EFFEXOR DRUG INFO
IMPORTANT
NOTE: The following
information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgment of your physician,
pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should
not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is
safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your
healthcare professional before using Effexor.
VENLAFAXINE - ORAL (ven-luh-FAX-een)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Effexor
EFFEXOR
USES:
Effexor XR
is used in the treatment of depression. The extended
release form of
Effexor XR is also used to treat
anxiety.
HOW TO USE
EFFEXOR:
Take Effexor XR
by mouth exactly as prescribed. During the first few
days your doctor may gradually increase your dose to
allow your body to adjust to
Effexor XR.
Take this Effexor
XR with food. Do not take
Effexor XR
more often or increase your dose without consulting your
doctor. Your condition will not improve any faster but
the risk of serious side effects will be increased. Do
not stop taking
Effexor XR suddenly without your
doctor's approval. Your dose may need to be gradually
reduced to prevent adverse effects.
EFFEXOR
SIDE EFFECTS:
Effexor XR
may initially cause dizziness and nausea as your body
adjusts to the medication. Other side effects reported
include sweating, loss of appetite, dizziness, dry
mouth, anxiety, tremor, blurred vision, constipation,
sleepiness, change in sexual ability. If any of these
effects continue or become bothersome, inform your
doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop any of these
serious effects: rapid or irregular heartbeat, chest
pain, severe headache, trouble breathing, painful or
difficult urination, skin rash. This medication may
cause drowsiness, dizziness, or clouded thinking. Use
caution operating machinery or engaging in activities
requiring alertness. If you notice other effects not
listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
EFFEXOR
PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of:
kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, high blood
pressure, glaucoma, any allergies. Elderly persons may
be more sensitive to the effects of this medication. Use
with caution. This medication should be used only if
clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and
benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this
medication appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor
before breast-feeding.
EFFEXOR
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter
or prescription medication you may take especially: MAO
inhibitors (e.g., tranylcypromine, phenelzine,
isocarboxazid, selegiline, furazolidone), other
antidepressants, cimetidine, lithium, sedatives,
narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine, morphine),
seizure medication, certain migraine medicine (e.g.,
sumatriptan), medicine for weight control. It is
recommended to avoid alcohol while using this
medication. Do not start or stop any medicine without
doctor or pharmacist approval.
EFFEXOR
OVERDOSE:
If Effexor overdose is suspected,
contact your local poison control center or emergency
room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include
sleepiness, irregular heartbeat, and seizures.
EFFEXOR
NOTES:
Laboratory tests may be done periodically while taking
Effexor XR
to monitor the effects. See your doctor regularly.
EFFEXOR
MISSED DOSE:
Try to take each dose at the scheduled
time. If you miss a dose of
Effexor XR,
take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is
near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the
missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do
not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
EFFEXOR
STORAGE:
Store
Effexor XR
at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between
15 and 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not
store in the bathroom. Keep this and all medications out
of the reach of children |
