Venlafaxine nervous system

SSRIs are theorized to reduce the frequency of hot flashes by increasing serotonin in the central nervous system and by decreasing LH. Of the SSRIs, citalopram, paroxetine, and sertraline all have been studied and have demonstrated a reduction in hot flashes while treating other symptomatic complaints such as depression and anxiety.33 Venlafaxine, which blocks the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, has demonstrated a reduction in hot flashes primarily in the oncology population.34 Overall, these antidepressant medications offer a reasonable option for women who are unwilling or cannot take hormonal therapies, particularly those who suffer from depression or anxiety. These agents should be prescribed at the lowest effective dose to treat symptoms and may be titrated based on individual response. 

Venlafaxine (Effexor, Wyeth) Central nervous system Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor... 

Nervous system Serotonin syndrome with rhabdomyolysis occurred in a patient with Parkinson s disease after he had taken venlafaxine 75 mg/day for depression for 2 weeks [23" ]. Previous reports of serotonin syndrome with venlafaxine have been related to overdose [24 ]. Parkinsonism or drug-drug interactions with the antiparkinsonian medications may have predisposed this patient to serotonin syndrome at such low doses of venlafaxine. 

Nervous system Shock-hke sensations in the head (encephalastrapy [46" ) have occasionally been reported in association with antidepressants, and particularly after withdrawal of venlafaxine [47 ]. Another report has now implicated withdrawal of duloxetine [48" ]. 

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. 

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