Drug Name: EFFEXOR
VENLAFAXINE - ORAL (ven-luh-FAX-een)
COMMON EFFEXOR BRAND NAME(S):
Effexor
EFFEXOR USES:
Effexor is used in the treatment of depression. The extended release form of Effexor is also used to treat anxiety. It usually takes 6 to 8 weeks to feel the full benefits of therapy. Try to be patient about the treatment process. Just as depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and social anxiety disorder do not develop overnight, it also takes time to feel better. Depression treatment from prescription drugs like Zoloft depression medicine can help you take back your life and feel better mentally and physically.
HOW TO USE EFFEXOR:
Take Effexor by mouth exactly as prescribed. During the first few days your doctor may gradually increase your Effexor dose to allow your body to adjust to Effexor. Take Effexor with food. Do not take Effexor more often or increase your Effexor 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 suddenly without your doctor's approval. Your Effexor dose may need to be gradually reduced to prevent adverse effects.
EFFEXOR SIDE EFFECTS:
Effexor may initially cause dizziness and nausea as your body adjusts to Effexor. Other side effects of Effexor 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. Effexor may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or clouded thinking. Use caution operating machinery or engaging in activities requiring alertness. If you notice other effects from Effexor 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 Effexor. Use with caution. Effexor should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits of Effexor with your doctor. It is not known if Effexor 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 Effexor. It is not safe to take other antideppressant medications while using Effexor such as Prozac or Fluoxetine. Do not start or stop Effexor or 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 Effexor overdose may include sleepiness, irregular heartbeat, and seizures.
EFFEXOR NOTES:
Laboratory tests may be done periodically while taking Effexor to monitor the effects. See your doctor regularly.
MISSED EFFEXOR DOSE:
Try to take each Effexor dose at the scheduled time. If you miss a Effexor dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next Effexor dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual Effexor dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the Effexor dose to catch up.
EFFEXOR STORAGE:
Store Effexor at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store Effexor in the bathroom. Keep Effexor and all medications out of the reach of children.
IMPORTANT EFFEXOR 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.
