Effexor XR Side Effects

Effexor XR Side Effects cannot be anticipated. If any Side Effect develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Effexor.

More common side effects of Effexor XR may include: Abnormal dreams, abnormal ejaculation or orgasm, anxiety, appetite loss, blurred vision, chills, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, frequent urination, flushing, gas, headache, impotence, infection, insomnia, muscle tension, nausea, nervousness, rash, sleepiness, sweating, tingling feeling, tremor, upset stomach, vomiting, weakness, yawning

Less common side effects of may include: Abnormal taste, abnormal thinking, agitation, chest pain, confusion, decreased sex drive, depression, dilated pupils, dizziness upon standing up, high blood pressure, itching, loss of identity, rapid heartbeat, ringing in the ears, trauma, twitching, urinary problems, weight loss

A wide variety of very rare symptoms possibly related to Effexor have also been reported. If you develop any new or unusual problems, let your doctor know about it.

WHY SHOULD EFFEXOR NOT BE PRESCRIBED?

Never take Effexor while taking other drugs known as MAO inhibitors. (See "Most important fact about Effexor.") Also avoid Effexor if it has ever given you an allergic reaction.

SPECIAL WARNINGS ABOUT EFFEXOR

Your doctor will prescribe Effexor with caution if you have high blood pressure, heart, liver, or kidney disease or a history of seizures or mania (extreme agitation or excitability). You should discuss all of your medical problems with your doctor before taking Effexor.

Effexor sometimes causes an increase in blood pressure. If this happens, your doctor may need to reduce your dose or discontinue the drug.

Effexor also tends to increase the heart rate, especially at higher doses. Use Effexor with caution if you've recently had a heart attack, suffer from heart failure, or have an overactive thyroid gland.

Antidepressants such as Effexor may cause fluid retention, especially if you are an older adult.

Effexor may cause you to feel drowsy or less alert and may affect your judgment. Therefore, avoid driving or operating dangerous machinery or participating in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you.

Your doctor will check you regularly if you have glaucoma (high pressure in the eye), or you are at risk of developing it.

If you have ever been addicted to drugs, tell your doctor before you start taking Effexor.

If you develop a skin rash or hives while taking Effexor, notify your doctor. Effexor may also cause bleeding or bruising of the skin.

Do not stop taking Effexor without consulting your doctor. If you stop suddenly, you may have withdrawal symptoms, even though Effexor does not seem to be habit-forming. Your doctor will have you taper off gradually.

The safety and effectiveness of Effexor have not been established in children under 18 years of age.