Many individuals are prescribed Effexor XR. This medication is normally issued to individuals who suffer from the effects of general anxiety disorders, depression, and even panic attacks. If you have recently been prescribed this medication, or you are considering talking to your doctor about taking this prescription pill, it is important that you know the side effects that are generally associated with it. It is also important to know and understand what side effects should concern you. Here, you will learn just that!

The first thing that you should understand is that this medication should be taken with food at all times. This will help to reduce the possibility of uncomfortable side effects. In addition to this, the pill should always be taken as a whole and never broken apart in any way whatsoever. If you are the type of individual that experiences complications in swallowing pills, you may sprinkle the pill into a bowl of applesauce and mix it thoroughly. Once this is completed, you may consume the bowl of applesauce. Many also drink a cup of milk while eating the applesauce if medication is mixed into it.

It is also important that you understand that Effexor XR may become addictive. This is why a doctor will provide you with an initial dose and then gradually increase the dosage over time. For this reason, you should take the medication exactly as prescribed. If you fail to do so, you may experience standard withdrawal symptoms. If you are interested in reducing your dosage so that you may eventually cease taking this medication, speak directly with your doctor before doing so. Signs of withdrawal from Effexor XR may include the following symptoms:

Vomiting

Nausea

Mild to Severe Headaches

Nightmares

Tingling in the extremities and the face

Numbness in the body

Mood Swings

Standard side effects of Effexor XR include one or more of the following:

Extreme drowsiness

General weakness

Blurred and/or double vision

Irregular bowel movements

Insomnia

Dizziness

Sweating

Dry Mouth

Lack of appetite

Headaches

Many individuals may experience more severe side effects when taking Effexor XR. These include:

High blood pressure

Migraines

Severe mood swings

Fainting

Shaking

Decreased libido

Suicidal thoughts

Bladder complications

Chest pain

Muscle weakness

Jaundice

Rash

Breathing complications

If any severe side effects occur, it is vital that you seek medical attention immediately.