If you have been prescribed to use Venlafaxine for a long duration, it is vital for your physical and psychological health that your doctor checks you on a regular basis, ideally on a weekly basis. This will give your doctor a fair idea of whether Venlafaxine is alleviating your symptoms and conditions or not, and whether you should continue to take it.

Never consume Venlafaxine with Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) inhibitors such as isocarboxazid like Marplan®, phenelzine like Nardil®, selegiline like Eldepryl®, and tranylcypromine like Parnate® among others. Ideally, you should wait for at least 2 weeks after stopping a MAO inhibitor to start consuming Venlafaxine, and at least 1 week after stopping Venlafaxine to start using another MAO inhibitor.

If you start consuming Venlafaxine without waiting the time duration, you may likely start to develop one or more of the following conditions:

Venlafaxine can lead to serious conditions developing in a person when consumed with other drugs, including serotonin syndrome, which can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and other psychological conditions, eliminating the purpose of consuming Venlafaxine as a result. Hence, it is advisable to never consume Venlafaxine with the following drugs:

Note: This is not a complete list. To know more about what types of drugs you should avoid while consuming Venlafaxine, consult with your doctor.

Venlafaxine has the tendency to increase suicidal tendencies in children, teenagers and young adults. This is why it is advisable to attend regular checkups with your doctor in case you are feeling more depressed and thoughts of hurting or potentially killing yourself arise in your mind. Report to a medical professional in case you are experiencing any unusual thoughts or behavioral changes that are affecting your mental and physical health, especially if your condition is worsening quickly. Make sure you keep your doctor comprehensively informed about any sleeping issues, mood swings, increase or decrease in energy levels, and recklessness. Report any cases of strong and sudden feelings like nervousness, anger, restlessness, violence, and fright. Keep your doctor informed about anyone who is suffering from manic depressive complications or suicidal tendencies.

Never use Venlafaxine without getting a medical prescription. Over time, your doctor will advise you to reduce the dosage as your conditions start to heal, and you will be required to stop the medication completely once the course is finished. This will reduce any chances of side effects like confusion, agitation, headaches, irritation, numbness, tingling sensation, insomnia, restlessness, or unusual weakness or drowsiness.

Venlafaxine can decrease the sodium levels in the blood, leading to hyponatremia. This is more prevalent in senior patients who take diuretic medication or have low body fluids due to severe vomiting or diarrhea. Hence, consult your doctor straight away if you contract hyponatremia and feel one or more of the following symptoms:

Venlafaxine may also increase bleeding complications, which is why you should consult a doctor if you are already taking medication that thins out the blood like aspirin, NSAIDs, and other drugs. Additionally, if you are having any trouble breathing or experience great chest discomfort, receive medical attention quickly!