Effexor (Venlafaxine)

What is Effexor?

Effexor XR (venlafaxine hydrochloride) is an antidepressant medicine. It belongs to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin - norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSNRIs).

What is Effexor used for?

Effexor XR is indicated for the treatment of depression, panic disorders and anxiety. It improves energy levels and decreases nervousness.

How does Effexor work?

Effexor XR works by restoring the balance of natural substances in the brain. Natural substances include neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine.

How to use Effexor

Effexor XR should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

The drug is usually taken once daily, with a full glass of water. It should be taken with food. Do not break, crush or chew the medicine. Swallow it. Remember to take the medicine at the same time each day.

If you have trouble swallowing the medicine, you can sprinkle the medicine onto a spoonful of applesauce. Take the mixture right away. Drink a full glass of water after each dose.

Effexor warnings and precautions

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to venlafaxine or if you have taken MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitor) such as phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), isocarboxazid (Marplan), selegiline (Eldepryl), or rasagiline (Azilect) in the last 14 days.

Prior to taking Effexor XR, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, bipolar disorder (manic depression), epilepsy, cirrhosis or other liver disease, high cholesterol, glaucoma, high blood pressure, or a blood clotting disorder.

Do not give Effexor XR to children below 18 years of age. Avoid drinking alcohol while using Effexor XR.

Pregnant and lactating women should not use this drug without consulting their doctors.

What do I do if I have missed a Effexor dose?

If you have missed your Effexor XR dose, you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Effexor overdose?

If you have taken an Effexor XR overdose, you should seek emergency medical attention.

Effexor interactions

Before taking Effexor XR, consult your doctor if you are taking drugs like warfarin (Coumadin), tryptophan (also known as L-tryptophan), cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB), risperidone (Risperdal) or haloperidol (Haldol), ketoconazole (Nizoral); rizatriptan (Maxalt), frovatriptan (Frova), zolmitriptan (Zomig), almotriptan (Axert), naratriptan (Amerge), sumatriptan (Imitrex); non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), etodolac (Lodine), diclofenac (Voltaren), piroxicam (Feldene), indomethacin, nabumetone (Relafen), or aspirin; or antidepressants such as amoxapine (Ascendin), amitriptyline (Elavil), citalopram (Celexa), trimipramine (Surmontil), desipramine (Norpramin), sertraline (Zoloft), clomipramine (Anafranil), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluvoxamine (Luvox), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), protriptyline (Vivactil), or imipramine (Tofranil). Such drugs can interact with Effexor XR.

Prior to taking Effe

Effexor side effects

Effexor XR side effects include hives, panic attacks, anxiety, sleep trouble, mood or behavior changes, mental or physical hyperactivity, aggressiveness, agitation, restlessness, depression, breathing difficulty, swelling of face, tongue, lips or throat and other allergic reactions. If you get any of these side effects after using Effexor XR, stop taking the medicine and contact your doctor.

Increased blood pressure, sweating, bruising, bleeding, high fever, severe headache, fast or uneven heartbeats, severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash, blurred vision, stiff muscles, overactive reflexes, nausea, vomiting, tremors, vomiting, concentration problem, shallow breathing, loss of appetite, memory problems, loss of coordination, weakness, fainting, diarrhea, confusion, seizure, or hallucinations are also side effects from Effexor XR.

Mild nausea, dizziness, blurred vision, drowsiness, changes in weight, increased appetite, constipation, dry mouth, nervou