Hi,

Thanks for the query.

Effexor contains venlafexine that acts on serotonin and norepinephrine in brain and is a safe drug.

The side effects are less with extended release preparation ( for e.g Effexor ER) then plain preparation.

Overall, in day to day clinical use, practical side effects are minimal

Not necessarily that all these side effects WILL appear in an individual. It may or may not in a case.

Common side effects within 1-2 week of starting the drug are: feeling like vomitting (i.e nausea), dizziness, drowsiness, lethargy, dry mouth, constipation, nervousness, etc. These are usually transient and self limiting and are non-fatal.

In higher doses of more than 300 mg/day, it might cause increase Blood pressure, usually not in acute intake but upon long term intake. However, someone whose blood pressure is stabilized well with antihypertensives, no need to worry.

Nonetheless, in 85 year old with coronary bypass graft etc, it is not a bad idea to discuss this issue with your doctor whether to continue taking Effexor or not

One can encounter discontinuation syndrome upon Effexor discontinuation. This can be minimized by slow taper of the drug.

Hope, this will give a practical idea of side effects of Effexor

Wish you good luck

---