Side effect of Effexor

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

            abnormal dreams

            abnormal vision

            changes in taste

            chills

            constipation

            diarrhea

            dizziness

            drowsiness

            dry mouth

            flushing

            headache

            heartburn

            increased sweating

            loss of appetite

            menstrual changes

            nausea

            nervousness

            sexual difficulties

            stomach pain or gas

            tingling, burning or prickly sensation

            trembling or shaking

            trouble sleeping

            unusual tiredness or weakness

            vomiting

            weight loss

            yawning

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

            changes in vision, such as blurred vision

            increase in frequency of urination or amount of urine produced

            lightheadedness or fainting, especially when rising suddenly from a sitting or lying position

            mood or mental changes

            ringing or buzzing in ears

            serotonin syndrome - symptoms include:

            confusion

            diarrhea

            fever

            poor coordination

            restlessness

            shivering

            sweating

            trembling or shaking

            twitching

            severe abdominal pain

            signs of liver damage such as yellowing of the skin and eyes; abdominal pain; dark urine; clay-coloured stools; loss of appetite; or nausea and vomiting

            swelling of the hands or feet (if there is no shortness of breath)

            trouble holding or releasing urine

            unusual or sudden body or facial movements or postures

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

            attempts at suicide or thoughts of suicide

            chest pain

            convulsions (seizures)

            fast or irregular heartbeat

            muscle pain or weakness

            red or purple patches on skin

            reddening, blistering, peeling, or loosening of skin and mucous membranes

            signs of an allergic reaction (such as difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face or throat)

            swelling of the hands or feet with shortness of breath

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Effexor XR?

Be sure to inform your doctor of all your medical conditions before you begin taking a medication. Some conditions can affect how you should take this medication.

HEALTH CANADA ADVISORY

March 10, 2006

Health Canada has issued new restrictions concerning the use of Effexor® XR (venlafaxine). To read the full Health Canada Advisory, visit Health Canada's web site at www.hc-sc.gc.ca.

Allergic reactions: In rare cases, some people may develop an allergic reaction to this medication. Signs of an allergic reaction include a severe rash, swollen face, or difficulty breathing. If these occur, contact your doctor immediately.

Blood pressure: Treatment with venlafaxine tablets has been associated with modest increases in blood pressure.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: People taking venlafaxine should use caution when driving or operating machinery until they determine that the medication does not impair their ability to do such activities safely.

Glaucoma: People with glaucoma should have their glaucoma closely monitored while they are taking this medication.

Heart disease: People with heart disease should be closely monitored by their doctor while using this medication. Venlafaxine may cause increased blood pressure or higher cholesterol levels.

Kidney and liver function: People with reduced kidney or liver function should be closely monitored by their doctor while using this medication.

Mania/hypomania: Venlafaxine may cause activation of mania or hypomania. People with a history of bipolar disorder should be closely monitored by their doctor while using this medication.

Seizures: As with other antidepressants, people who have had seizures in the past should be closely monitored by their doctor while taking venlafaxine.

Suicidal or agitated behaviour: Adults and children taking this medication may feel agitated (restless, anxious, aggressive, emotional, and feeling not like themselves), or they may want to hurt themselves or others. These symptoms may occur several weeks after people start taking this medication. People should be closely monitored by their doctor for emotional and behavioural changes.

Stopping the medication: Stopping this medication suddenly may lead to side effects. If you are thinking of stopping this medication, check with your doctor first.

When stopping venlafaxine treatment after more than one week, it is recommended that the dose of the medication be reduced gradually to prevent symptoms such as anxiety, agitation, confusion, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, headache, nausea, loss of appetite, nervousness, sleep disturbances, sweating, and vomiting.

Pregnancy: The safety of taking venlafaxine during pregnancy has not been established. It has been reported that babies born to women who have taken medications like venlafaxine during the last trimester of pregnancy may be adversely affected. Physicians and pregnant women should carefully consider the benefits and the risks of all treatment options.

Breast-feeding: This medication passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking venlafaxine, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of this medication for children below the age of 18 years have not been established. This medication is not recommended for use in children under the age of 18 years. The use of this medication by children below the age of 18 years may cause behavioural and emotional changes, such as suicidal thoughts and behaviour.

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