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Effexor XR (Venlafaxine Hydrochloride) - Side Effects and Adverse Reactions

 
 



ADVERSE REACTIONS

The information included in the Adverse Findings Observed in Short-Term, Placebo‑Controlled Studies with Effexor XR subsection is based on data from a pool of three 8- and 12‑week controlled clinical trials in major depressive disorder (includes two U.S. trials and one European trial), on data up to 8 weeks from a pool of five controlled clinical trials in GAD with Effexor XR®, on data up to 12 weeks from a pool of five controlled clinical trials in Social Anxiety Disorder, and on data up to 12 weeks from a pool of four controlled clinical trials in panic disorder. Information on additional adverse events associated with Effexor XR in the entire development program for the formulation and with Effexor (immediate release) is included in the Other Adverse Events Observed During the Premarketing Evaluation of Effexor and Effexor XR subsection (see also WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS).

Adverse Findings Observed in Short-Term, Placebo-Controlled Studies with Effexor XR

Adverse Events Associated with Discontinuation of Treatment

Approximately 11% of the 357 patients who received Effexor XR® (venlafaxine hydrochloride) extended-release capsules in placebo-controlled clinical trials for major depressive disorder discontinued treatment due to an adverse experience, compared with 6% of the 285 placebo‑treated patients in those studies. Approximately 18% of the 1381 patients who received Effexor XR capsules in placebo-controlled clinical trials for GAD discontinued treatment due to an adverse experience, compared with 12% of the 555 placebo-treated patients in those studies. Approximately 15% of the 819 patients who received Effexor XR capsules in placebo-controlled clinical trials for Social Anxiety Disorder discontinued treatment due to an adverse experience, compared with 5% of the 695 placebo-treated patients in those studies. Approximately 7% of the 1,001 patients who received Effexor XR capsules in placebo-controlled clinical trials for panic disorder discontinued treatment due to an adverse experience, compared with 6% of the 662 placebo-treated patients in those studies. The most common events leading to discontinuation and considered to be drug-related (ie, leading to discontinuation in at least 1% of the Effexor XR-treated patients at a rate at least twice that of placebo for any indication) are shown in Table 6.

Table 6 Common Adverse Events Leading to Discontinuation of Treatment in Placebo-Controlled Trials1
Percentage of Patients Discontinuing Due to Adverse Event
Adverse EventMajor Depressive Disorder Indication2GAD Indication3,4Social Anxiety Disorder Indication5Panic Disorder Indication
Effexor XR
n = 357
Placebo
n = 285
Effexor XR
n = 1381
Placebo
n = 555
Effexor XR
n = 819
Placebo
n = 695
Effexor XR
n = 1001
Placebo
n = 662

1 Two of the major depressive disorder studies were flexible dose and one was fixed dose. Four of the GAD studies were fixed dose and one was flexible dose. Four of the Social Anxiety Disorder studies were flexible dose and one was fixed/flexible dose. Two of the panic disorder studies were flexible dose and two were fixed dose.
2 In U.S. placebo-controlled trials for major depressive disorder, the following were also common events leading to discontinuation and were considered to be drug-related for Effexor XR-treated patients (% Effexor XR [n = 192], % Placebo [n = 202]): hypertension (1%, <1%); diarrhea (1%, 0%); paresthesia (1%, 0%); tremor (1%, 0%); abnormal vision, mostly blurred vision (1%, 0%); and abnormal, mostly delayed, ejaculation (1%, 0%).
3 In two short-term U.S. placebo-controlled trials for GAD, the following were also common events leading to discontinuation and were considered to be drug-related for Effexor XR-treated patients (% Effexor XR [n = 476]), % Placebo [n = 201]: headache (4%, <1%); vasodilatation (1%, 0%); anorexia (2%, <1%); dizziness (4%, 1%); thinking abnormal (1%, 0%); and abnormal vision (1%, 0%).
4 In long-term placebo-controlled trials for GAD, the following was also a common event leading to discontinuation and was considered to be drug-related for Effexor XR-treated patients (% Effexor XR [n = 535], % Placebo [n = 257]): decreased libido (1%, 0%).
5 In a 6-month placebo-controlled trial for Social Anxiety Disorder, the following was also a common event leading to discontinuation and was considered to be drug-related for Effexor XR-treated patients (% Effexor XR [n = 257], % Placebo [n = 129]: depression (5%, 0%), libido decrease (1%, 0%), and nervousness (3%, 0%).
6 Incidence is based on the number of men (Effexor XR = 454, placebo = 357).

