Drug name
Effexor XR (Venlafaxine)
Drug Uses
Effexor XR helps to treat depression. Sometimes it may be taken for some other conditions as directed by your doctor.
How Taken
Take the medication as determined by your doctor. Read the medicine label for precise dosing instructions.
As usual, Effexor XR has an additional information sheet for patients, which is called a Medication Guide. Check it watchfully. Read it again each time you get Effexor XR refilled.
Use the drug by mouth with food.
Effexor XR can give the best results privided it is used at the same time each day. Proceed to use Effexor XR even on condition that you feel not bad. You should not omit your dosages.
You are not adviced to refuse from using the drug without consultation with your doctor. Side effects are also possible. Usually they are as the following: changes with mood, increased sweating, coordination loss, nausea, seizures, tremor, trouble sleeping, tiredness, skin numbness, dizziness, drowsiness, headache.
Drug Class and Mechanism
This SNRI (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) restores the balance of some substances in the brain (serotonin, norepinephrine). It is helpful for some problems with mood.
Missed Dose
In case you miss a dosage, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost the time of your next dose, skip the omitted dosage and go back to your common dosing schedule. Do not double your dose.
Storage
Keep the medicine at room temperature 20 to 25 degrees C (68 to 77 degrees F). Store it away from light, heat and moisture. Do not store it in the bathroom. Save this remedy out of the reach of children and pets.
Warnings Precautions
You must not take Effexor XR in case:
you have allergies to its ingredients;
you are currently using a methylene blue, sibutramine, fenfluramine derivative, , nefazodone, tryptophan;
you are using/have tused a MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitor), St. John's wort selegiline within the last two weeks.
Address your health care provider or doctor instantly in case any of these apply to you.
Sometimes certain medical conditions interact with Efferox XP . Tell your pharmacist or doctor in case you have the following medical conditions:
if you are allergic to some substances;
if you sufer bipolar disorder or some other problems with mood, mental problems;
if you have or have had suicidal attempts/thoughts;
if you have a history of alcohol/substance abuse;
if you are pregnant or planning pregnance;
if you are breast-feeding;
if you are currently using some herbal preparation, dietary supplement or some medication;
if you have/have had problems with blood , high pressure in your eyes, problems with nervous system, thyroid, liver or lung problems, problems with kidney, bleeding, metabolism problems, seizures, problems with heart problems, increased blood pressure;
if you are dehydrated or consume alcohol;
if your blood sodium levels are low;
if you are olanning to have ECT ( electroconvulsive therapy).
There are some medications interacting with Desyrel . Inform your health care provider in case you are currently taking any other medicines, especially the following ones:
Aspirin, anticoagulants, NSAIDs because of the increased danger of bleeding.
Some diuretics may highten the danger of low levels of blood sodium.
MAOIs, methylene blue, sibutramine,St. John's wort, tramadol, metoclopramine, nefazodone, rasagiline, SSRIs, SNRIs, some diet medicines, linezolid, lithium, serotonin 5-HT1 receptor, trazodone, tricyclic antidepressants, or tryptophan. They may cause serious side effects, such as mental changes, confusion, irritability, fever, changes with blood pressure, coma.
Cimetidine or azole antifungals because the risk of side effects og Effexor XP may be heightened.
Cyproheptadine can lower effectiveness of Effexor XR.
Side effects of phenothiazines, risperidone, aripiprazole and haloperidol may be hightened by Effexor XR.
Possible Side Effects
Medicines may provoke certain side effects. Nevertherless, many people have no/ minor side effects. Contact your doctor if any of these side effects take place:
taste changes; constipation; lowered sexual ability/desire; nervousness; upset of stomach ; dizziness; flushing; headache; active sweating; appetite loss; nausea; vision changes; trouble sleeping; vomiting; weakness; loss of weight; yawning.
Ask for medical attention immediately in case any of these serious side effects take place:
serious allergic reactions (chest tightness; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; rash; hives; difficulty breathing); aggressiveness; ringing in the ears; seizures; anxiety; nervousness; cough; headache; pain in chest; rapid weight loss; suicidal attempts/thoughts; tremor; trouble concentrating; coordination loss; bruising/bleeding; mood changes; vision problems; depression, confusion; decreased urination; irregular heartbeat; sore throat; problems with memory ; panic attacks; dizziness; pain in stomach; weakness; breath shortness.
More Information
Effexor XR should be taken only by those patient for whom it is prescribed by a doctor. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms become worse and do not improve, contact your doctor.