Effexor
XR is an antidepressant medication.
It affects chemicals in your brain
that may become unbalanced and
cause depression. Effexor XR is
most commonly used to relieve
symptoms of depression such as
feelings of sadness, worthlessness,
or guilt; loss of interest in
daily activities; changes in appetite;
tiredness; sleeping too much;
insomnia; and thoughts of death
or suicide. Effexor XR is also
used to relieve symptoms of generalized
anxiety disorder. Effexor XR may
also be used for purposes other
than those listed here
How Is It Used?
Take Effexor XR exactly
as directed by your doctor. Take each dose
with a full glass of water. Take Effexor XR
with food or milk to lessen stomach upset.
Each Effexor XR capsule should be swallowed
whole with fluid and not divided, crushed,
chewed, or dissolved. Do not stop taking Effexor
XR without the approval of your doctor.
Are There Possible
Side Effects?
Stop taking Effexor
XR and call your doctor immediately or seek
emergency medical treatment if you experience
any of the following: an allergic reaction
(difficulty breathing; closing of your throat;
swelling of your 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 drowsiness or dizziness; nausea,
vomiting, upset stomach, abdominal pain, or
loss of appetite or weight; mild tremor, anxiety,
or agitation; headache or insomnia. 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.
Is It Safe?
Do not take Effexor
XR if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor
(MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine
(Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in
the last 14 days. Before taking this medication,
tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney
disease, heart disease or high blood pressure,
or seizures or epilepsy. Do not take this
medication without first talking to your doctor
if you are pregnant or breastfeeding a baby.
What About Interactions
With Other Drugs?
Do not take Effexor
XR if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor
(MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine
(Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in
the last 14 days. Before taking this medication,
tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney
disease, heart disease or high blood pressure,
or seizures or epilepsy. Do not take this
medication without first talking to your doctor
if you are pregnant or breastfeeding a baby.
What If I Miss A
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.
How Should It Be
Stored?
Store it at room temperature
away from sunlight and moisture. Keep this
and all medications out of the reach of children.
Anything Else I Should
Know?
Effexor is an antidepressant
medication. It affects chemicals in the brain
that may become unbalanced and cause depression
or anxiety. Effexor is used to relieve symptoms
of depression, generalized anxiety disorder,
and social anxiety disorder (social phobia).
NOTE: The above
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 the use of the product is safe,
appropriate, or effective for you. Consult
your healthcare professional before taking
the product.
