Effexor XR

What is this medicine?

VENLAFAXINE is used to treat depression, anxiety and panic disorder.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
anorexia or weight loss
glaucoma
high blood pressure, heart problems or a recent heart attack
high cholesterol levels or receiving treatment for high cholesterol
kidney or liver disease
mania or bipolar disorder
seizures (convulsions)
suicidal thoughts or a previous suicide attempt
thyroid problems
an unusual or allergic reaction to venlafaxine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Do not cut, crush or chew this medicine. Take it with food. Try to take your medicine at about the same time each day. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following:
duloxetine
medicines called MAO Inhibitors like Nardil, Parnate, Marplan, Eldepryl
medicines for weight control or appetite
nefazodone
procarbazine
St. John's wort, Hypericum perforatum
tryptophan

This medicine may also interact with the following:
amphetamine or dextroamphetamine
aspirin and aspirin-like medicines
cimetidine
clozapine
linezolid
medicines for heart rhythm or blood pressure
medicines for migraine headache like almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan
medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin, enoxaparin, and dalteparin
NSAIDS, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
other medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
ritonavir
tramadol

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while taking this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You may have to take this medicine for 4 weeks before you feel better. If you have been taking this medicine for some time, do not suddenly stop taking it. You must gradually reduce the dose to avoid side effects. Ask your doctor or health care professional for advice.

Patients and their families should watch out for depression or thoughts of suicide that get worse. Also watch out for sudden or severe changes in feelings such as feeling anxious, agitated, panicky, irritable, hostile, aggressive, impulsive, severely restless, overly excited and hyperactive, or not being able to sleep. If this happens, especially at the beginning of treatment or after a change in dose, call your health care professional.

This medicine can cause an increase in blood pressure or a faster heart beat. Check with your doctor or health care professional.

You may get drowsy, dizzy or have blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may increase dizziness or drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

This medicine can make your mouth dry. Chewing sugarless gum, sucking hard candy and drinking plenty of water will help.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or allergies without asking your doctor or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients may increase possible side effects.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
breathing problems
changes in vision
hallucination, loss of contact with reality
seizures
suicidal thoughts or other mood changes
trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
unusual bleeding or bruising

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
change in sex drive or performance
constipation
increased sweating
loss of appetite
nausea
tremors
weight loss

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at a controlled temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 degrees and 77 degrees F), in a dry place. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.