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Does Venlafaxine Cause Excessive Sweating?
Question: I've been sweating a lot since I've been taking venlafaxine ER 150 mg in conjunction with 20mg Lexapro for the past few months. My blood pressure recently has been high. My internist suggest that I speak to my therapist. I've cut the dosage in half recently until I can make an appointment to discuss therapy. Do you think this is a possible solution to decrease the blood pressure? I suffer with anxiety. Can you suggest a combination therapy that works equally well? Thanks
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome on HCM!
Regarding your concern, I would explain that escitalopram and venlafaxine both increase serotonin levels. So, they should not be used together, as they can lead to Serotonin syndrome.
From the other hand Venlafaxine ER can lead to increased blood pressure in up to 5% of the patients.
Your complaints are probably related to adverse effects of this wrong combination.
I would recommend discussing with your doctor on the possibility of stopping Venlafaxine ER. This should be done gradually, in order to avoid exacerbation of anxiety.
Considering your age, before starting anti-hypertensive therapy, the possible underlying causes should be investigated and treated first.
So, if after gradual stopping of Venlafaxine, your blood pressure values are still high, I would recommend performing some other tests:
- a resting ECG
- a chest X ray study
- complete blood count for anemia
- thyroid hormone levels for thyroid dysfunction
- kidney and liver function tests
- blood electrolytes
- fasting glucose.
I would also recommend reduce salt and caffeine intake in your diet.
Yoga can also reduce your blood pressure values and also help with your anxiety.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Wishing good health,
Dr. Iliri
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome on HCM!
Regarding your concern, I would explain that escitalopram and venlafaxine both increase serotonin levels. So, they should not be used together, as they can lead to Serotonin syndrome.
From the other hand Venlafaxine ER can lead to increased blood pressure in up to 5% of the patients.
Your complaints are probably related to adverse effects of this wrong combination.
I would recommend discussing with your doctor on the possibility of stopping Venlafaxine ER. This should be done gradually, in order to avoid exacerbation of anxiety.
Considering your age, before starting anti-hypertensive therapy, the possible underlying causes should be investigated and treated first.
So, if after gradual stopping of Venlafaxine, your blood pressure values are still high, I would recommend performing some other tests:
- a resting ECG
- a chest X ray study
- complete blood count for anemia
- thyroid hormone levels for thyroid dysfunction
- kidney and liver function tests
- blood electrolytes
- fasting glucose.
I would also recommend reduce salt and caffeine intake in your diet.
Yoga can also reduce your blood pressure values and also help with your anxiety.
Hope you will find this answer helpful!
Wishing good health,
Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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