Body as a Whole
Asthenia
Headache
--
--
--
--
3%
--
<1%
--
2%
1%
<1%
<1%
1%
--
0%
--
Digestive System
Nausea
Anorexia
Dry Mouth
Vomiting
4%
1%
1%
--
<1%
<1%
0%
--
8%
--
2%
1%
<1%
--
<1%
<1%
3%
--
--
--
<1%
--
--
--
2%
--
--
--
<1%
--
--
--
Nervous System
Dizziness
Insomnia
Somnolence
Nervousness
Tremor
2%
1%
2%
--
--
1%
<1%
<1%
--
--
--
3%
3%
2%
1%
--
<1%
<1%
<1%
0%
2%
2%
2%
--
--
<1%
<1%
<1%
--
--
--
1%
--
--
--
--
<1%
--
--
--
Skin
Sweating-- -- 2% <1% ---- -- --
Urogenital System
Impotence6-- -- -- -- 2%0% -- --

Adverse Events Occurring at an Incidence of 2% or More Among Effexor XR-Treated Patients

Tables 7, 8, 9, and 10 enumerate the incidence, rounded to the nearest percent, of treatment-emergent adverse events that occurred during acute therapy of major depressive disorder (up to 12 weeks; dose range of 75 to 225 mg/day), of GAD (up to 8 weeks; dose range of 37.5 to 225 mg/day), of Social Anxiety Disorder (up to 12 weeks; dose range of 75 to 225 mg/day), and of panic disorder (up to 12 weeks; dose range of 37.5 to 225 mg/day), respectively, in 2% or more of patients treated with Effexor XR (venlafaxine hydrochloride) where the incidence in patients treated with Effexor XR was greater than the incidence for the respective placebo-treated patients. The table shows the percentage of patients in each group who had at least one episode of an event at some time during their treatment. Reported adverse events were classified using a standard COSTART-based Dictionary terminology.

The prescriber should be aware that these figures cannot be used to predict the incidence of side effects in the course of usual medical practice where patient characteristics and other factors differ from those which prevailed in the clinical trials. Similarly, the cited frequencies cannot be compared with figures obtained from other clinical investigations involving different treatments, uses and investigators. The cited figures, however, do provide the prescribing physician with some basis for estimating the relative contribution of drug and nondrug factors to the side effect incidence rate in the population studied.

Commonly Observed Adverse Events from Tables 7, 8, 9, and 10:

Major Depressive Disorder

Note in particular the following adverse events that occurred in at least 5% of the Effexor XR patients and at a rate at least twice that of the placebo group for all placebo-controlled trials for the major depressive disorder indication (Table 7): Abnormal ejaculation, gastrointestinal complaints (nausea, dry mouth, and anorexia), CNS complaints (dizziness, somnolence, and abnormal dreams), and sweating. In the two U.S. placebo-controlled trials, the following additional events occurred in at least 5% of Effexor XR-treated patients (n = 192) and at a rate at least twice that of the placebo group: Abnormalities of sexual function (impotence in men, anorgasmia in women, and libido decreased), gastrointestinal complaints (constipation and flatulence), CNS complaints (insomnia, nervousness, and tremor), problems of special senses (abnormal vision), cardiovascular effects (hypertension and vasodilatation), and yawning.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Note in particular the following adverse events that occurred in at least 5% of the Effexor XR patients and at a rate at least twice that of the placebo group for all placebo-controlled trials for the GAD indication (Table 8): Abnormalities of sexual function (abnormal ejaculation and impotence), gastrointestinal complaints (nausea, dry mouth, anorexia, and constipation), problems of special senses (abnormal vision), and sweating.

Social Anxiety Disorder

Note in particular the following adverse events that occurred in at least 5% of the Effexor XR patients and at a rate at least twice that of the placebo group for the 5 placebo-controlled trials for the Social Anxiety Disorder indication (Table 9): Asthenia, gastrointestinal complaints (anorexia, constipation, dry mouth, nausea), CNS complaints (insomnia, libido decreased, nervousness, somnolence, tremor), abnormalities of sexual function (abnormal ejaculation, impotence), yawn, and sweating.

In the 6-month trial, the following adverse events occurred twice as often in the 150-225 mg/day Effexor XR group compared to the 75 mg/day Effexor XR group and placebo: vasodilation, libido decreased, tremor, yawn, abnormal vision, and impotence.

