What is Effexor?: Side Effects and FAQs
Effexor (Venlafaxine) is an antidepressant medication of the SSRI (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) class. This SSRI works by affecting the two “feel good” chemicals in the body, norepinephrine and serotonin. Essentially, it disables the body to reabsorb them, making both more readily available for use, hence increasing mood. This mood increase is what is deemed responsible for alleviating depression and anxiety symptoms.
Therefore, Effexor is generally prescribed for major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder and social anxiety disorder. Also, it can be prescribed for those suffering from chronic pain.
This medication is taken in pill form and comes in a standard and extended-release form. The dosage one may take will vary person to person. Generally, the recommended starting dosage is 75mg/daily. This dosage is intended to be spread throughout the day, 25mg at each meal 3x daily.
Depending on the patient, the dosage of Effexor can be increased up to 350/mg daily in the most severely depressed patients. When one is increasing their dose, they should not increase their dose any sooner than every 4 days as the medication has a bit of a lag time kicking in.
What Are The Side Effects of Effexor?
Effexor can have quite severe side effects. Most notably, women in their 3 rd trimester of pregnancy have developed respiratory complications and have even had trouble eating, which have required prolonged hospitalization.
Effexor can affect both mother and child under these conditions, so many doctors taper their patients off the medication during this time. While this may reduce the side effects, it may have additional side effects like mood swings, and withdrawals for the mother.
In either case, Effexor and pregnancy are not an ideal mix.
Additional serious side effects of Effexor can include a life-threatening syndrome called serotonin syndrome. This syndrome can include agitation, sweating, changes in blood pressure, coma, confusion, and hallucinations. It is imperative if you are experiencing these emotions to contact your doctor immediately.
For those diagnosed with bipolar disorder, manic episodes may occur while taking Effexor. Manic episodes can be detrimental to one looking to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Additionally, Effexor may increase likelihood of closed angular glaucoma, increased risk of bleeding, increased blood pressure, seizures, lung issues and sexual dysfunction.
Aside from physical potential side effects, Effexor may also cause mental and emotional distress, even though the medication itself was created to alleviate these symptoms. Depression, suicidal thoughts, trouble sleeping, panic attacks and or feeling extreme agitation or restlessness are some of the most common side effects. These symptoms can occur during, and post taking Effexor.
Does Effexor Interact With Alcohol?
Effexor affects the nervous system, and therefore consuming alcohol while taking this drug can increase the nervous system side effects that come with it. It is not recommended to consume alcohol because one may experience more drowsiness, difficulty concentrating, impaired thinking and judgment. Even a small amount of alcohol can cause adverse side effects.
Since both Effexor and alcohol affect the central nervous system, using both together can cause the drug to not work properly and actually affect the person’s anxiety negatively.
Is Effexor Addictive?
While Effexor is one of the most common antidepressants on the market, it is also widely misused/abused. While it is considered physically non-addictive, it does affect the “feel good” centers, serotonin, and norepinephrine in the brain and therefore can be used to attain a given “high” feeling.
This “high” can absolutely become addictive. Furthermore, those taking this medication are typically suffering from another mood or anxiety disorder and are more susceptible to misuse. Memory problems, hallucinations, and nausea are signs that the patient is misusing and addicted to this medication.
Almost always, the person will experience impaired relationships at work, with loved ones, and financial hardship. This is no different than being addicted to any other controlled substance.
Does Effexor Cause Withdrawal?
Stopping Effexor abruptly may result in a plethora of withdrawal symptoms. Just as someone would withdraw from a controlled substance, the withdrawals from Effexor are similar.
A person withdrawing from this medication may experience irritability, nausea, vomiting, headache, mood swings, itching skin, nightmares, and the list continues.
If this drug is stopped abruptly, the withdrawals will usually begin about 8-12 hours after the patient’s last dose. Generally, like a narcotic drug, withdrawals will subside within two weeks. However, long term side effects with Effexor have been reported.
These long-term side effects have included chronic pain, digestive issues, and returned depression.
Effexor Rehab at Renaissance Recovery
At Renaissance Recovery, we know how difficult it can be to suffer or watch a loved one suffer from addiction. We can help.
Chemical dependence in any shape or form has the ability to wreak havoc on anyone. Reach out to us today and let us help you or your loved one get their new drug free life started today. Call us today at 866.330.9449.
