DRUG INFORMATION - EFFEXOR XR
Effexor XR 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.
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