Venlafaxine hydrochloride (hcl) tabs are a prescription antidepressant medication to treat depression, panic and anxiety disorders, migraines and hot flashes. Despite their effectiveness, the tabs pose a risk of side effects.

Types

Common side effects of venlafaxine hcl tabs include abnormal dreams, nervousness, chills, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, heartburn, increased sweating, nausea, nasal congestion, insomnia, fatigue and weight loss.

Drug Interactions

Taking the tabs within 14 days of monoamine oxidase inhibitors might cause life-threatening cases of hypertension. Dangerous reactions are also possible if the drug is mixed with the mood stabilizer lithium, the narcotic pain-reliever tramadol or the herb St. John's wort

Risks

Some patients taking the tabs develop serotonin syndrome, a potentially fatal condition that causes agitation, hallucinations, hyerthermia, rapid heartbeat and coma. Other risks include hypertension, angina, arrhythmia, gastrointestinal bleeding and severe allergic reactions.

Warning

This medicine can cause suicidal thoughts or self-harmful behaviors, warns the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Symptoms include anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, insomnia, irritability, hostility, aggressiveness, impulsivity and restlessness and are more common in people under 24.

Considerations

Because its effects upon fetal development are unknown, doctors rarely prescribe venlafaxine HCL for pregnant women. If you have a history of bipolar disorder, glaucoma, seizures, heart problems or a disease that affects your thyroid, kidney or liver, you might be at an increased risk of harmful side effects from the drug.

Source:

U.S. National Library of Medicine: Effexor Tablets (Venlafaxine Hydrochloride)

Mayo Clinic: Venlafaxine (Oral Route)