IMPORTANT NOTE: The following
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 use of the drug
is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult
your healthcare professional before using this drug.
VENLAFAXINE - ORAL (ven-luh-FAX-een)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Effexor
USES: This medication is used in the treatment
of depression. The extended release form of this medication
is also used to treat anxiety.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth exactly
as prescribed. During the first few days your doctor
may gradually increase your dose to allow your body
to adjust to the medication. Take this medication
with food. Do not take this more often or increase
your dose without consulting your doctor. Your condition
will not improve any faster but the risk of serious
side effects will be increased. Do not stop taking
this drug suddenly without your doctor's approval.
Your dose may need to be gradually reduced to prevent
adverse effects.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may initially
cause dizziness and nausea as your body adjusts to
the medication. Other side effects reported include
sweating, loss of appetite, dizziness, dry mouth,
anxiety, tremor, blurred vision, constipation, sleepiness,
change in sexual ability. If any of these effects
continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor.
Notify your doctor if you develop any of these serious
effects: rapid or irregular heartbeat, chest pain,
severe headache, trouble breathing, painful or difficult
urination, skin rash. This medication may cause drowsiness,
dizziness, or clouded thinking. Use caution operating
machinery or engaging in activities requiring alertness.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact
your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical
history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease,
heart disease, high blood pressure, glaucoma, any
allergies. Elderly persons may be more sensitive to
the effects of this medication. Use with caution.
This medication should be used only if clearly needed
during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with
your doctor. It is not known if this medication appears
in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any
over-the-counter or prescription medication you may
take especially: MAO inhibitors (e.g., tranylcypromine,
phenelzine, isocarboxazid, selegiline, furazolidone),
other antidepressants, cimetidine, lithium, sedatives,
narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine, morphine),
seizure medication, certain migraine medicine (e.g.,
sumatriptan), medicine for weight control. It is recommended
to avoid alcohol while using this medication. Do not
start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist
approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact
your local poison control center or emergency room
immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include sleepiness,
irregular heartbeat, and seizures.
NOTES: Laboratory tests may be done periodically
while taking this medication to monitor the effects.
See your doctor regularly.
MISSED DOSE: Try to take each dose at the scheduled
time. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered;
do not take it if it is near the time for the next
dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your
usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up"
the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store this medication at room temperature
between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees
C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom.
Keep this and all medications out of the reach of
children.
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