EFFEXOR DRUG INFO
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. |
