Generic Name: Venlafaxine (VEN-la-fax-een)
Typical Brand Name(s): Effexor XR
What Is It Used For?
Effexor XR is an antidepressant medication. It affects chemicals
in your brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression.
Effexor XR is most commonly used to relieve symptoms of depression
such as feelings of sadness, worthlessness, or guilt; loss of
interest in daily activities; changes in appetite; tiredness;
sleeping too much; insomnia; and thoughts of death or suicide.
Effexor XR is also used to relieve symptoms of generalized anxiety
disorder. Effexor XR may also be used for purposes other than
those listed here
How Is It Used?
Take Effexor XR exactly as directed by your doctor. Take each
dose with a full glass of water. Take Effexor XR with food or
milk to lessen stomach upset. Each Effexor XR capsule should be
swallowed whole with fluid and not divided, crushed, chewed, or
dissolved. Do not stop taking Effexor XR without the approval
of your doctor.
Are There Possible Side Effects?
Stop taking Effexor XR and call your doctor immediately or seek
emergency medical treatment if you experience any of the following:
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat;
swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); seizures; or
an irregular heartbeat or severely high blood pressure (blurred
vision, headache). Other, less serious side effects may be more
likely to occur. Continue to take Effexor XR and talk to your
doctor if you experience drowsiness or dizziness; nausea, vomiting,
upset stomach, abdominal pain, or loss of appetite or weight;
mild tremor, anxiety, or agitation; headache or insomnia. Side
effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially
bothersome.
Is It Safe?
Do not take Effexor XR if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor
(MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or
tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. Before taking this
medication, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease,
heart disease or high blood pressure, or seizures or epilepsy.
Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor
if you are pregnant or breastfeeding a baby.
What About Interactions With Other Drugs?
Do not take Effexor XR if you have taken a monoamine oxidase
inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil),
or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. Before taking
this medication, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney
disease, heart disease or high blood pressure, or seizures or
epilepsy. Do not take this medication without first talking to
your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding a baby.
What If I Miss A Dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is
almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only
the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
How Should It Be Stored?
Store it at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.
Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
Anything Else I Should Know?
Effexor is an antidepressant medication. It affects chemicals
in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression or
anxiety. Effexor is used to relieve symptoms of depression, generalized
anxiety disorder, and social anxiety disorder (social phobia).
NOTE: The above 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 the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or
effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before
taking the product.
