not drive or operate machinery when taking Venlafaxine. You may find that it is best to take Venlafaxine at night to avoid daytime drowsiness. Conversely, some people may experience insomnia as a side effect of Venlafaxine.
Will Venlafaxine help me sleep?
Venlafaxine can induce drowsiness, which may help you sleep, but insomnia is also a reported side effect of Venlafaxine. For this reason, if you experience difficulty sleeping, it is recommended that you take Venlafaxine in the morning.
Will Venlafaxine give me energy?
Side effects of Venlafaxine include drowsiness and difficulty concentrating. Therefore, you are more likely to feel tired than energized when taking Venlafaxine.
Can Venlafaxine cause hair loss?
Hair loss is not listed as a side effect of Venlafaxine. There has only been one report of hair loss associated with Venlafaxine. Therefore, Venlafaxine is very unlikely to cause any hair loss.
Can Venlafaxine cause memory loss?
Memory loss is a side effect of many antidepressants, including Venlafaxine.
Can Venlafaxine cause depression?
Venlafaxine is an antidepressant, but some people do find that Venlafaxine can temporarily cause or worsen depression.
Can Venlafaxine cause muscle pain?
Muscle pain is a known side effect of Venlafaxine. If you experience muscle pain, you should stop taking Venlafaxine and speak to your doctor as soon as possible. This specific side effect usually starts soon after starting the medication.
Can Venlafaxine raise blood pressure?
Venlafaxine CR will increase blood pressure in approximately 3% of patients taking a dose between 75-150mg.