Side Effects of Effexor 37.5Mg
Effexor 37.5, generically known as venlafaxine, can be used to treat depression, anxiety and other psychiatric disorders 23. It belongs to a class of drugs known as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. It works by increasing the levels of two chemicals in the brain, serotonin and norepinephrine, to help treat psychiatric disorders. Although Effexor 37.5 is generally safe, it can cause some side effects 23.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Gastrointestinal Problems
Many of the side effects that are associated with taking Effexor 37.5 involve the gastrointestinal system, Drugs.com states 123. These include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence and constipation. Patients taking Effexor may also develop an upset stomach and experience a decreased appetite 23. Over time, this may result in unintended weight loss.
Chills, Sweating, Fatigue
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Effexor 37.5 can also cause patients to develop chills, eMedTV notes 23. Other notable side effects include increased sweating, which is also known as hyperhidrosis and generalized weakness and fatigue.
Drowsiness, Dizziness, Anxiety
Taking Effexor 37.5 can also result in many changes due to its effects on the nervous system 23. Common side effects include drowsiness and dizziness. Patients may also paradoxically experience, depression, anxiety or nervousness, even though the medication is often used to treat depression and anxiety.
Sexual Problems
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Effexor can also cause diminished libido and sexual desire 23. This can also cause orgasms to be impossible or take longer to occur. Men may also experience problems with impotence while taking Effexor 37.5 23. Many of these sexual side effects can be overcome, however, by making slight modifications in sexual behavior.
Insomnia and Numbness
Effexor can also disrupt a person's ability to sleep, resulting in insomnia and abnormal dreams, RxList reports 23. In addition, Effexor 37.5 can result in muscle tremors, dry mouth and abnormal tingling or numbness in parts of the body 23.
Related Articles
References
- Drugs.com: Effexor
- eMedTV: Effexor
- RxList: Effexor
- Shelton RC. Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors. Handb Exp Pharmacol. 2019;250:145-180. doi:10.1007/164_2018_164
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Effexor XR (venlafaxine Extended-Release) Capsules. Updated 2017.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Effexor. Updated 2006.
- Ye C, Ninneman M, Christian JS, Zhang F, Musselman D. Seizure Induced by a Therapeutic Dose of Venlafaxine ER: A Case Report. J Psychiatr Pract. 2018;24(2):117-120. doi:10.1097/PRA.0000000000000298
- Patel R, Reiss P, Shetty H, et al. Do antidepressants increase the risk of mania and bipolar disorder in people with depression? A retrospective electronic case register cohort study. BMJ Open. 2015;5(12):e008341. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2015-008341
- "Venlafaxine." MedLine Plus, U.S. National Library of Medicine (2014).
Writer Bio
Adam Cloe has been published in various scientific journals, including the "Journal of Biochemistry." He is currently a pathology resident at the University of Chicago. Cloe holds a Bachelor of Arts in biochemistry from Boston University, a M.D. from the University of Chicago and a Ph.D. in pathology from the University of Chicago.