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Who can and cannot take venlafaxine

Who can take venlafaxine

Most adults can take venlafaxine.

If you have diabetes, venlafaxine can make it more difficult to keep your blood sugar stable. Your doctor may recommend that you monitor your blood sugar level more often for the first few weeks of treatment so they can adjust your diabetes treatment if necessary.

Who may not be able to take venlafaxine

Venlafaxine is not suitable for everyone. Check with your doctor before taking it if you:

  • have ever had an allergic reaction to venlafaxine or any other medicine
  • have a heart problem – venlafaxine can make your heart beat faster or cause an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
  • are trying to become pregnant, are already pregnant or you are breastfeeding
  • have glaucoma – venlafaxine can increase the pressure in your eye
  • have epilepsy or are having electroconvulsive treatment – venlafaxine may increase your risk of having a fit or seizure

Page last reviewed: 10 February 2022
Next review due: 10 February 2025