People prescribed venlafaxine are being urged to stay alert to certain symptoms and side effects that may require medical advice from NHS 111 or their GP. Venlafaxine is a widely used SNRI antidepressant. It is mainly prescribed for depression, but doctors may also recommend it for anxiety disorders and panic attacks.What Is Venlafaxine?Venlafaxine, sold under brand names such as Effexor and Effexor XR, is a prescription antidepressant classified as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. It helps regulate mood by raising levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, chemicals that play a key role in emotional balance and mental stability.Doctors Warn People Taking VenlafaxineThe medicine is usually taken as a tablet or capsule. It works by increasing levels of serotonin and noradrenaline in the brain, chemicals that help regulate mood. According to NHS guidance, venlafaxine tends to cause fewer side effects than older antidepressants. That said, it is not completely free of risks.Most people begin to notice some improvement within one to two weeks, although it can take four to six weeks for the drug to have its full effect.Venlafaxine Side EffectsCommon side effects listed by the NHS include sweating, nausea, a dry mouth, and headaches. These are generally mild and often ease as the body adjusts to the medication.However, there are other, more serious side effects that may need prompt medical advice. While these reactions are uncommon and affect fewer than one in 100 people, the NHS advises contacting 111 or a GP if they occur.Venlafaxine Serious Side Effects NHS advice says you should speak to your GP if you notice unexpected weight gain or weight loss, or sudden changes to your menstrual cycle. This may include spotting, bleeding between periods, or unusually heavy periods.Patients are also advised to contact their doctor or NHS 111 without delay if they experience any of the following symptoms while taking venlafaxine:Yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyesBleeding gumsBruising that appears without explanation or continues to spreadThoughts of self-harm or suicideMuscle pain or weakness with no clear causeBreathlessness, or a heartbeat that feels fast, uneven, or irregularIntense feelings of elation, extreme excitement, or restlessness that makes it hard to stay stillChanges in vision, including blurred eyesight or enlarged pupilsCoughing up bloodBlood in urinePersistent headaches along with confusion, weakness, or repeated muscle crampsBlack or red stools, or blood in vomit, which may point to internal bleedingThe NHS notes that venlafaxine is generally considered safe for long-term use and is not linked to lasting harm for most people. Even so, anyone worried about new or worsening symptoms should seek advice from a GP, pharmacist, or another qualified health professional rather than ignoring warning signs.