Print: Other Antidepressants

Other Antidepressants - Venlafaxine

Written by: Petros Skapinakis, MD, MPH, PhD, lecturer of Psychiatry in the University of Ioannina Medical School, Greece. Eva Gerasi, postgraduate student in the Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital of Ioannina, Greece and Jacob Palme, professor, Stockholm University.

First version: 22 Jul 2008. Latest version: 29 Jul 2008.

Abstract:
Venlaxafine is an antidepressive which combines serorotin inhibition with nonadrenalin reuptake inhibition. It has less side effects than some other antidepressive medicines. Warning, however, that you can have serious side effects for several months when you quit using it.

Question:

What is Venlafaxine? How does it work? What are its sideeffects?

Answer:

Venlafaxine is the first mixed serotonin and noradrenaline re-uptake inhibitor. It should offer the benefits of tricyclic antidepressants with fewer drawbacks.

It has side effects similar to those of SSRIs. The most common side effects are:

Constipation
Headaches
Weight loss
Dry mouth
Slight increase in cholesterol

Other more serious side effects are rare but can include allergic reaction, fast heart rate, nausea, dizziness, anxiety, blurred vision, insomnia, increased blood pressure, and seizures.

Venlafaxine should not be taken if the patient has had an allergic reaction to this medication in the past or are currently taking an MAOI.

Warning, however, that Venlafaxine can give serious abstinence symptoms for several months when you quit using it.

More Information

More about Effexor (venlaxafine) side effects and withdrawal Nefazodone Escitalopram (Lexapro) How SSRIs work SSRI side effects SSRI precautions Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) - How they work Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) - How they work More articles about the treatment of depression

Sources, references: http://web4health.info/en/answers/source/bipolar-depr-med-other-venla.htm



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