Venlafaxine, marketed under the trade name Effexor, is a commonly prescribed antidepressant. Its efficacy in the treatment of depression and anxiety has propelled it to massive commercial success, with annual sales of $11.8 billion in 2018. Its popularity is well-deserved, as studies have shown that it can be both safe and effective in the treatment of moderate to severe depression and anxiety. However, research has also revealed that, like many other antidepressants, venlafaxine can have some rather unpleasant side effects.
As with any other drug, there is a risk of serious side effects if it is not used appropriately. The most common side effects associated with venlafaxine include nausea, headaches, insomnia, and constipation. Some research even suggests that it may be linked to an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior. While these adverse effects are relatively rare, they are still cause for concern nonetheless.
Fortunately, there are measures that you can take to reduce your risk of experiencing such symptoms. One such measure involves adjusting your dosage, as high dosages can sometimes lead to severe side effects. In other cases, changing your diet and engaging in exercise can help to improve your symptoms. In this article, we will discuss how to lose weight on venlafaxine, including tips on how to manage your dosage and what type of diet you should pursue.
Reduce Your Dose If Needed
Venlafaxine is a powerful drug, with antidepressant effects that can be both powerful and swift. However, just like with any other drug, if you overdose then you will experience very unpleasant side effects. If you decide that this is the case, then it is important to go down in dose. Studies have shown that the risk of venlafaxine causing sudden cardiac arrest increases fourfold in people who overdose. So if you start to feel unwell at any point, then it is important to reduce your dose or discontinue use of the drug entirely.
Consume More Healthy Foods
One of the primary causes of overweight and obesity is a poor diet. If you want to lose weight on venlafaxine, then it is important to make the right choices when consuming food. You should choose foods that are high in fiber and low in sugar, and you should try to avoid foods with added sugar. If you are trying to lose weight, then it is also important to consume more veggies and fruits than you normally would. They provide your body with essential nutrients that are necessary for maintaining a healthy weight. If you want to improve your health and reduce the risk of developing diseases, then you should try to follow a healthy diet.
Manage Your Depression And Anxiety
Venlafaxine can be both useful and effective in treating depression and anxiety, but it is important to note that it can only do this if you are using it properly. If you are seeking treatment for either of these conditions, then it is important to follow the instructions your doctor gives you regarding dosing and duration of treatment. Many doctors will recommend that you try a low dosage for the first few weeks of treatment, and they may increase your dosage after that. Your symptoms may require several weeks to subside completely, so it is important to remember this when you are deciding how long to take the drug for.
These tips will help you to lose weight on venlafaxine so that you can feel better and more comfortable in your own skin. By making the right choices when consuming food and by managing your depression and anxiety, you will be able to greatly reduce your risk of experiencing the unpleasant side effects that sometimes accompany this drug. At the end of the day, as with any other drug, the risk of experiencing side effects is greatly dependent on whether or not you use it properly. So, by following the guidelines your doctor gives you, you will greatly minimize the risk of side effects.