Panic Disorder

Note in particular the following adverse events that occurred in at least 5% of the Effexor XR patients and at a rate at least twice that of the placebo group for 4 placebo-controlled trials for the panic disorder indication (Table 10): gastrointestinal complaints (anorexia, constipation, dry mouth), CNS complaints (somnolence, tremor), abnormalities of sexual function (abnormal ejaculation), and sweating.

Table 7 Treatment-Emergent Adverse Event Incidence in Short-Term Placebo-Controlled Effexor XR Clinical Trials in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder1,2
% Reporting Event
Body System
   Preferred Term
Effexor XR
(n = 357)
Placebo
(n = 285)

1 Incidence, rounded to the nearest %, for events reported by at least 2% of patients treated with Effexor XR, except the following events which had an incidence equal to or less than placebo: abdominal pain, accidental injury, anxiety, back pain, bronchitis, diarrhea, dysmenorrhea, dyspepsia, flu syndrome, headache, infection, pain, palpitation, rhinitis, and sinusitis.
2 <1% indicates an incidence greater than zero but less than 1%.
3 Mostly “hot flashes.”
4 Mostly“vivid dreams,” “nightmares,” and “increased dreaming.”
5 Mostly “blurred vision” and “difficulty focusing eyes.”
6 Mostly“delayed ejaculation.”
7 Incidence is based on the number of male patients.
8 Mostly “delayed orgasm” or “anorgasmia.”
9 Incidence is based on the number of female patients.

Body as a Whole
   Asthenia8% 7%
Cardiovascular System
   Vasodilatation3
   Hypertension
4%
4%
2%
1%
Digestive System
   Nausea
   Constipation
   Anorexia
   Vomiting
   Flatulence
31%
8%
8%
4%
4%
12%
5%
4%
2%
3%
Metabolic/Nutritional
   Weight Loss3% 0%
Nervous System
   Dizziness
   Somnolence
   Insomnia
   Dry Mouth
   Nervousness
   Abnormal Dreams4
   Tremor
   Depression
   Paresthesia
   Libido Decreased
   Agitation
20%
17%
17%
12%
10%
7%
5%
3%
3%
3%
3%
9%
8%
11%
6%
5%
2%
2%
<1%
1%
<1%
1%
Respiratory System
   Pharyngitis
   Yawn
7%
3%
6%
0%
Skin
   Sweating14% 3%
Special Senses
   Abnormal Vision54% <1%
Urogenital System
   Abnormal Ejaculation
   (male)6,7
   Impotence7
   Anorgasmia (female)8,9
16%

4%
3%
<1%

<1%
<1%
Table 8 Treatment-Emergent Adverse Event Incidence in Short-Term Placebo-Controlled Effexor XR Clinical Trials in GAD Patients1,2
% Reporting Event
Body System
   Preferred Term
Effexor XR
(n = 1381)
Placebo
(n = 555)

1 Adverse events for which the Effexor XR reporting rate was less than or equal to the placebo rate are not included. These events are: abdominal pain, accidental injury, anxiety, back pain, diarrhea, dysmenorrhea, dyspepsia, flu syndrome, headache, infection, myalgia, pain, palpitation, pharyngitis, rhinitis, tinnitus, and urinary frequency.
2 <1% means greater than zero but less than 1%.
3 Mostly “hot flashes.”
4 Mostly “vivid dreams,” “nightmares,” and “increased dreaming.”
5 Mostly “blurred vision” and “difficulty focusing eyes.”
6 Includes “delayed ejaculation” and “anorgasmia.”
7 Percentage based on the number of males (Effexor XR = 525, placebo = 220).
8 Includes “delayed orgasm,” “abnormal orgasm,” and “anorgasmia.”
9 Percentage based on the number of females (Effexor XR = 856, placebo = 335).

