Information About Effexor
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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