What symptoms should you assess to determine a patient's response to venlafaxine (Effexor®)?

To effectively assess a patient's response to venlafaxine (Effexor®), it is essential to focus on the core symptoms associated with the conditions for which the medication is prescribed, typically major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. The correct choice highlights the mental and emotional symptoms that indicate the patient's mental health status, including feelings of anxiety, sadness, hopelessness, and difficulties with concentration.

Venlafaxine is an antidepressant that works on serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibition, which aims to alleviate depressive and anxiety symptoms. Monitoring the patient's emotional state is crucial because improvement in these areas can signify that the medication is helping to manage their condition effectively.

While other symptoms listed in the other choices, such as headaches, dizziness, gastrointestinal upset, and potential side effects like visual disturbances, could be relevant during treatment, they are not the primary indicators of the medication's effectiveness in treating depressive or anxiety symptoms. Therefore, assessing emotional and cognitive symptoms is the most relevant approach to evaluating the patient's response to treatment with venlafaxine.