How to Know the Side Effects of Effexor XR

By Angie Shiflett

Rate: (7 Ratings)

Many individuals are prescribed Effexor XR. This medication is normally issued to individuals who suffer from the effects of general anxiety disorders, depression, and even panic attacks. If you have recently been prescribed this medication, or you are considering talking to your doctor about taking this prescription pill, it is important that you know the side effects that are generally associated with it. It is also important to know and understand what side effects should concern you. Here, you will learn just that!

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step1
The first thing that you should understand is that this medication should be taken with food at all times. This will help to reduce the possibility of uncomfortable side effects. In addition to this, the pill should always be taken as a whole and never broken apart in any way whatsoever. If you are the type of individual that experiences complications in swallowing pills, you may sprinkle the pill into a bowl of applesauce and mix it thoroughly. Once this is completed, you may consume the bowl of applesauce. Many also drink a cup of milk while eating the applesauce if medication is mixed into it.
Step2
It is also important that you understand that Effexor XR may become addictive. This is why a doctor will provide you with an initial dose and then gradually increase the dosage over time. For this reason, you should take the medication exactly as prescribed. If you fail to do so, you may experience standard withdrawal symptoms. If you are interested in reducing your dosage so that you may eventually cease taking this medication, speak directly with your doctor before doing so.

Signs of withdrawal from Effexor XR may include the following symptoms:

• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Mild to Severe Headaches
• Nightmares
• Tingling in the extremities and the face
• Numbness in the body
• Mood Swings
Step3
Standard side effects of Effexor XR include one or more of the following:

• Extreme drowsiness
• General weakness
• Blurred and/or double vision
• Irregular bowel movements
• Insomnia
• Dizziness
• Sweating
• Dry Mouth
• Lack of appetite
• Headaches
Step4
Many individuals may experience more severe side effects when taking Effexor XR. These include:

• High blood pressure
• Migraines
• Severe mood swings
• Fainting
• Shaking
• Decreased libido
• Suicidal thoughts
• Bladder complications
• Chest pain
• Muscle weakness
• Jaundice
• Rash
• Breathing complications

If any severe side effects occur, it is vital that you seek medical attention immediately.

Tips & Warnings

  • Remember, danerous side effects should be dealt with immediately by a medical professional.

Comments

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on 1/25/2008 Thank you for posting this. I am glad we decided against using pharmaceutical treatments after reading these warnings. Good advice here!

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on 1/12/2008 It really may have made them worser. I would definately talk to your doctor about it. Thanks for commenting!

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eHow Article:  How to Know the Side Effects of Effexor XR

eHow Member: Angie Shiflett

Angie Shiflett

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Category: Health

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