Brand
name: Effexor
(Venlafaxine)
Generic name: Venlafaxine hydrochloride Effexor (Venlafaxine) rx (Venlafaxine, Effexor,
Efexor)
Other brand name: Effexor (Venlafaxine) rx XR
Why is Effexor (Venlafaxine) rx prescribed?
Effexor (Venlafaxine) rx is prescribed for the treatment of depression--that is, a
continuing depression that interferes with daily functioning. The symptoms
usually include changes in appetite, sleep habits, and mind/body coordination,
decreased sex drive, increased fatigue, feelings of guilt or worthlessness,
difficulty concentrating, slowed thinking, and suicidal thoughts.
Effexor (Venlafaxine) rx XR is also prescribed to relieve abnormal anxiety (generalized
anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder). Generalized anxiety
disorder is marked by persistent anxiety for a period of at least 6
months, accompanied by at least 3 of these 6 symptoms: restlessness,
fatigue, poor concentration, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep
disturbances.
Social anxiety disorder is marked by a persistent fear (avoidance,
anxiousness, or distress) of social situations, exposure to unfamiliar
people, or possible scrutiny by others. Social anxiety is considered
abnormal if it causes someone to alter an otherwise normal routine
or interferes with daily functioning. The disorder can also cause panic
attacks.
Effexor (Venlafaxine) rx must be taken 2 or 3 times daily. The extended-release form,
Effexor (Venlafaxine) rx XR, permits once-a-day dosing.
Most important fact about Effexor (Venlafaxine) rx
Serious, sometimes fatal reactions have occurred when Effexor (Venlafaxine) rx is used
in combination with other drugs known as MAO inhibitors, including
the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate. Never take Effexor (Venlafaxine) rx with one
of these drugs; and do not begin therapy with Effexor (Venlafaxine) rx within 14 days
of discontinuing treatment with one of them. Also, allow at least 7
days between the last dose of Effexor (Venlafaxine) rx and the first dose of an MAO
inhibitor.
How should you take Effexor (Venlafaxine) rx?
Take Effexor (Venlafaxine) rx with food, exactly as prescribed. It may take several
weeks before you begin to feel better. Your doctor should check your
progress periodically.
Take Effexor (Venlafaxine) rx XR once at the same time each day. Swallow the capsule
whole with water. Do not divide, crush, or chew it. However, if you
have trouble swallowing pills, you may take Effexor (Venlafaxine) rx XR by carefully
opening the capsule and sprinkling the entire contents on a spoonful
of applesauce, followed by a glass of water.
If you miss a dose Effexor (Venlafaxine) rx (Venlafaxine, Effexor, Efexor)
It is not necessary to make it up. Skip the missed dose and continue
with your next scheduled dose. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Storage instructions Effexor (Venlafaxine) rx (Venlafaxine, Effexor, Efexor)
Store in a tightly closed container at room temperature. Protect from
excessive heat and moisture.
Effexor (Venlafaxine) rx side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking Effexor (Venlafaxine) rx.
* Side effects of Effexor (Venlafaxine) rx may include:
Abnormal ejaculation/orgasm, anxiety, blurred vision, constipation, dizziness,
dry mouth, impotence, insomnia, nausea, nervousness, sleepiness, sweating,
tremor, vomiting, weakness, weight loss
* Side effects of Effexor (Venlafaxine) rx XR may include:
Abnormal dreams, abnormal ejaculation, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth,
headache, insomnia, nausea, nervousness, sleepiness, sweating, weakness,
weight loss
Why should Effexor (Venlafaxine) rx not be prescribed?
Never take Effexor (Venlafaxine) rx while taking other drugs known as MAO inhibitors.
(See "Most important fact about Effexor (Venlafaxine) rx.") Also avoid Effexor (Venlafaxine) rx
if it has ever given you an allergic reaction.
Special warnings about Effexor (Venlafaxine) rx without Rx/prescriptions
In clinical studies, antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal
thinking and behavior in children and adolescents with depression and
other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of Effexor (Venlafaxine) rx
or any other antidepressant in a child or adolescent must balance this
risk with the clinical need. Effexor (Venlafaxine) rx has not been studied in children
or adolescents and is not approved for treating anyone less than 18
years old.
Additionally, the progression of major depression is associated with
a worsening of symptoms and/or the emergence of suicidal thinking or
behavior in both adults and children, whether or not they are taking
antidepressants. Individuals being treated with Effexor (Venlafaxine) rx and their caregivers
should watch for any change in symptoms or any new symptoms that appear
suddenly--especially agitation, anxiety, hostility, panic, restlessness,
extreme hyperactivity, and suicidal thinking or behavior--and report
them to the doctor immediately. Be especially observant at the beginning
of treatment or whenever there is a change in dose.
Your doctor will prescribe Effexor (Venlafaxine) rx with caution if you have high blood
pressure, heart, liver, or kidney disease or a history of seizures
or mania (extreme agitation or excitability). You should discuss all
of your medical problems with your doctor before taking Effexor (Venlafaxine) rx.
Effexor (Venlafaxine) rx sometimes causes an increase in blood pressure. If this happens,
your doctor may need to reduce your dose or discontinue the drug.
Effexor (Venlafaxine) rx also tends to increase the heart rate, especially at higher
doses. Use Effexor (Venlafaxine) rx with caution if you've recently had a heart attack,
suffer from heart failure, or have an overactive thyroid gland.
Effexor (Venlafaxine) rx may also cause cholesterol levels to rise in some patients
who take it for 3 months or longer. This effect is more common among
patients taking higher doses of Effexor (Venlafaxine) rx.
Antidepressants such as Effexor (Venlafaxine) rx may cause fluid retention, especially
if you are an older adult.
Effexor (Venlafaxine) rx may cause you to feel drowsy or less alert and may affect
your judgment. Therefore, avoid driving or operating dangerous machinery
or participating in any hazardous activity that requires full mental
alertness until you know how Effexor (Venlafaxine) rx affects you.
Your doctor will check you regularly if you have glaucoma (high pressure
in the eye), or you are at risk of developing it.
If you have ever been addicted to drugs, tell your doctor before you
start taking Effexor (Venlafaxine) rx.
If you develop a skin rash or hives while taking Effexor (Venlafaxine) rx, notify your
doctor. Effexor (Venlafaxine) rx may also cause bleeding or bruising of the
