Drug Uses
Effexor XR is a potent inhibitor of the reuptake of serotonin and
norepinephrine-two neurotransmitters thought to play important roles in the
pathophysiology of depression. Correcting the imbalance of these two chemicals
may help relieve symptoms of depression.
How Taken
Effexor XR comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a
day and should be taken with food. Each capsule should be swallowed whole with
fluid and not divided, crushed, chewed, or placed in water, or it may be
administered by carefully opening the capsule and sprinkling the entire
contents on a spoonful of applesauce. This drug/food mixture should be
swallowed immediately without chewing and followed with a glass of water to
ensure complete swallowing of the pellets.
Warnings/Precautions
Before starting Effexor XR, tell your doctor about any medicines you\'re
taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements. If you take
MAOIs you should not take Effexor XR. If you are taking antidepressants you
should be watched closely for signs that your condition is getting worse or
that you are becoming suicidal, especially when you first start therapy, or
when your dose is increased or decreased. You should also be watched for
becoming agitated, irritable, hostile, impulsive, or restless. Such symptoms
should be reported to your doctor right away. Effexor XR may raise blood
pressure in some patients, so blood pressure should be monitored regularly.
When you suddenly stop using or quickly lower your daily dose of Effexor XR,
discontinuation symptoms may occur. Talk to your doctor before discontinuing
or reducing your dose of Effexor XR. Pregnant or nursing women shouldn\'t take
any antidepressant without consulting their doctor. Until you see how Effexor
XR affects you, be careful doing such activities as driving a car or operating
machinery. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Effexor XR.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time
for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next one as
directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
Possible Side Effects
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking
Effexor XR and contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical
treatment: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat;
swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); seizures; or an irregular
heartbeat or severely high blood pressure (blurred vision, headache). Other,
less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take
Effexor XR and talk to your doctor if you experience nausea, vomiting, upset
stomach, abdominal pain, or loss of appetite or weight; dry mouth; drowsiness
or dizziness; mild tremor, anxiety, or agitation; insomnia; abnormal dreams;
sexual problems such as impotence, abnormal ejaculation, difficulty reaching
orgasm, or decreased libido; sweating; yawning; or increase in blood
cholesterol levels (detected by blood tests); Side effects other than those
listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that
seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Storage
Store Effexor XR at room temperature (68F to 77F or 20C to 25C). Keep
Effexor XR away from children.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected. Symptoms of
an Effexor XR overdose may include dizziness, drowsiness, numbness, nausea,
irregular heartbeats, seizures, and unconsciousness.
More Information
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other
hazardous activities. Effexor XR may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you
experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Use alcohol
cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion Do not
stop taking Effexor XR without first talking to your doctor. Your doctor may
need to gradually reduce the dose before stopping the medication completely.
Stopping the medication suddenly may cause unpleasant side effects to occur.
Disclaimer
This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not
intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions,
precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general
information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be
construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We
disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this
information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information,
including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such
damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is
made in regards to this information.
