INDICATIONS
Effexor XR is used for treating
depression, generalized or social anxiety disorder, or panic disorder. Effexor
XR is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). It works by
restoring the balance of certain natural substances in the brain (serotonin and
norepinephrine), which helps to improve certain mood problems.
INSTRUCTIONS
Use Effexor XR as directed by your
doctor.
- Take Effexor XR by mouth with food.
- Take Effexor XR with a full glass of water (8 oz/240
mL).
- Swallow Effexor XR whole. Do not break, crush, chew, or
place in water before swallowing. If you cannot swallow the capsule whole,
you may open it and sprinkle the contents over a spoonful of applesauce.
Mix the medicine with the applesauce and swallow the mixture right away,
followed by a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine before
swallowing.
- Effexor XR works best if it is taken at the same time
each day.
- Continue to take Effexor XR even if you feel well. Do
not miss any dose.
- Do not suddenly stop taking Effexor XR without checking
with your doctor. Side effects may occur. They may include mental or mood
changes, numbness or tingling of the skin, dizziness, drowsiness,
confusion, headache, increased sweating, loss of coordination or balance,
flu-like symptoms, nausea, ringing in the ears, seizures, tremor, trouble
sleeping, or unusual tiredness.
- If you miss a dose of Effexor XR, take it as soon as
possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose
and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any
questions you may have about how to use Effexor XR.
STORAGE
Store Effexor XR at room
temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from
heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Effexor XR out of
the reach of children and away from pets.
MORE INFO:
Active Ingredient: Venlafaxine
hydrochloride.
SAFETY INFORMATION
Do NOT use Effexor XR if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Effexor XR
- you are taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase
inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, phenelzine), selegiline, or St. John's wort within
the last 14 days
- you are taking a fenfluramine derivative (eg,
dexfenfluramine), methylene blue, nefazodone, sibutramine, or tryptophan.
Contact your doctor or health care
provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Some medical conditions may interact
with Effexor XR. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical
conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or
are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription
medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other
substances
- if you or a family member has a history of bipolar
disorder (manic-depression), other mental or mood problems, suicidal
thoughts or attempts, or alcohol or substance abuse
- if you have a history of seizures, heart problems (eg,
heart failure, irregular heartbeat), abnormal electrocardiograms (ECGs), a
recent heart attack, high blood pressure, an overactive thyroid, liver
problems, lung problems, kidney problems, stomach or bowel bleeding, blood
or bleeding problems, increased eye pressure (eg, glaucoma), nervous
system problems, or metabolism problems
- if you are dehydrated, have low blood sodium levels, or
drink alcohol
- if you will be having electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
Some medicines may interact with
Effexor XR. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other
medicines, especially any of the following:
- Certain diet medicines (eg, phentermine, fenfluramine),
linezolid, lithium, MAOIs (eg, phenelzine), methylene blue,
metoclopramide, nefazodone, rasagiline, selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitors (SSRIs) (eg, fluoxetine), selegiline, serotonin 5-HT1
receptor agonists (eg, sumatriptan), sibutramine, SNRIs (eg,
duloxetine),St. John's wort, tramadol, trazodone, tricyclic
antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline), or tryptophan because severe side
effects, such as a reaction that may include fever, rigid muscles, blood
pressure changes, mental changes, confusion, irritability, agitation,
delirium, and coma, may occur
- Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), aspirin, or nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen) because the risk of
bleeding, including stomach bleeding, may be increased
- Diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide) because
the risk of low blood sodium levels may be increased
- Azole antifungals (eg, ketoconazole) or cimetidine
because they may increase the risk of Effexor XR's side effects
- Cyproheptadine because it may decrease Effexor XR's
effectiveness
- Aripiprazole, haloperidol, phenothiazines (eg,
chlorpromazine, thioridazine), or risperidone because the risk of their
side effects may be increased by Effexor XR.
