Does Venlafaxine cause acid reflux? (+3 preventions)

In this article, we will discuss the effects of Venlafaxine on the gastrointestinal system. We will discuss the occurrence of gastrointestinal reflux due to Venlafaxine in patients. We will shed some light on the factors that contribute to acid reflux due to Venlafaxine. 

Does Venlafaxine cause acid reflux?

Venlafaxine may cause acid reflux. Although acid reflux is not commonly associated with Venlafaxine, some individuals may experience it in the early course of treatment but the severity may vary from patient to patient.

Acid reflux is usually coupled with abdominal complications such as nausea, vomiting, heartburn, flatulence, bloating, and stomach pain. These side effects occur commonly with Venlafaxine (1). 

Who is more likely to experience acid reflux due to Venlafaxine?

The following are some conditions mentioned of patients who are more likely to experience acid reflux due to Venlafaxine: 

• Underlying health conditions- Patients with underlying health conditions particularly gastrointestinal problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, dysphagia, regurgitation, chest pain, asthma, etc may possess a higher chance of experiencing acid reflux while taking venlafaxine (2). 

• Interactions with other medications- Patients taking concomitant medication along with Venlafaxine such as Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, etc may experience acid reflux. These medications may interact with each other and cause stomach acid reflux in patients. 

• Individual patient variations– Individual patients may vary from each other in responding to the medication. some patients taking Venlafaxine might experience acid reflux while others may not and this largely depends on the patient’s metabolism and acceptance of the medication. 

How can Venlafaxine contribute to acid reflux?

Venlafaxine does not directly cause acid reflux in patients. It is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) medication that is prescribed to treat depressive and related conditions (1). 

Serotonin reuptake does not only affect the brain but affects the gastrointestinal system as well. Serotonin influences the opening muscles between the esophagus and stomach which are called a lower esophageal sphincter (LES) which acts as a valve preventing gastric acid from flowing back into the esophagus (3). 

Antidepressant medications that alter serotonin levels also impact the integrity of LES. The reduced functionality of LES serves as a major risk factor that causes acid reflux (3). 

Relaxation of the LES makes it less effective in preventing the gastric acid from flowing back into the esophagus thus, resulting in acid reflux. The mechanism of Venlafaxine affecting serotonin levels results in the relaxation of LES (3). 

How to prevent Venlafaxine-induced acid reflux?

Following are some ways to prevent the occurrence of acid reflux due to Venlafaxine:

• Avoid taking Venlafaxine on an empty stomach- Taking Venlafaxine on an empty stomach may irritate your stomach lining and cause acid reflux. To avoid stomach irritation it is advised to take this medication with food. The food serves as a barrier and protects the stomach lining from acid damage. 

• Avoid spicy foods- Acid reflux can be triggered by spicy foods. It is better to avoid spicy and acidic foods because they are known to irritate your stomach and increase gastric acid production resulting in acid reflux. 

• Avoid carbonated drinks- Fizzy and carbonated drinks are acidic in nature and can irritate your stomach mucosa and lining. They can lead to an increased production of stomach acid and ultimately result in acid reflux.

Therefore, it is better to avoid such drinks while you are taking antidepressant treatment to prevent acidity in your stomach. 

• Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption- Gastric acid production can be increased with the consumption of alcohol and caffeinated foods. The increased acid production can irritate your stomach lining and result in acid reflux.

Therefore, it is better to cut out on alcohol and caffeine while being on Venlafaxine to prevent abdominal irritation. 

What to do if you have Venlafaxine-induced acid reflux?

If you suspect that you are having acid reflux due to Venlafaxine, you should seek medical help. You should contact your healthcare provider and inform them about your medical condition and symptoms faced after initiating Venlafaxine treatment.

 Your symptoms and side effects should be carefully monitored to confirm that the acid reflux is due to Venlafaxine and not any other condition medication. If Venlafaxine is the cause of acid reflux, then your doctor should either change the antidepressant medication or tamper with your current dosage. 

Your healthcare provider must prescribe over-the-counter medication such as antacids, proton pump inhibitors, or histamine blockers to manage acid reflux symptoms due to Venlafaxine. 

Regularly maintain follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider. This helps to assess health progress and improvement. It also helps to provide necessary modifications if needed. 

Conclusion

In this article, we have successfully discussed the impact of Venlafaxine on acid reflux. we have discussed some factors that may cause acid reflux in patients taking Venlafaxine as an antidepressant.

In conclusion, I would suggest that Venlafaxine is not associated with directly causing acid reflux but can contribute to it. Necessary precautions should be taken while being on Venlafaxine to avoid the occurrence of acid reflux and other complications.   

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