EFFEXOR
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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 EFFEXOR.
VENLAFAXINE - ORAL (ven-luh-FAX-een)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Effexor
USES:
EFFEXOR is used in the treatment of depression. The extended release
form of EFFEXOR is also used to treat anxiety.
HOW TO TAKE EFFEXOR:
Take EFFEXOR 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 EFFEXOR 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 EFFEXOR
suddenly without your doctor's approval. Your dose may need to be
gradually reduced to prevent adverse effects.
SIDE EFFECTS:
EFFEXOR 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. EFFEXOR 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. EFFEXOR should be
used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and
benefits with your doctor. It is not known if EFFEXOR 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. 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 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 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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