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Venlafaxine
Brand
Name: Effexor XR
Most
Common Medical Uses
Venlafaxine
is an antidepressant medication. It affects chemicals in your brain
that may become unbalanced and cause depression. Venlafaxine 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. Venlafaxine is also used to relieve
symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. Venlafaxine may also be
used for purposes other than those listed here.
How
to Take This Medication
Take
venlafaxine exactly as directed by your doctor. Take each dose with
a full glass of water. Take venlafaxine 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 venlafaxine without the approval of your doctor.
Possible
Side Effects
Stop
taking venlafaxine 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 venlafaxine 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.
Precautions
Do
not take venlafaxine 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 breast-feeding a baby.
Drug
Interactions
Do
not take venlafaxine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor
(MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or
tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. Venlafaxine may increase
the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including other
antidepressants, antipsychotics, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives
(used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and
muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you
are taking, and do not take any medicine unless your doctor approves.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with venlafaxine.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines.
Missed
Dose
Take
the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost
time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose
and take only the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose
of this medication.
Storage
Store
at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep this and all
medications out of the reach of children.
Notes
Use
caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Venlafaxine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Use alcohol
cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion
while you are taking venlafaxine. Do not stop taking this medication
without the approval of your doctor. Do not share this medication
with others.
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