Body as a Whole
   Asthenia12% 8%
Cardiovascular System
   Vasodilatation34% 2%
Digestive System
   Nausea
   Constipation
   Anorexia
   Vomiting
35%
10%
8%
5%
12%
4%
2%
3%
Nervous System
   Dizziness
   Dry Mouth
   Insomnia
   Somnolence
   Nervousness
   Libido Decreased
   Tremor
   Abnormal Dreams4
   Hypertonia
   Paresthesia
16%
16%
15%
14%
6%
4%
4%
3%
3%
2%
11%
6%
10%
8%
4%
2%
<1%
2%
2%
1%
Respiratory System
   Yawn3% <1%
Skin
   Sweating10% 3%
Special Senses
   Abnormal Vision55% <1%
Urogenital System
   Abnormal Ejaculation6,7
   Impotence7
   Orgasmic Dysfunction (female)8,9
11%
5%
2%
<1%
<1%
0%
Table 9 Treatment-Emergent Adverse Event Incidence in Short-Term Placebo-Controlled Effexor XR Clinical Trials in Social Anxiety Disorder Patients1,2
% Reporting Event
Body System
Preferred Term
Effexor XR
(n = 819)
Placebo
(n = 695)

1 Adverse events for which the Effexor XR reporting rate was less than or equal to the placebo rate are not included. These events are: arthralgia, back pain, dysmenorrhea, flu syndrome, infection, pain, pharyngitis, rhinitis, and upper respiratory infection.
2 <1% means greater than zero but less than 1%.
3 Mostly “hot flashes.”
4 Mostly “decreased appetite” and “loss of appetite.”
5 Mostly “vivid dreams,” “nightmares,” and “increased dreaming.”
6 Mostly “blurred vision.”
7 Includes “delayed ejaculation” and “anorgasmia.”
8 Percentage based on the number of males (Effexor XR = 454, placebo = 357).
9 Includes “abnormal orgasm” and “anorgasmia.”
10 Percentage based on the number of females (Effexor XR = 365, placebo = 338).

Body as a Whole
   Headache
   Asthenia
   Abdominal Pain
   Accidental Injury   
38%
19%
6%
4%
34%
9%
4%
3%
Cardiovascular System
   Hypertension
   Vasodilatation3
   Palpitation
5%
3%
3%
3%
2%
1%
Digestive System
   Nausea
   Anorexia4
   Constipation
   Diarrhea
   Dyspepsia
   Vomiting 
31%
17%
9%
8%
7%
3%
9%
2%
3%
6%
6%
2%
Metabolic/Nutritional
   Weight Loss2% <1%
Nervous System
   Insomnia
   Somnolence
   Dry Mouth
   Dizziness  
   Nervousness
   Libido Decreased
   Anxiety
   Tremor
   Agitation 
   Abnormal Dreams5   
   Twitching
24%
20%
17%
16%
10%
8%
5%
5%
3%
3%
3%
8%
8%
4%
8%
5%
2%
4%
2%
1%
<1%
<1%
Respiratory System
   Yawn   5% <1%
Skin
   Sweating 13% 4%
Special Senses
   Abnormal Vision64% 2%
Urogenital System
   Abnormal Ejaculation7,8
   Impotence8
   Orgasmic Dysfunction9,10
19%
6%
5%
<1%
<1%
<1%
Table 10 Treatment-Emergent Adverse Event Incidence in Short-Term Placebo-Controlled Effexor XR Clinical Trials in Panic Disorder Patients1,2
% Reporting Event
Body System
Preferred Term
Effexor XR
(n = 1001)
Placebo
(n = 662)

1 Adverse events for which the Effexor XR reporting rate was less than or equal to the placebo rate are not included. These events are: abdominal pain, abnormal vision, accidental injury, anxiety, back pain, diarrhea, dysmenorrhea, dyspepsia, flu syndrome, headache, infection, nervousness, pain, paresthesia, pharyngitis, rash, rhinitis, and vomiting.
2 <1% means greater than zero but less than 1%.
3 Mostly “hot flushes.”
4 Mostly “decreased appetite” and “loss of appetite.”
5 Includes “delayed or retarded ejaculation” and “anorgasmia.”
6 Percentage based on the number of males (Effexor XR = 335, placebo = 238).
7 Includes “anorgasmia” and “delayed orgasm.”
8 Percentage based on the number of females (Effexor XR = 666, placebo = 424).

