Does venlafaxine cause bloating? (3+ managing tips)
By
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii, PhD, is a Pharmacist with expertise in Drug Design and Development, Enzymes, Molecular Modelling, and Photodynamic Therapy. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii’s Highlights:
- Postdoctoral fellow at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo, emphasizing therapy of neglected diseases using light.
- PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Six months as an international researcher at the Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases (University of California San Diego)
- Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences focusing on drug design and development at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of São Paulo.
- Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes – São Paulo / Brazil
Professional Experience:
2012 – 2018 Project manager at University of São Paulo – Pharmacy Department
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii has worked with computational studies, synthesis, biological evaluation, design, and development of new inhibitor candidates for Chagas Disease and Leishmaniasis.
2017 – 2017 International research fellow at University of California San Diego Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences – Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases.
She used Virtual Screening (VS) and High-Throughput Screening (HTS) Integration in the Discovery of new drugs against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
2018 – 2019 Faculdades Oswaldo Cruz
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy, teaching the subjects of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Drug Development.
2019 – 2021 Researcher in Biochemistry University of São Paulo – Biochemistry Department
She applied Photodynamic Therapy in Leishmaniasis Treatment, mentored undergraduate students in scientific activities, and wrote, executed, translated, and reported scientific projects with funding agencies.
2023-2023 UniPiaget – University Center.
Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii was a Biology, Nutrition, Physiotherapy, and Pharmacy professor.
Education:
2018 -2021 Postdoctoral at the Department of Biochemistry at the University of São Paulo
2013 -2018 PhD of Science: Drugs and Medicines at Department of Pharmacy at University of São Paulo
2012 -2013 M.Sc. of Sciences: Drugs and Medicines at the Department of Pharmacy at the University of São Paulo
2005-2008 Bachelor of Pharmacy at the University of Mogi das Cruzes
The leading publications of Dr Drielli Vital-Fujii are:
Vital-Fujii, D.G, Baptista, M.S. (2021). Progress in the photodynamic therapy treatment of Leishmaniasis. Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 54, 1-11.
Gatti, F. M., Gomes, R.A., da Fonseca, A.L., Lima, E.J.C., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Taranto, A.G., Varotti, F.P., Trossini, G.H.G. (2020). Antiplasmodial activity of sulfonylhydrazones: in vitro and in silico approaches. Future medicinal chemistry, 13, 233-250.
Silva, E.J., Bezerra-Souza, A., Passero, L.F., Laurenti, M.D., Ferreira, G.M., Fujii, D.G.V., et al. (2018). Synthesis, leishmanicidal activity, structural descriptors and structure-activity relationship of quinoline derivatives. Future medicinal chemistry, 10, 2069-2085.
Leite, F.H.A., Froes, T.Q., da Silva, S.G., de Souza, E.I.M., Vital-Fuji,i D.G., Trossini, G.H.G., et al. (2017). An integrated approach towards the discovery of novel non-nucleoside Leishmania major pteridine reductase 1 inhibitors. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 132, 322-332.
Vital, D.G., Damasceno, F.S., Rapado, L.N., Silber, A.M., Vilella, F.S., Ferreira, R.S., et al. (2017). Application of bioisosterism in design of the semicarbazone derivatives as cruzain inhibitors: a theoretical and experimental study. Journal of Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics, 35, 1244–1259.
Mello, J. F.R., Gomes, R.A., Vital-Fujii, D.G., Ferreira, G.M., Trossini, G.H.G. (2017). Fragment-based drug discovery as alternative strategy to the drug development for neglected diseases. Chemical Biology & Drug Design, 90, 1067-1078.
Pantaleao, S.Q., Fujii, D.G.V., Maltarollo, V.G., da C. Silva, D., Trossini, G.H.G., Weber, K.C., et al. (2017). The Role of QSAR and Virtual Screening Studies in Type 2 Diabetes Drug Discovery. Medicinal Chemistry, 13, 706-720.
Vital, D., Arribas, M., Trossini, G. (2014). Molecular Modeling and Docking Application to Evaluate Cruzain Inhibitory Activity by Chalcones and Hydrazides. Letters in Drug Design and Discovery, 11, 249-255.
Blau, L., Menegon, R.F., Trossini, G.H.G., Molino, J.V.D., Vital, D.G., Cicarelli, R.M.B., et al. (2013). Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new aryl thiosemicarbazone as antichagasic candidates. European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 67, 142-151.
You can view some of Dr Drielli’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9270-0466
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Drielli-Gomes-Vital-Fujii
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=55829534000
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=F9U50AEAAAAJ&hl=pt-BR
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/driellivital
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/6101380/drielli-gomes-vital
CDIPD: https://cdipd.org/index.php/about-us/visiting-scientists
In this article, we will discuss whether venlafaxine (Effexor) can cause bloating or not. We will also highlight some research studies and management approaches for bloating while taking venlafaxine.
Does venlafaxine cause bloating?
Yes, bloating is one of the potential side effects of venlafaxine. Bloating is also caused by other medications belonging to the class of venlafaxine i.e. serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI).
