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Effexor, Effexor XR, |Effexor

Effexor

Generic Name: venlafaxine (oral) (VEN la fax een)
Brand Names: Effexor, Effexor XR

What is venlafaxine?

Venlafaxine is an antidepressant in a group of drugs called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSNRIs). Venlafaxine affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression.

Venlafaxine is used to treat major depressive disorder, anxiety, and panic disorder.

Venlafaxine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about venlafaxine?

You may have suicidal thoughts or behavior when you start taking an antidepressant, especially if you are under 18 years old. You will need to be monitored for worsening symptoms of depression or suicidal thoughts. Your doctor should check you at regular visits during the first 12 weeks of treatment, or whenever your dose is changed.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking venlafaxine?

Before taking venlafaxine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any medications, or if you have:

• bipolar disorder (manic depression);

• cirrhosis or other liver disease;
• kidney disease;
• high blood pressure;

• glaucoma;

• seizures or epilepsy;

• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder; or

• high cholesterol.

If you have any of the conditions listed above, you may not be able to take venlafaxine, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.

You may have suicidal thoughts or behavior when you first start taking an antidepressant, especially if you are under 18 years old. Watch for worsening symptoms of depression or suicidal thoughts. Your doctor should check you at regular visits during the first 12 weeks of treatment, or whenever your dose is changed.

In addition to you watching for changes in your own symptoms, your family or caregivers should be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.

How should I take venlafaxine?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from the medication. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Try to take venlafaxine at the same time each day.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Symptoms of a venlafaxine overdose may include dizziness, sleepiness, nausea, and numbness or tingling in your hands or feet.

What should I avoid while taking venlafaxine?

Avoid using other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxers, medicine for seizures, other medication for depression or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by venlafaxine.

Venlafaxine side effects

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• increased blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision);

• restlessness, overactive reflexes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, fast heartbeat; hallucinations, loss of coordination, fainting, coma;

• seizure (convulsions);

• extreme thirst with headache, nausea, vomiting, and weakness; or

• easy bruising or bleeding.

Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:

• drowsiness, dizziness, nervousness, or anxiety;

• dry mouth, increased sweating;

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation;

• decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm;

• headache, blurred vision;

• sleep problems (insomnia);

• tremor or chills; or

• changes in appetite or weight.

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.

What other drugs will affect venlafaxine?

Before taking venlafaxine, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following medicines:

• cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB);

• warfarin (Coumadin);

• ketoconazole (Nizoral);

• tryptophan (sometimes called L-tryptophan);

• haloperidol (Haldol) or risperidone (Risperdal);

• almotriptan (Axert), frovatriptan (Frova), sumatriptan (Imitrex), naratriptan (Amerge), rizatriptan (Maxalt), or zolmitriptan (Zomig); or

• any other antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil), amoxapine (Ascendin), citalopram (Celexa), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), paroxetine (Paxil), protriptyline (Vivactil), sertraline (Zoloft), or trimipramine (Surmontil).

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use venlafaxine, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect venlafaxine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has information about venlafaxine written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Venlafaxine is available with a prescription under the brand names Effexor and Effexor XR. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

• Effexor 25 mg--peach-colored, shield-shaped, scored tablets

• Effexor 37.5 mg--peach-colored, shield-shaped, scored tablets

• Effexor 50 mg--peach-colored, shield-shaped, scored tablets

• Effexor 75 mg--peach-colored, shield-shaped, scored tablets

• Effexor 100 mg--peach-colored, shield-shaped, scored tablets

• Effexor XR 37.5 mg-grey/peach capsules

• Effexor XR 75 mg-peach capsules

• Effexor XR 150 mg-dark orange capsules

• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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