Body as a Whole
   Asthenia10% 8%
Cardiovascular System
   Hypertension
   Vasodilatation3
4%
3%
3%
2%
Digestive System
   Nausea
   Dry mouth
   Constipation
   Anorexia4
21%
12%
9%
8%
14%
6%
3%
3%
Nervous System
   Insomnia
   Somnolence
   Dizziness
   Tremor
   Libido Decreased
17%
12%
11%
5%
4%
9%
6%
10%
2%
2%
Skin
   Sweating10% 2%
Urogenital System
   Abnormal Ejaculation5,6
   Impotence6
   Orgasmic Dysfunction7,8
8%
4%
2%
<1%
<1%
<1%

Vital Sign Changes

Effexor XR (venlafaxine hydrochloride) extended-release capsules treatment for up to 12 weeks in premarketing placebo-controlled major depressive disorder trials was associated with a mean final on-therapy increase in pulse rate of approximately 2 beats per minute, compared with 1 beat per minute for placebo. Effexor XR treatment for up to 8 weeks in premarketing placebo-controlled GAD trials was associated with a mean final on-therapy increase in pulse rate of approximately 2 beats per minute, compared with less than 1 beat per minute for placebo. Effexor XR treatment for up to 12 weeks in premarketing placebo‑controlled Social Anxiety Disorder trials was associated with a mean final on-therapy increase in pulse rate of approximately 3 beats per minute, compared with an increase of 1 beat per minute for placebo. Effexor XR treatment for up to 12 weeks in premarketing placebo-controlled panic disorder trials was associated with a mean final on-therapy increase in pulse rate of approximately 1 beat per minute, compared with a decrease of less than 1 beat per minute for placebo. (See the Sustained Hypertension and Elevations in Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure sections of WARNINGS for effects on blood pressure.)

In a flexible-dose study, with Effexor (immediate release) doses in the range of 200 to 375 mg/day and mean dose greater than 300 mg/day, the mean pulse was increased by about 2 beats per minute compared with a decrease of about 1 beat per minute for placebo.

Laboratory Changes

Serum Cholesterol

Effexor XR (venlafaxine hydrochloride) extended-release capsules treatment for up to 12 weeks in premarketing placebo-controlled trials for major depressive disorder was associated with a mean final on-therapy increase in serum cholesterol concentration of approximately 1.5 mg/dL compared with a mean final decrease of 7.4 mg/dL for placebo. Effexor XR treatment for up to 8 weeks and up to 6 months in premarketing placebo-controlled GAD trials was associated with mean final on-therapy increases in serum cholesterol concentration of approximately 1.0 mg/dL and 2.3 mg/dL, respectively while placebo subjects experienced mean final decreases of 4.9 mg/dL and 7.7 mg/dL, respectively. Effexor XR treatment for up to 12 weeks and up to 6 months in premarketing placebo-controlled Social Anxiety Disorder trials was associated with mean final on-therapy increases in serum cholesterol concentration of approximately 7.9 mg/dL and 5.6 mg/dL, respectively, compared with mean final decreases of 2.9 and 4.2 mg/dL, respectively, for placebo. Effexor XR treatment for up to 12 weeks in premarketing placebo-controlled panic disorder trials was associated with mean final on-therapy increases in serum cholesterol concentration of approximately 5.8 mg/dL compared with a mean final decrease of 3.7 mg/dL for placebo.

Patients treated with Effexor (immediate release) for at least 3 months in placebo-controlled 12-month extension trials had a mean final on-therapy increase in total cholesterol of 9.1 mg/dL compared with a decrease of 7.1 mg/dL among placebo-treated patients. This increase was duration dependent over the study period and tended to be greater with higher doses. Clinically relevant increases in serum cholesterol, defined as 1) a final on‑therapy increase in serum cholesterol ≥50 mg/dL from baseline and to a value ≥261 mg/dL, or 2) an average on-therapy increase in serum cholesterol ≥50 mg/dL from baseline and to a value ≥261 mg/dL, were recorded in 5.3% of venlafaxine-treated patients and 0.0% of placebo-treated patients (see PRECAUTIONS-General-Serum Cholesterol Elevation).

Serum Triglycerides

Effexor XR treatment for up to 12 weeks in pooled premarketing Social Anxiety Disorder trials was associated with a mean final on-therapy increase in fasting serum triglyceride concentration of approximately 8.2 mg/dL, compared with a mean final increase of 0.4 mg/dL for placebo. Effexor XR treatment for up to 6 months in a premarketing Social Anxiety Disorder trial was associated with a mean final on-therapy increase in fasting serum triglyceride concentration of approximately 11.8 mg/dL, compared with a mean final on-therapy increase of 1.8 mg/dL for placebo.

Effexor XR treatment for up to 12 weeks in pooled premarketing Panic Disorder trials was associated with a mean final on-therapy increase in fasting serum triglyceride concentration of approximately 5.9 mg/dL, compared with a mean final increase of 0.9 mg/dL for placebo. Effexor XR treatment for up to 6 months in a premarketing Panic Disorder trial was associated with a mean final on-therapy increase in fasting serum triglyceride concentration of approximately 9.3 mg/dL, compared with a mean final on-therapy decrease of 0.3 mg/dL for placebo.

