Venlafaxine is actually a newer kind of anti-depressant medication that works on the brain, particularly on the chemical messengers called neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin.

Venlafaxine was actually developed because of some studies pertaining to the imbalance in the said neurotransmitters which eventually causes depression and some other anxiety problems.

Similarly, it was developed to mainly inhibit the release or affect the action of such neurotransmitters.

Venlafaxine for Depression and Other Anxiety Disorders

Generally, venlafaxine is used for the treatment of depression, depression which is actually normally with some symptoms of some other anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder.

Likewise, it is also used for the treatment of panic disorder of adult individuals, but not yet of that of children.

Venlafaxine Side Effects

Just like most anti-depressants, venlafaxine can also cause much on your part. More or less, you will actually experience some sort of:

• Nausea
• Headaches
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Drowsiness
• Loss of appetite
• Sometimes increased blood pressure
• Seizures

Similarly, if venlafaxine is discontinued suddenly a number of symptoms will also take place. Symptoms like:

• Dizziness
• Changes in mood
• Changes in the sense of smell, taste, or the like

Important Health Precautions

When you are taking venlafaxine, there’s actually a tendency that your blood pressure will be at risk. And so, it is really significant that you regularly monitor your blood pressure.

Likewise, if a prolonged blood pressure increase happens while taking venlafaxine, be aware to either reduce the dose or discontinue using the drug.

On the other hand, if you either become pregnant or plan to become pregnant while under venlafaxine, don’t forget to have a visit to your doctor first.

Venlafaxine is not yet that advisable to pregnant women particularly to already nursing mothers as venlafaxine may not actually have some good effects on babies.