EFFEXOR XR 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, Effexor XR
USES: This medication is used in
the treatment of depression. The extended release form of
Effexor XR
is also used to treat anxiety.
HOW TO USE: Take Effexor XR 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: Effexor XR 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 Effexor XR. 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 Effexor XR 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
Effexor XR. 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 Effexor XR 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 Effexor XR
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.
|