This may not be a complete list of
all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Effexor XR
may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care
provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
Important
safety information:
- Effexor XR may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred
vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain
medicines. Use Effexor XR with caution. Do not drive or perform other
possible unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
- Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause
drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Effexor
XR without checking with your doctor; it may add to their effects. Ask
your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause
drowsiness.
- Several weeks may pass before your symptoms improve. Do
NOT take more than the recommended dose, or use for longer than prescribed
without checking with your doctor.
- Children, teenagers, and young adults who take Effexor
XR may be at increased risk for suicidal thoughts or actions. Watch all
patients who take Effexor XR closely. Contact the doctor at once if new,
worsened, or sudden symptoms such as depressed mood; anxious, restless, or
irritable behavior; panic attacks; or any unusual change in mood or behavior
occur. Contact the doctor right away if any signs of suicidal thoughts or
actions occur.
- Serotonin syndrome is a possibly fatal syndrome that
can be caused by Effexor XR. Your risk may be greater if you take Effexor
XR with certain other medicines (eg, "triptans," MAOIs, SSRIs).
Symptoms may include agitation; confusion; hallucinations; coma; fever;
fast or irregular heartbeat; tremor; excessive sweating; and nausea,
vomiting, or diarrhea. Contact your doctor at once if you have any of these
symptoms.
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a possibly
fatal syndrome that can be caused by Effexor XR. Symptoms may include
fever; stiff muscles; confusion; abnormal thinking; fast or irregular
heartbeat; and sweating. Contact your doctor at once if you have any of
these symptoms.
- If your doctor tells you to stop taking Effexor XR, you
will need to wait for a period of time before beginning to take certain
other medicines (eg, MAOIs, nefazodone, thioridazine). Ask your doctor
when you should start to take your new medicines after you have stopped
taking Effexor XR.
- Effexor XR may rarely cause a prolonged, painful
erection. This could happen even when you are not having sex. If this is
not treated right away, it could lead to permanent sexual problems such as
impotence. Contact your doctor right away if this happens.
- Lab tests, including blood pressure and blood
cholesterol levels, may be performed while you use Effexor XR. These tests
may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure
to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
- Use Effexor XR with caution in the elderly; they may be
more sensitive to its effects, especially low blood sodium levels.
- Caution is advised when using Effexor XR in children;
they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially increased risk of
suicidal thoughts or actions.
- Effexor XR should be used with extreme caution in
children; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
- Effexor XR may cause weight changes and growth changes.
Children and teenagers may need regular weight and growth checks while
they take Effexor XR.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding:
Effexor XR may cause harm to the fetus if it is used during the last 3 months
of pregnancy. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to
discuss the benefits and risks of using Effexor XR while you are pregnant.
Effexor XR is found in breast milk. Do not breastfeed while taking Effexor XR.
SIDE EFFECT:
All medicines may cause side
effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects.
Check with your doctor if any of
these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:
Abnormal dreams; blurred vision;
changes in taste; constipation; decreased sexual desire or ability; dizziness;
drowsiness; dry mouth; flushing; headache; increased sweating; loss of
appetite; nausea; nervousness; stomach upset; trouble sleeping; vomiting;
weakness; weight loss; yawning.
Seek medical attention right away if
any of these severe side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives;
itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth,
face, lips, or tongue); bizarre behavior; blood in the stool; chest pain or
discomfort; confusion; decreased concentration; decreased coordination;
decreased urination; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or
sore throat; hallucinations; memory problems; new or worsening aggressiveness,
agitation, anxiety, hostility, impulsiveness, inability to sit still,
irritability, panic attacks, or restlessness; persistent or severe ringing in
the ears; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; severe or
persistent anxiety, nervousness, or trouble sleeping; severe or persistent
cough; severe or persistent headache, dizziness, stomach pain, or weakness;
shortness of breath; significant weight loss; suicidal thoughts or attempts;
tremor; trouble concentrating; unsteadiness or loss of coordination; unusual
bruising or bleeding; unusual or severe mental or mood changes; unusual
weakness; vision problems; worsening of depression.
This is not a complete list of all
side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact
your health care provider.
