From the Guidelines
Yes, venlafaxine (Effexor) can cause sweating as a side effect, as it is listed among the potential adverse effects of SNRIs, which include diaphoresis 1. The sweating typically occurs due to venlafaxine's impact on neurotransmitters, particularly serotonin and norepinephrine, which affect the body's temperature regulation mechanisms.
Some key points to consider:
- Venlafaxine is associated with various side effects, including those related to the autonomic nervous system like sweating.
- Management options for sweating include reducing the dose if possible, taking the medication earlier in the day, using moisture-wicking bedding and clothing, maintaining a cool sleeping environment, or in some cases, adding medications like anticholinergics to reduce sweating.
- It is essential for patients to discuss any problematic side effects with their healthcare provider rather than discontinuing the medication abruptly.
Given the potential for sweating as a side effect, patients taking venlafaxine should be aware of this possibility and discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
The most commonly observed adverse events associated with the use of venlafaxine HCl (incidence of 5% or greater) and not seen at an equivalent incidence among placebo-treated patients (i.e., incidence for venlafaxine HCl at least twice that for placebo), derived from the 1% incidence table below, were asthenia, sweating, nausea, constipation, anorexia, vomiting, somnolence, dry mouth, dizziness, nervousness, anxiety, tremor, and blurred vision as well as abnormal ejaculation/orgasm and impotence in men
Tests for potential dose relationships for these events (Cochran-Armitage Test, with a criterion of exact 2-sided p-value ≤0. 05) suggested a dose-dependency for several adverse events in this list, including chills, hypertension, anorexia, nausea, agitation, dizziness, somnolence, tremor, yawning, sweating, and abnormal ejaculation
Venlafaxine can cause sweating. This is supported by the drug label, which lists sweating as one of the commonly observed adverse events associated with the use of venlafaxine HCl, with an incidence of at least 2% 2. Additionally, the label notes that tests suggested a dose-dependency for sweating, indicating that the risk of sweating may increase with higher doses of venlafaxine 2.
From the Research
Venlafaxine and Sweating
- Venlafaxine, also known as Effexor, is a medication that can cause sweating as a side effect, as reported in several studies 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The mechanism of venlafaxine-induced sweating is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to its effects on the serotonergic and noradrenergic systems in the brain 3.
- At low doses, venlafaxine may counteract sweating due to its serotonergic effect, while at higher doses, it can increase sweating due to its noradrenergic active component 3.
- Sweating is a common side effect of venlafaxine, with studies reporting its occurrence in patients taking the medication 4, 5, 6.
Management of Venlafaxine-Induced Sweating
- If sweating occurs, patients may consider dose reduction or substitution with another antidepressant 6.
- In some cases, addition of an agent to control sweating, such as benztropine or cyproheptadine, may be necessary 6.
- A patient-specific approach is recommended for managing venlafaxine-induced sweating, taking into account the individual's medical history and response to treatment 6.
Comparison with Other Antidepressants
- Venlafaxine is not the only antidepressant that can cause sweating, as other medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), have also been associated with this side effect 6, 7.
- The incidence and severity of sweating may vary depending on the specific medication and individual patient factors 6, 7.