Venlafaxine — Nutrient Associations & Health Patterns
Also known as: Venlafaxine hydrochloride (Effexor, Effexor XR)
Drug Class: SNRI Antidepressant
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) used for major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety. One of the most widely prescribed antidepressants. Also used off-label for chronic pain, fibromyalgia, hot flashes, and ADHD. Some antidepressants can cause low blood sodium, often through SIADH-related water retention. This is an electrolyte safety risk, not necessarily sodium loss or a reason to eat more salt. New confusion, severe headache, marked weakness or seizures need urgent medical assessment.
Medication and Nutrition Context
Some antidepressants can cause low blood sodium, often through SIADH-related water retention. This is an electrolyte safety risk, not necessarily sodium loss or a reason to eat more salt. New confusion, severe headache, marked weakness or seizures need urgent medical assessment.
Reviewed sourceCommon Side Effects of Venlafaxine
- Nausea (common early)
- Insomnia
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Sweating
- Sexual dysfunction
- High blood pressure (especially at higher doses)
Key Drug Interactions — Venlafaxine
Venlafaxine has 9 documented drug-drug interactions in WePattern's Pattern Health Intelligence database. Key interactions include:
- MAOIs (deadly combination — 14-day washout required)
- Other serotonin-affecting drugs (serotonin syndrome risk)
- Blood thinners (increased bleeding risk)
- NSAIDs (GI bleed risk)
- Tramadol
- Linezolid
Frequently Asked Questions
What nutrient associations are reported for Venlafaxine?
Some antidepressants can cause low blood sodium, often through SIADH-related water retention. This is an electrolyte safety risk, not necessarily sodium loss or a reason to eat more salt. New confusion, severe headache, marked weakness or seizures need urgent medical assessment.
Which nutrient relationships are mapped for Venlafaxine?
Some antidepressants can cause low blood sodium, often through SIADH-related water retention. This is an electrolyte safety risk, not necessarily sodium loss or a reason to eat more salt. New confusion, severe headache, marked weakness or seizures need urgent medical assessment.
What are the side effects of Venlafaxine?
Common side effects associated with Venlafaxine include: Nausea (common early); Insomnia; Headache; Dizziness; Dry mouth.