i am a female taking effexor xr for the past week i have been itching could this b a side effect

You can read about the side effects of Effexor here.

The following was taken from those pages, page two of the side effects to be specific. I think you should contact your doctor about this or follow the advice in the warning and seek medical attention:

"A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing"

Let us know you're okay.

Before you make any rash(LOL) choices you should also consider how long you have been on the medicine. If you have been taking the meds for 6 months or more and all of a sudden you get a rash, it might not be the meds at all. If you just started the meds and the rash appears then it is probably the meds. Being allergic to meds isnt that uncommon, but it might be a good idea to talk to an allergist if the meds turn out to be responsible.

Pat