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Venlafaxine is an antidepressant used to treat various mental health conditions. While it offers significant benefits, it's essential to be aware of the associated safety warnings and potential risks. If you have concerns or experience any unusual symptoms, consult your healthcare provider immediately.

• Suicidal Thoughts and Behavior: Venlafaxine may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, particularly in individuals aged 24 and under. Be vigilant for any signs of mood changes, aggression, or agitation, especially during the initial treatment phase or when adjusting doses. Report any such changes to your mental health provider promptly.

• Serotonin Syndrome: This is a rare but serious condition that can occur when venlafaxine is taken with other drugs that impact serotonin levels, such as other antidepressants, lithium, or St. John's wort. Symptoms include rapid heart rate, sweating, muscle stiffness, fever, and confusion. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience these symptoms.

• High Blood Pressure: Venlafaxine can elevate blood pressure. Regular monitoring by your healthcare provider is recommended, particularly if you have a history of hypertension or heart conditions or are on a high dose of venlafaxine.

• Increased Bleeding Risk: The risk of bleeding may be heightened if venlafaxine is used with aspirin, NSAIDs, or blood thinners. Notify your healthcare provider about any unusual bruising, black stools, or bleeding.

• Mania: Venlafaxine can induce manic episodes in individuals with bipolar disorder. Symptoms include excessive excitement, euphoria, and increased activity. If you or a family member has a history of bipolar disorder, ensure this is ruled out before starting treatment.

• Glaucoma: Antidepressants like venlafaxine can affect eye pressure, particularly in individuals with a history of glaucoma. Be alert for symptoms such as sudden eye pain or blurred vision and consult your provider if you have a history of glaucoma.

• Withdrawal Symptoms: Abruptly stopping venlafaxine can lead to withdrawal symptoms, including nausea, dizziness, and flu-like symptoms. It's crucial to taper off the medication gradually under medical supervision.

• Seizures: If you have a history of seizures, inform your prescriber before starting venlafaxine. Discontinue use and seek medical advice if seizures occur.

• Low Sodium Levels: This medication can occasionally cause low sodium levels, especially in older adults or those on diuretics. Symptoms may include confusion, weakness, or balance issues.

• Lung Problems and Pneumonia: Although rare, some individuals have reported lung issues. Seek medical help if you experience breathing difficulties or chest discomfort.

• Sexual Side Effects: Venlafaxine may cause sexual dysfunction, including reduced libido or difficulties with ejaculation or orgasm. Discuss these concerns with your provider for possible solutions.

Contraindications:

• Do not use venlafaxine if you are currently taking MAOIs or have taken them within the past 14 days.
• Avoid using venlafaxine with linezolid or intravenous methylene blue.

Always discuss any pre-existing conditions or medications with your healthcare provider to ensure venlafaxine is safe for you.

When taking this medication, some individuals may experience common side effects such as nausea, trouble sleeping, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, and loss of appetite. These effects, while generally mild, can sometimes include nervousness, constipation, unusual sweating, and yawning. If these symptoms persist or worsen, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider for guidance.

In addition to the common side effects, some users have reported experiencing headache, weakness, abnormal ejaculation, and abnormal dreams. While these are less common, it is important to monitor these symptoms and discuss them with your healthcare provider if they occur.

More serious side effects, though rare, necessitate immediate medical attention. These include severe vomiting, lower sex drive, muscle tremors, changes in vision, severe dizziness, and chest pain. Other serious symptoms can include shortness of breath, severe headaches, black stools, and severe allergic reactions, such as rash, itching, or trouble breathing.

There is also a risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition, which may present with symptoms like fast heartbeat, hallucinations, severe nausea, and twitching muscles. Seek urgent medical help if you develop any of these severe symptoms. Always communicate with your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking to avoid interactions that could increase the risk of side effects.

When taking Venlafaxine, it's important to be aware of potential interactions with other medications. This drug can interact with medicines that affect bleeding and bruising, such as antiplatelet drugs like Clopidogrel, NSAIDs like Ibuprofen or Naproxen, and anticoagulants like Dabigatran or Warfarin. Using Aspirin with venlafaxine can increase the risk of bleeding, although if your doctor has instructed you to take low-dose aspirin (81-162 mg daily) to prevent heart issues, you should continue unless advised otherwise.

Serious interactions can occur with MAO inhibitors, which may lead to potentially fatal outcomes. Avoid using MAO inhibitors, including isocarboxazid, Linezolid, and Tranylcypromine, during and for two weeks before and at least seven days after venlafaxine treatment. Consult your doctor for precise guidance on timing.

Venlafaxine can also increase the risk of serotonin syndrome if taken with other serotonin-enhancing drugs, such as SSRIs (e.g., Fluoxetine, paroxetine), SNRIs (e.g., Duloxetine), and certain supplements or street drugs. This risk may be heightened when starting or increasing doses.

Additionally, venlafaxine can cause drowsiness, so be cautious when using it with products that induce sleepiness, such as opioids (codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana, and certain medications for sleep or anxiety (e.g., Alprazolam, Lorazepam). Many over-the-counter products, like allergy or cold medicines, may also cause drowsiness. Always check labels and consult a pharmacist for safe use.

Do not combine venlafaxine with desvenlafaxine, as they are very similar. Lastly, this medication might interfere with lab tests, such as urine tests for amphetamines, potentially leading to false results. Ensure all healthcare professionals are informed that you are taking venlafaxine.