ECG Changes

In a flexible-dose study, with Effexor (immediate release) doses in the range of 200 to 375 mg/day and mean dose greater than 300 mg/day, the mean change in heart rate was 8.5 beats per minute compared with 1.7 beats per minute for placebo.

(See the Use in Patients with Concomitant Illness section of PRECAUTIONS.)

Other Adverse Events Observed During the Premarketing Evaluation of Effexor and Effexor XR

During its premarketing assessment, multiple doses of Effexor XR were administered to 705 patients in Phase 3 major depressive disorder studies and Effexor was administered to 96 patients. During its premarketing assessment, multiple doses of Effexor XR were also administered to 1381 patients in Phase 3 GAD studies, 819 patients in Phase 3 Social Anxiety Disorder studies, and 1314 patients in Phase 3 panic disorder studies. In addition, in premarketing assessment of Effexor, multiple doses were administered to 2897 patients in Phase 2 to Phase 3 studies for major depressive disorder. The conditions and duration of exposure to venlafaxine in both development programs varied greatly, and included (in overlapping categories) open and double-blind studies, uncontrolled and controlled studies, inpatient (Effexor only) and outpatient studies, fixed-dose, and titration studies. Untoward events associated with this exposure were recorded by clinical investigators using terminology of their own choosing. Consequently, it is not possible to provide a meaningful estimate of the proportion of individuals experiencing adverse events without first grouping similar types of untoward events into a smaller number of standardized event categories.

In the tabulations that follow, reported adverse events were classified using a standard COSTART-based Dictionary terminology. The frequencies presented, therefore, represent the proportion of the 7212 patients exposed to multiple doses of either formulation of venlafaxine who experienced an event of the type cited on at least one occasion while receiving venlafaxine. All reported events are included except those already listed in Tables 7, 8, 9, and 10 and those events for which a drug cause was remote. If the COSTART term for an event was so general as to be uninformative, it was replaced with a more informative term. It is important to emphasize that, although the events reported occurred during treatment with venlafaxine, they were not necessarily caused by it.

Events are further categorized by body system and listed in order of decreasing frequency using the following definitions: frequent adverse events are defined as those occurring on one or more occasions in at least 1/100 patients; infrequent adverse events are those occurring in 1/100 to 1/1000 patients; rare events are those occurring in fewer than 1/1000 patients.

Body as a whole - Frequent: chest pain substernal, chills, fever, neck pain; Infrequent: face edema, intentional injury, malaise, moniliasis, neck rigidity, pelvic pain, photosensitivity reaction, suicide attempt, withdrawal syndrome; Rare: appendicitis, bacteremia, carcinoma, cellulitis, granuloma.

Cardiovascular system - Frequent: migraine, tachycardia; Infrequent: angina pectoris, arrhythmia, bradycardia, extrasystoles, hypotension, peripheral vascular disorder (mainly cold feet and/or cold hands), postural hypotension, syncope; Rare: aortic aneurysm, arteritis, first-degree atrioventricular block, bigeminy, bundle branch block, capillary fragility, cerebral ischemia, coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, heart arrest, hematoma, cardiovascular disorder (mitral valve and circulatory disturbance), mucocutaneous hemorrhage, myocardial infarct, pallor, sinus arrhythmia, thrombophlebitis.

Digestive system - Frequent: increased appetite; Infrequent: bruxism, colitis, dysphagia, tongue edema, eructation, esophagitis, gastritis, gastroenteritis, gastrointestinal ulcer, gingivitis, glossitis, rectal hemorrhage, hemorrhoids, melena, oral moniliasis, stomatitis, mouth ulceration; Rare: abdominal distension, biliary pain, cheilitis, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, esophageal spasms, duodenitis, hematemesis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, gum hemorrhage, hepatitis, ileitis, jaundice, intestinal obstruction, liver tenderness, parotitis, periodontitis, proctitis, rectal disorder, salivary gland enlargement, increased salivation, soft stools, tongue discoloration.

Endocrine system - Rare: galactorrhoea, goiter, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroid nodule, thyroiditis.

