venlafaxine

Venlafaxine can raise your risk of having suicidal thoughts or behavior. Watch for symptoms like new or worsening depression, suicidal thoughts or behavior, aggression, or agitation, especially during the first few months of treatment or when the dose changes. Though the risk is higher for people ages 24 and younger, it can happen to anyone. Let your mental health provider know right away if you or your loved ones notice any unusual changes in your mood or behavior while taking this medication.

Serotonin syndrome is a rare, but potentially life-threatening condition where there's too much serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is one of the chemicals in your brain responsible for your mood. Your risk goes up if you use venlafaxine with other medications that affect serotonin levels (e.g., other antidepressants, lithium (Lithobid), tramadol (Ultram), triptans, mirtazapine (Remeron), St. John's wort). Symptoms include fast heart rate, sweating, muscle stiffness or spasms, fever, and confusion. Tell your prescriber or get medical help right away if you have any of these symptoms.

Venlafaxine can raise your blood pressure. Your prescriber will check your blood pressure before starting this medication, and regularly during treatment. If you're currently taking medication for high blood pressure, continue taking it as prescribed. You might want to check your blood pressure at home and keep a log to share with your healthcare team.

Venlafaxine can raise your risk of bleeding or bruising, especially if you're also taking aspirin, NSAIDs (like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)), or certain blood thinners. Tell your prescriber about any bruising that doesn't get better, black-colored stools, pink or red urine, or unusual bleeding from your nose or gums. If you're taking blood thinners, your prescriber might need to change your dose.

Sometimes, depression is the first symptom of bipolar disorder. Treating someone with bipolar disorder with an antidepressant, like venlafaxine, alone can cause a manic episode. Symptoms of a manic episode include great excitement, euphoria, delusions, and overactivity. This is more likely to happen if you or someone in your family has had bipolar disorder. Your mental health provider should make sure that you don't have bipolar disorder before starting this medication because venlafaxine isn't approved to treat bipolar disorder. Talk to your prescriber right away if you notice unusual changes in your behavior.

Antidepressants like venlafaxine can cause your pupils to dilate (widen), which can block the flow of fluid in the eye and lead to high eye pressure. This is particularly important for people with a history of glaucoma. Symptoms can include sudden eye pain, headache with blurry vision, nausea, and vomiting. Speak to your prescriber if you have a history of glaucoma to learn more of this potential side effect.

Stopping venlafaxine suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, anxiety, agitation, flu-like symptoms, trouble sleeping, and dizziness. These symptoms usually appear within 3 days of stopping the medication and typically go away within 1 to 2 weeks. For this reason, it's important to work with your mental health provider to gradually lower your dose to prevent these symptoms.

Some people taking venlafaxine have experienced seizures. Tell your prescriber if you have a history of seizures before starting this medication. If you develop any seizures, stop using this medication and tell your prescriber right away.

Rarely, venlafaxine can cause low sodium levels in the body. The risk is higher if you're an older adult, taking a diuretic (water pill), or have low fluids in your body. Get medical attention if you experience headaches, trouble concentrating, problems with your memory, confusion, weakness, or if you feel unsteady.

Although rare, venlafaxine has been linked to lung problems and pneumonia. Tell your prescriber or get medical help if you experience shortness of breath, cough, or discomfort in your chest.