Effexor

Effexor (Venlafaxine) is an oral antidepressant drug.

About

Generic name: Venlafaxine hydrochloride Brand names: Effexor XR, Effexor Effexor (Venlafaxine) is used to relieve symptoms of depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and social anxiety disorder (social phobia).

How to take

Take Effexor 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 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 XR by carefully opening the capsule and sprinkling the entire contents on a spoonful of applesauce, followed by a glass of water. EFFEXOR The usual starting dose is 75 milligrams a day, divided into 2 or 3 smaller doses, and taken with food. If needed, your doctor may gradually increase your daily dose in steps of no more than 75 milligrams at a time up to a maximum of 375 milligrams per day. If you have kidney or liver disease or are taking other medications, your doctor will adjust your dosage accordingly. EFFEXOR XR For both depression and anxiety, the usual starting dose is 75 milligrams once daily taken with food, although some people begin with a dose of 37.5 milligrams for the first 4 to 7 days. Your doctor may gradually increase the dose, in steps of no more than 75 milligrams, up to a maximum of 225 milligrams daily. As with regular Effexor, the doctor will make adjustments in your dosage if you have kidney or liver disease.

Missed dose

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.

Warnings and precautions

Never take Effexor while taking other drugs known as MAO inhibitors. Also avoid Effexor if it has ever given you an allergic reaction. Combining Effexor with MAO inhibitors could cause a fatal reaction. (See "Most important fact about Effexor.") Although Effexor does not interact with alcohol, the manufacturer recommends avoiding alcohol while taking Effexor. If you have high blood pressure or liver disease, or are elderly, check with your doctor before combining Effexor with cimetidine (Tagamet). You should consult your doctor before combining Effexor with other drugs that affect the central nervous system, including lithium, migraine medications such as Imitrex, narcotic painkillers, sleep aids, weight-loss products such as phentermine, tranquilizers, antipsychotic medicines such as Haldol, and other antidepressants such as Celexa, Prozac, Tofranil, and Zoloft. Effexor has been found to reduce blood levels of the HIV drug Crixivan. It's best to check with your doctor before combining Effexor with any other drug or herbal product.

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. * Side effects of Effexor 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 XR may include: Abnormal dreams, abnormal ejaculation, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, headache, insomnia, nausea, nervousness, sleepiness, sweating, weakness, weight loss

Storage

Store Effexor at room temperature (68F to 77F or 20C to 25C). Keep Effexor away from children.