Effexor is a little different from Zoloft and Prozac; it is a seratonin reuptake inhibitor, but it also inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine. It belongs to the selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSNRIs) class of drugs. It works basically the same way, but it slows the re-absorption of two chemicals in the brain that affect mood.
I took Effexor for a very brief period. I tried it after suffering severe gastrointestinal (GI) side effects with Paxil, which is an SSRI. Effexor had the opposite side effect that Paxil had on my system. Needless to say that’s why I didn’t say with Effexor. Other than the GI side effect, I was very pleased with the results of Effexor on my anxiety and depression. I will say that I have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), so my system is more susceptible to GI side effects than those who don’t have IBS.
It is not recommended to drink alcohol while taking any anti-depressant, since alcohol is a depressant and it can enhance sleepiness or other common symptoms of these medicines. Effexor is especially dangerous when taken with alcohol because it can lead to a coma or death. The synergy between the two drugs make it easy to overdose.
Common Effexor side effects (as listed on package inserts, and at www.drugs.com/cdi/effexor)
drowsiness, dizziness, nervousness, or anxiety
dry mouth, increased sweating
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation
decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty experiencing an orgasm
headache, blurred vision
tremor or chills
changes in appetite or weight
More serious Effexor side effects
increased blood pressure (which causes severe headache, blurred vision)
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
fever
fast heartbeat
hallucinations
loss of coordination
fainting
coma
seizure (convulsions);
extreme thirst with headache, nausea, vomiting, and weakness; or
easy bruising or bleeding
If you take Effexor you shouldn’t drink much alcohol. Alcohol increases the side effects of Effexor. Too much alcohol and Effexor can result in a coma or death.
Other medicines can enhance the side effects of Effexor as well. They should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. Some examples are:
medicines that make you sleepy, such as cold medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxers, medicine for seizures, or other medications for depression or anxiety.
Some people shouldn’t take Effexor. This includes people who experience any of the following:
bipolar disorder (manic depression)
cirrhosis or other liver disease
kidney disease
high blood pressure
glaucoma
seizures or epilepsy
a bleeding or blood clotting disorder
high cholesterol.
People who take monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) shouldn’t take Effexor; they should stop taking MAOIs at least 14 days before starting Effexor.
Like other anti-depressants, there is an increased risk of suicidal thoughts while on Effexor, especially if you are under 24 years old and when first beginning the medicine.
To ease the side effects of Effexor you can try the following:
If you get upset stomach or other GI side effects try varying when you take the medicine; try it on an empty stomach and on a full stomach to see which is better.
For sexual side effects you can talk to your doctor about lowering your dosage, which can decrease the severity of the side effects. You will most likely need to try a combination of tactics for treating sexual side effects. Lowering your stress, increasing your physical activity, ang getting enough rest can help boost your sexual energy as well.
Sources:
Effexor- http://www.drugs.com/cdi/effexor.html
Effexor information by pharmacists and doctors- http://www.medicinenet.com/venlafaxine/article.htm
