Long-Term Effects of Effexor

Effexor, first introduced in 1993, has limited records of long-term effects; however, reports suggest that newer-generation antidepressants such as Effexor show the following long-term effects: weight gain, sexual dysfunction, drug interactions and symptoms within discontinuation, amongst others.

Weight Gain

• Often a common side effect of antidepressants, weight gain can appear well after completing treatment with Effexor.

Sexual dysfunction

• Sexual dysfunction and/or disinterest is a common side effect experienced by many Effexor patients and continues to be a problem after completion of the drug.

Drug Interactions

• The same drug interaction difficulties experienced while on Effexor often exist after treatment has been terminated. These interactions might be unique for each individual or common amongst the masses (i.e. MAOIs).

Discontinuation symptoms

• Effexor should be tapered off of slowly and steadily under the watchful care of a physician. Discontinuing the drug often produces withdrawal effects (such as electric brain zaps, short-term memory problems, the feeling of losing consciousness or pins and needles feeling on the body) that appear even after the drug has been eradicated from your system.

Other less-common effects

• Some studies have shown Effexor to have other, less-common side effects; however, these effects seem to be quite rare. Some of these include paranoid delusions, severe headaches, blurry vision, insomnia, dry mouth, constipation and bladder issues.