Does venlafaxine XR pull sodium from the blood?

All I can say is that I was on this same drug for 2 years, and there was never a problem with my sodium level, nor my potassium and chloride. All were within their normal ranges. We are all unique, this is my personal experience. If your doctors believe that the antidepressant was responsible, I would take them at their word unless I was treatment resistant to other antidepressants (I.e. I need the venlafaxine). In that case, I would seek a second and third opinion as well as research the issue myself.

Venlafaxine may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

blurred vision, eye pain or redness, seeing halos around lights;

cough, chest tightness, trouble breathing;

a seizure (convulsions);

unusual bleeding - nosebleeds, bleeding gums, abnormal vaginal bleeding, any bleeding that will not stop;

"low blood sodium - headache, confusion, problems with thinking or memory, weakness, feeling unsteady; or"

severe nervous system reaction - very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out.

https://www.drugs.com/venlafaxine.html

From Mayo Clinic:
"This medicine may cause hyponatremia (low sodium in the blood). This is more common in elderly patients, those who take diuretic medicines, or those who have a low amount of fluid in the body due to severe diarrhea or vomiting."

"Symptoms of hyponatremia can include nausea and vomiting, loss of energy and confusion. Serious hyponatremia can cause seizures, coma and even death. Hyponatremia is more common in older adults because they're more likely to take medicines or have medical problems that put them at risk of the disorder."

Source: Mayo Clinic

I suggest that someone takes you to the ER asap.

I wish you all the best, masso