How do you treat residual flu symptoms (cough, nasal congestion) when taking Venlafaxine?

Question

Hello! About two weeks ago, my family and I were hit by a pretty strong virus that we suspect is influenza (since the Covid test was negative). After the "usual" symptoms for several days, i.e. fever, chills, aches and pains, sore throat and great fatigue, everyone seems to be doing just fine. Except for me, who has a nasty dry cough (and sometimes a bit of a wet cough) and a stuffy nose. I have to say that I tend to get viruses, no matter what kind, that way. That being said, I usually have access to more medications to deal with it, but considering that I'm taking Venlafaxine (150 mg), I only dared to take Tylenol for the headaches, saline water to clear my sinuses every day and lozenges to soothe my throat (but it only soothes it very temporarily). I also drink a lot of water. I would like to know if there are other things I can use to control this cough? Can I take Tylenol Sinus? (I think not because it interacts with the Venlafaxine, but I wanted to check with you). Thank you very much! Hello! About two weeks ago, my family and I were hit by a pretty strong virus that we suspect is influenza (since the Covid test was negative). After the "usual" symptoms for several days, i.e. fever, chills, aches and pains, sore throat and great fatigue, everyone seems to be doing fine. Except for me, who has a nasty dry cough (and sometimes a bit of a wet one) and a stuffy nose. I have to say that I tend to get viruses, no matter what kind, that way. That said, I usually have access to more medications to deal with them, but considering that I'm on Venlafaxine (150 mg), I've only dared to take Tylenol for the headaches, saline water to clear my sinuses every day and lozenges to soothe my throat (but it only soothes very temporarily). I also drink a lot of water. I would like to know if there are other things I can use to control this cough? Can I take Tylenol Sinus? (I think not because it interacts with the Venlafaxine, but I wanted to check with you). Thank you very much! Thank you for your answer! I think I will do a little more nasal hygiene. I do see an improvement. Are there any lozenges that I should avoid? I'm taking peppermint Halls right now when I have big coughs that don't go away. I'm also going to take this opportunity to ask another related question. 😅 From blowing my nose, I have an extremely sensitive nose and top of my lip. I've used aquaphor in between my "blowing sessions" to create a barrier and even tissues with lotion, but the effect is pretty limited. It's starting to get raw. Would you have another cream to suggest?

Naji-tom Samaha · Accepted Answer

Hello ma'am, thank you for your question! You have done very well with Tylenol and nasal hygiene, as you mentioned it is the first intention to relieve your symptoms. Nasal hygiene can be done as often as needed during the day and at least 30 minutes before bedtime, there is no maximum number of times. This is the best way to relieve congestion and decrease sinus drainage from the back of the throat which often causes coughing. I also encourage you to drink plenty of fluids, cold or hot depending on your preference. The cough is often the last symptom to go away even several weeks after the episode has healed, you should notice a gradual improvement every day or few days. As you also mentioned, "Sinus" type products should be avoided with Effexor as they may increase the side effects of this medication as well as the symptoms of the condition such as anxiety and insomnia. I hope I've been helpful, I'm always available if you have any other questions! Tom Samaha, pharmacist Thanks for the feedback, sorry for the late reply! I was able to verify with the manufacturers of Halls and Fisherman's Friend that they are safe during pregnancy, I have not done this research for the other kinds. Coughing is mostly from sinus secretions, so I encourage nasal hygiene as often as necessary. You did well with Aquaphor, that's my usual suggestion or even Vaseline. Whichever you choose, apply it often, there is no maximum number of times a day. If tissues are too rough, I would be inclined to suggest unscented wet wipes to blow your nose.