Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Are The Side Effects Of Effexor XR?
Question: Hello, I have a question about a medication I am taking, Effexor XR. I have been on it for about 1.5 years. My question is, will I know how my body will react by within the first month or two of medication therapy? Or will I have to worry about new side effects popping up like a year later? So far, I have had good luck with few side effects and they have mainly went away after two weeks, but I read something online that scared me and now I fear they will come back. My anxiety is lessened when I know what to expect and how my body will react. Should I worry about them coming back? Or is it likely that once they've passed, they will stay at bay as long as I am on the same dosage? In the past, the only way I've seen side effects return if I have made changes in the medication dosage. Thanks for your feedback.
Brief Answer:
Very likely you will be fine as long as no dose changes- detailed answer below
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for asking at healthcaremagic.
I carefully read your question and understand your concern.
Effexor (venlafaxine) is a medication we prescribe for anxiety and in general most of the patients tolerate it well. If side effects appear they tent to be the first 1-2 weeks and they fade with time as it has already happened with you. Also every dose change (increase) imitates similar symptoms and than they fade within 1-2 weeks. If you are not having any dose change for a while and are tolerating the medication well than very likely you are not going to have side effects unless you increase the dose and in this case the side effect tends to fade in a couple of weeks.
The only new side effect would be if you develop allergy to the medication which is very uncommon. Also when you need to take other medications for other reasons you will need to remind your doctor of the medication you are taking so he can check if there is any interactions he needs to be aware before giving you other drugs.
To conclude i would say that if you are tolerating it well than very likely you will not have a problem with this drug, it is generally very effective for anxiety and most patients tolerate it well. If dose changes are found needed than any dose increase might cause some symptoms which in general fade in 1-2 weeks.
Please do no dose changes without talking with your doctor unless you think you develop allergy to the medication (very rare as complication), in which case you need to stop taking the medication and see a doctor as soon as possible.
I hope this is helpful and answers to your question but please feel free to write me in case more clarification is needed on this.
Kind regards,
Antoneta Zotaj, MD
Very likely you will be fine as long as no dose changes- detailed answer below
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for asking at healthcaremagic.
I carefully read your question and understand your concern.
Effexor (venlafaxine) is a medication we prescribe for anxiety and in general most of the patients tolerate it well. If side effects appear they tent to be the first 1-2 weeks and they fade with time as it has already happened with you. Also every dose change (increase) imitates similar symptoms and than they fade within 1-2 weeks. If you are not having any dose change for a while and are tolerating the medication well than very likely you are not going to have side effects unless you increase the dose and in this case the side effect tends to fade in a couple of weeks.
The only new side effect would be if you develop allergy to the medication which is very uncommon. Also when you need to take other medications for other reasons you will need to remind your doctor of the medication you are taking so he can check if there is any interactions he needs to be aware before giving you other drugs.
To conclude i would say that if you are tolerating it well than very likely you will not have a problem with this drug, it is generally very effective for anxiety and most patients tolerate it well. If dose changes are found needed than any dose increase might cause some symptoms which in general fade in 1-2 weeks.
Please do no dose changes without talking with your doctor unless you think you develop allergy to the medication (very rare as complication), in which case you need to stop taking the medication and see a doctor as soon as possible.
I hope this is helpful and answers to your question but please feel free to write me in case more clarification is needed on this.
Kind regards,
Antoneta Zotaj, MD
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