Venlafaxine is an approved medication for the treatment of depression, cataplexy and social anxiety disorder. Gastrointestinal side effects have been highly reported by the use of this medication. (1)
In case the symptoms persist for a longer period, the healthcare provider needs to be consulted. They can identify and provide a knowledgeable solution for the problem.
What is the connection between venlafaxine and bloating?
The exact mechanism of how venlafaxine causes bloating or other gastrointestinal side effects such as abdominal pain and diarrhoea is not known. The occurrence of side effects also varies on a case-by-case basis.
The specific biological mechanism is not explained in scientific literature. There is a possibility that it can alter gastrointestinal motility, which in turn can lead to altering how the stomach and intestines process and move food.
What does research suggest?
According to the trials conducted on Effexor XR capsules, which consist of fluvoxamine as an active ingredient, 30% of the patients reported nausea as a side effect. Although no direct research is available on bloating, a bloated stomach occurs when the stomach/intestines a filled with air/gas which can lead to physical discomfort, nausea or poor appetite.
The drug label information of Effexor tablets highlighted that in a placebo-controlled trial, 37% (n=1033) experienced nausea, 11% (n=1033) experienced anorexia, 5% (n=1033) experienced dyspepsia, and 3% (n=1033) experienced flatulence.
More research needs to be conducted to find the percentage of the population that is being affected by bloating or is reporting bloating as one of the symptoms of fluvoxamine.
How can bloating caused by venlafaxine be managed?
In case the side effect of bloating caused by venlafaxine persists consider talking to your healthcare provider. They can provide a better solution depending on the individual situation. Apart from that, certain changes can be considered for the management of bloating.
Dietary modifications
- Fibre: Incorporate fibre-rich foods such as whole grains (beans, lentils), fruits (apples, avocados) and vegetables (broccoli, artichokes) in the diet.
- Meal proportion: Instead of having three big meals a day, make a habit of eating four to five times a day. Eating big meals can cause bloating.
- Probiotics: Incorporate probiotics within the dietary regimen. Foods such as yoghurt promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the intestines. This can result in the reduction of gastrointestinal discomfort.
- Chew the food: Eat the food slowly and chew it properly to aid digestion.
- Avoid air intake: Do not use straws and carbonated drinks as excess air from the outside can cause gas and bloating.
- Monitor intolerant food: Identify the food that is intolerant by your stomach. Some foods can lead to excessive bloating and gas production in some individuals.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medication
Some over-the-counter medications and dietary supplements are available such as Simethicone, Pepto-Bismol, and Beano. It is recommended to consult healthcare professionals before using any medication to prevent any potential drug interactions or side effects.
Exercise
Keeping oneself physically active can help the bowel to be in movement and prevent bloating.
Management of stress and anxiety
Stress, anxiety and depression all are known to cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating. Management of stress and anxiety through meditation and yoga or dealing with them by getting professional help can help overcome gastrointestinal issues.
When to seek medical advice?
The symptom of bloating is not a serious side effect but it can be bothersome and affect the quality of life. Healthcare should be involved in any medication-related side effects. They can offer personalised plans and solutions for the concerns depending on the individual’s situation.
Consult healthcare providers in the following cases:
Persistent symptom: If the bloating is persistent and severe, seek medical care.
Recurring symptom: If bloating is recurring and chronic, it is better to seek medical attention to find the root cause of the problem.
Associated symptoms: If bloating is accompanied by other symptoms such as blood in urine or stool, unexplained weight loss, diarrhoea and constipation then a healthcare professional needs to be consulted.
General concern: If bloating is a general concern and is having an impact on the quality of life, it is better to be open to your healthcare professional so they can provide you with the appropriate solution.
What are the other side effects associated with venlafaxine?
Some of the common side effects that are associated with venlafaxine are listed below:
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Sweating
- Dry mouth
- Insomnia
- Feeling of dizziness
- Constipation
Are there alternatives to venlafaxine that do not cause bloating?
Yes, alternative options to venlafaxine are available. The side effects of bloating can occur with some medications but it also depends on a case-by-case basis. In case bloating is an issue, the healthcare provider will explore alternative options by switching to a different drug class or opting for a different drug within the same class. They can also look into the option of dose adjustment for the patient.
Some of the alternatives for venlafaxine that do not cause bloating are listed below:
- Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq): It belongs to the class of serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) and is indicated for anxiety and depression.
- Duloxetine (Cymbalta): It belongs to the class of serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) and is considered a metabolite of venlafaxine. It is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder.
Conclusion
In my opinion, bloating is one of the common side effects of venlafaxine. A list of management techniques for bloating has been listed but in case the bloating persists it is always recommended to involve a healthcare professional. They can evaluate the cause of bloating and adjust the treatment regimen according to the individual’s situation.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
ngh D, Saadabadi A. Venlafaxine. [Updated 2022 Oct 10]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535363/
Find a supportive therapist who can help with Depression.
Discover the convenience of BetterHelp, an online therapy platform connecting you with licensed and accredited therapists specialized in addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, relationships, and more. Complete the assessment and find your ideal therapist within just 48 hours.
AskYourPharm is user-supported. We may earn a commission if you sign up for BetterHelp’s services after clicking through from this site
