Guidance on Effexor Side Effects and Withdrawal Symptoms
courtesy of VirtuaPharmacy

Do you need Effexor? Read this first!

What are the possible side effects of EFFEXOR XR?
EFFEXOR XR may cause side effects in some people. In major clinical studies, some people had to stop taking EFFEXOR XR because of side effects. In clinical studies, the most common side effects included: nausea, dizziness, sleepiness, sweating, dry mouth, abnormal vision, insomnia, constipation, palpitation and many other less noticeable symptoms such as yawning and nervousness. While the effects of taking Effexor can be confused for traditional illnesses or daily stress and anxiety, if you are taking Effexor or Effexor XR please report any symptoms immediately to your physician or psychiatrist. Regardless of the side effects of Effexor, the use of the anti-depressant Effexor or Effexor XR in many instances produces positive results in reducing the depth and breadth of depression and general anxiety.

If you are using Effexor, please note:
Tell your doctor right away if you are using Effexor or Effexor XR and experience increases in heart rate, extreme confusion or seizures (which typically indicate dangerously low levels of sodium in the blood). Other equally serious side effects of Effexor which should be reported to your physician or psychiatrist include abnormal bleeding or bruising, unexpected eye pain including eye redness or changes in vision (which may indicate increased eye pressure), and symptoms of mania or hypomania such as persistently elevated or irritable mood, a decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, hyperactivity, and rapid, excessive speech. EFFEXOR XR may cause an increase in your cholesterol as well, so your doctor may want to do blood tests to check your serum cholesterol periodically. If you are using Effexor in combination with any other mood altering substances, it is necessary to mention this to your mental health care provider as well.

What happens when I stop using EFFEXOR XR?
When the use of Effexor or Effexor XR is stopped there are many more serious complications and symptoms which could arise when that is coupled with the failure to continue traditional therapy. People that suddenly stop using Effexor or Effexor XR can get symptoms such as the following: agitation, anxiety, confusion, diarrhea, dizziness or vertigo, dry mouth, fasciculation (muscle twitching), headaches, hypomania, impaired coordination, insomnia (trouble sleeping), loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness, nightmares, seizures, sensory disturbances (including electric shock sensations), somnolence (sleepiness), sweating, tinnitus, tiredness, tremors, unpleasant mood and vomiting. As always, consult your physician, pharmacist or psychiatrist before stopping any medication. The use of Effexor and Effexor XR have been proven to be valuable in the fight against depression and general anxiety. The decision to stop the use of Effexor may result in the exacerbation of symptoms and the worsening of depression and anxiety.

EFFEXOR XR WITHDRAWAL - SIDE EFFECTS