Which statement best describes a common adverse effect of venlafaxine when used for migraine prevention?

Which statement best describes a common adverse effect of venlafaxine when used for migraine prevention?

• A. Hypertension, anxiety, insomnia, sexual dysfunction
• B. Weight loss and alopecia
• C. Hypoglycemia
• D. Bronchospasm

Answer: (A)

Venlafaxine is an SNRI, so it increases both serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. The norepinephrine boost tends to raise blood pressure and can cause anxiety and insomnia, while the serotonin increase can lead to sexual dysfunction. These effects are commonly seen when venlafaxine is used for migraine prevention, making hypertension, anxiety, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction a typical adverse effect pattern. Other options describe effects that are not commonly associated with venlafaxine, such as weight loss with alopecia, hypoglycemia, or bronchospasm, which do not fit its usual side effect profile.

Venlafaxine is an SNRI, so it increases both serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. The norepinephrine boost tends to raise blood pressure and can cause anxiety and insomnia, while the serotonin increase can lead to sexual dysfunction. These effects are commonly seen when venlafaxine is used for migraine prevention, making hypertension, anxiety, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction a typical adverse effect pattern. Other options describe effects that are not commonly associated with venlafaxine, such as weight loss with alopecia, hypoglycemia, or bronchospasm, which do not fit its usual side effect profile.