Headache venlafaxine side-effects

Venlafaxine is a serotonin and noradrenaline re-uptake inhibitor indicated in depression and may be used in generalised anxiety disorder. Venlafaxine can cause diarrhoea and headache as side-effects. It does not cause blurred vision. 

Venlafaxine (48) is a stmcturaHy novel phenylethylamine derivative that strongly inhibits both noradrenaline and serotonin reuptake. It lacks anticholinergic, antihistaminergic, and antiadrenergic side effects. As compared to placebo, most common adverse events are nausea, somnolence, dizziness, dry mouth, and sweating. Venlafaxine-treated patients also experienced more headaches and nausea, but less dry mouth, dizziness, and tremor than patients treated with comparator antidepressants. 

Antidepressants are used in the treatment of neuropathic pain and headache. They include the classic tricyclic compounds and are divided into nonselective nor-adrenaline/5-HT reuptake inhibitors (e.g., amitriptyline, imipramine, clomipramine, venlafaxine), preferential noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (e.g., desipramine, nortriptyline) and selective 5-HT reuptake inhibitors (e.g., citalopram, paroxetine, fluoxetine). The reuptake block leads to a stimulation of endogenous monoaminer-gic pain inhibition in the spinal cord and brain. In addition, tricyclics have NMDA receptor antagonist, endogenous opioid enhancing, Na+ channel blocking, and K+ channel opening effects which can suppress peripheral and central sensitization. Block of cardiac ion channels by tricyclics can lead to life-threatening arrhythmias. The selective 5-HT transporter inhibitors have a different side effect profile and are safer in cases of overdose [3]. 

When starting a SSRI, the abrupt increase in serotonin may cause side effects. In the brain, the short-term effects include headache, sleep disturbance, nervousness, anxiety, and tremulousness. The digestive system effects include nausea, loose stools, decreased appetite, and indigestion. Most of these effects are mild and shortlived or can be managed with over-the-counter remedies. Nausea, for example, can be minimized by taking a SSRI after meals. These effects are also commonly seen with venlafaxine and duloxetine, atypical antidepressants that block serotonin reuptake like the SSRIs. 

Problems and side effects associated with buspirone include dizziness, headache, nausea, and restlessness. Antidepressants such as paroxetine and venlafaxine also produce a number of side effects (described in Chapter 7) depending on the specific agent. Nonetheless, these newer, nonbenzodiazepine... 

Nefazodone (Serzone), like venlafaxine, is a new antidepressant that affects multiple neurotransmitter systems. Like trazodone, nefazodone is a potent 5-HT2A receptor blocker. In addition, it is both a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. The most common side effects are nausea, headache, anxiety, sedation, and dizziness. Its use is contraindicated with Seldane, Hismanal, and Propulsid, and there is a warning regarding its use with Xanax. 

These drugs target both serotonin and norepinephrine neurotransmitter systems in the brain. The group includes duloxetine (Cym-balta), venlafaxine (Effexor), and mirtazapine (Remeron). Side effects may include dry mouth, headache, sedation, nausea, and tremors. 

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