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 this drug.
VENLAFAXINE - ORAL (ven-luh-FAX-een)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Effexor
USES: This medication is used in the treatment of
depression. The extended release form of this medication is also
used to treat anxiety.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth exactly as
prescribed. During the first few days your doctor may gradually
increase your dose to allow your body to adjust to the
medication. Take this medication with food. Do not take this
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 this
drug suddenly without your doctor's approval. Your dose may need
to be gradually reduced to prevent adverse effects.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication 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.
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.
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.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local
poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of
overdose may include sleepiness, irregular heartbeat, and
seizures.
NOTES: Laboratory tests may be done periodically while
taking this medication to monitor the effects. See your doctor
regularly.
MISSED DOSE: Try to take each dose at the scheduled time.
If you miss a dose, 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.
STORAGE: Store this medication 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.
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