Hemic and lymphatic system - Frequent: ecchymosis; Infrequent: anemia, leukocytosis, leukopenia, lymphadenopathy, thrombocythemia; Rare: basophilia, bleeding time increased, cyanosis, eosinophilia, lymphocytosis, multiple myeloma, purpura, thrombocytopenia.

Metabolic and nutritional - Frequent: edema, weight gain; Infrequent: alkaline phosphatase increased, dehydration, hypercholesteremia, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, hypokalemia, SGOT (AST) increased, SGPT (ALT) increased, thirst; Rare: alcohol intolerance, bilirubinemia, BUN increased, creatinine increased, diabetes mellitus, glycosuria, gout, healing abnormal, hemochromatosis, hypercalcinuria, hyperkalemia, hyperphosphatemia, hyperuricemia, hypocholesteremia, hypoglycemia, hyponatremia, hypophosphatemia, hypoproteinemia, uremia.

Musculoskeletal system - Infrequent: arthritis, arthrosis, bone spurs, bursitis, leg cramps, myasthenia, tenosynovitis; Rare: bone pain, pathological fracture, muscle cramp, muscle spasms, musculoskeletal stiffness, myopathy, osteoporosis, osteosclerosis, plantar fasciitis, rheumatoid arthritis, tendon rupture.

Nervous system - Frequent: amnesia, confusion, depersonalization, hypesthesia, thinking abnormal, trismus, vertigo; Infrequent: akathisia, apathy, ataxia, circumoral paresthesia, CNS stimulation, emotional lability, euphoria, hallucinations, hostility, hyperesthesia, hyperkinesia, hypotonia, incoordination, libido increased, manic reaction, myoclonus, neuralgia, neuropathy, psychosis, seizure, abnormal speech, stupor, suicidal ideation; Rare: abnormal/changed behavior, adjustment disorder, akinesia, alcohol abuse, aphasia, bradykinesia, buccoglossal syndrome, cerebrovascular accident, feeling drunk, loss of consciousness, delusions, dementia, dystonia, energy increased, facial paralysis, abnormal gait, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, homicidal ideation, hyperchlorhydria, hypokinesia, hysteria, impulse control difficulties, motion sickness, neuritis, nystagmus, paranoid reaction, paresis, psychotic depression, reflexes decreased, reflexes increased, torticollis.

Respiratory system - Frequent: cough increased, dyspnea; Infrequent: asthma, chest congestion, epistaxis, hyperventilation, laryngismus, laryngitis, pneumonia, voice alteration; Rare: atelectasis, hemoptysis, hypoventilation, hypoxia, larynx edema, pleurisy, pulmonary embolus, sleep apnea.

Skin and appendages - Frequent: pruritus; Infrequent: acne, alopecia, contact dermatitis, dry skin, eczema, maculopapular rash, psoriasis, urticaria; Rare: brittle nails, erythema nodosum, exfoliative dermatitis, lichenoid dermatitis, hair discoloration, skin discoloration, furunculosis, hirsutism, leukoderma, miliaria, petechial rash, pruritic rash, pustular rash, vesiculobullous rash, seborrhea, skin atrophy, skin hypertrophy, skin striae, sweating decreased.

Special senses - Frequent: abnormality of accommodation, mydriasis, taste perversion; Infrequent: conjunctivitis, diplopia, dry eyes, eye pain, otitis media, parosmia, photophobia, taste loss; Rare: blepharitis, cataract, chromatopsia, conjunctival edema, corneal lesion, deafness, exophthalmos, eye hemorrhage, glaucoma, retinal hemorrhage, subconjunctival hemorrhage, hyperacusis, keratitis, labyrinthitis, miosis, papilledema, decreased pupillary reflex, otitis externa, scleritis, uveitis, visual field defect.

Urogenital system - Frequent: albuminuria, urination impaired; Infrequent: amenorrhea, * cystitis, dysuria, hematuria, kidney calculus, kidney pain, leukorrhea, * menorrhagia, * metrorrhagia, * nocturia, breast pain, polyuria, pyuria, prostatic disorder (prostatitis, enlarged prostate, and prostate irritability, * urinary incontinence, urinary retention, urinary urgency, vaginal hemorrhage, * vaginitis *; Rare: abortion, * anuria, breast discharge, breast engorgement, balanitis, * breast enlargement, endometriosis, * female lactation, * fibrocystic breast, calcium crystalluria, cervicitis, * orchitis, * ovarian cyst, * bladder pain, prolonged erection, * gynecomastia (male), * hypomenorrhea, * kidney function abnormal, mastitis, menopause, * pyelonephritis, oliguria, salpingitis, * urolithiasis, uterine hemorrhage, * uterine spasm, * vaginal dryness. *

* Based on the number of men and women as appropriate.

Postmarketing Reports

Adverse Events

Voluntary reports of other adverse events temporally associated with the use of venlafaxine that have been received since market introduction and that may have no causal relationship with the use of venlafaxine include the following: agranulocytosis, anaphylaxis, aplastic anemia, catatonia, congenital anomalies, impaired coordination and balance, CPK increased, deep vein thrombophlebitis, delirium, EKG abnormalities such as QT prolongation; cardiac arrhythmias including atrial fibrillation, supraventricular tachycardia, ventricular extrasystoles, and rare reports of ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia, including torsade de pointes; toxic epidermal necrolysis/Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, erythema multiforme, extrapyramidal symptoms (including dyskinesia and tardive dyskinesia), angle-closure glaucoma, hemorrhage (including eye and gastrointestinal bleeding), hepatic events (including GGT elevation; abnormalities of unspecified liver function tests; liver damage, necrosis, or failure; and fatty liver), interstitial lung disease, involuntary movements, LDH increased, neuroleptic malignant syndrome-like events (including a case of a 10-year-old who may have been taking methylphenidate, was treated and recovered), neutropenia, night sweats, pancreatitis, pancytopenia, panic, prolactin increased, renal failure, rhabdomyolysis, serotonin syndrome, shock-like electrical sensations or tinnitus (in some cases, subsequent to the discontinuation of venlafaxine or tapering of dose), and syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (usually in the elderly).

Drug Interactions

There have been reports of elevated clozapine levels that were temporally associated with adverse events, including seizures, following the addition of venlafaxine. There have been reports of increases in prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, or INR when venlafaxine was given to patients receiving warfarin therapy.



REPORTS OF SUSPECTED EFFEXOR XR SIDE EFFECTS / ADVERSE REACTIONS

Below is a sample of reports where side effects / adverse reactions may be related to Effexor XR. The information is not vetted and should not be considered as verified clinical evidence.

Possible Effexor XR side effects / adverse reactions in 46 year old female

Reported by a health professional (non-physician/pharmacist) from Australia on 2011-10-05

Patient: 46 year old female weighing 70.0 kg (154.0 pounds)

Reactions: Drug Dose Omission, Vomiting, Suicidal Behaviour, Nausea, Headache, Anxiety, Malaise, Dizziness, Depression, Feeling Abnormal, Depressed Mood, Crying

Adverse event resulted in: disablity

Suspect drug(s):
Effexor XR

Other drugs received by patient: Yasmin



Possible Effexor XR side effects / adverse reactions in 52 year old male

Reported by a physician from Italy on 2011-10-05

Patient: 52 year old male

Reactions: Subileus, Urinary Retention, Constipation, Ileus Paralytic

Adverse event resulted in: hospitalization

Suspect drug(s):
Effexor XR
    Dosage: 150 mg, 1x/day
    Administration route: Oral
    Indication: Depression
    Start date: 2011-06-12
    End date: 2011-07-08

Seroquel
    Dosage: 475 mg, daily
    Administration route: Oral
    Indication: Bipolar I Disorder
    Start date: 2011-05-21
    End date: 2011-07-06



Possible Effexor XR side effects / adverse reactions in 30 year old male

Reported by a physician from Austria on 2011-10-06

Patient: 30 year old male weighing 95.0 kg (209.0 pounds)

Reactions: Weight Increased, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Pathological Gambling, Blood Triglycerides Increased, Depression

Adverse event resulted in: life threatening event, hospitalization

Suspect drug(s):
Escitalopram
    Dosage: 20 mg, 1x/day
    Administration route: Oral
    Start date: 2010-06-01

Seroquel
    Dosage: 50 mg, 1x/day
    Administration route: Oral
    Start date: 2010-01-01
    End date: 2011-02-01

Dominal
    Dosage: 80 mg, 1x/day
    Administration route: Oral
    Start date: 2010-06-01

Effexor XR
    Dosage: 225 mg, 1x/day
    Administration route: Oral
    Start date: 2010-01-01
    End date: 2010-06-01

Other drugs received by patient: Abilify



See index of all Effexor XR side effect reports >>

Drug label data at the top of this Page last updated: 2008-12-03

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