Effexor ®
Generic Name: Venlafaxine (ven -la- FAX- een)
Drug Class: Antidepressant, Miscellaneous
Contents
Drug Uses
This medicine is used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. This medicine
may be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
General Information
This information is for educational purposes only. Not every known side effect,
adverse effect, or drug interaction is in this database. If you have questions
about your medicines, talk to your health care provider.
How it Works
This medicine inhibits the return of two chemicals (serotonin and norephinephrine)
back into nerve cells. This helps to restore balance of these chemicals which
in turn helps to improve mood and relieve depression.
How to Take It
Take this medicine with food either in the morning or evening about the same
time every day. Each capsule should be swallowed whole with water and not
divided, crushed or placed in water.
Possible Side Effects
- nervousness
- dizziness, drowsiness
- trouble sleeping
- nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite
- changes in sexual function
- dry mouth
- constipation
Warnings/Precautions
- Don’t stop taking this medicine until you have consulted with your doctor
first.
- Stopping this medicine abruptly can cause agitation, dizziness, nausea
and fatigue.
- Patients who have been taking this medicine for 6 weeks or more should
taper down their dose over a 2 week period.
- This medicine should NOT be taken with alcohol.
- It is important that you know how you react to this medicine before
driving or performing other tasks that require your full attention.
Overdose
- Seek medical attention immediately. For non emergencies, contact your
local or regional poison control center.
Drug Interactions
- Patients taking MAO inhibitors should not be take this medicine. Do
not take St. John’s Wort with this medicine.
Missed Dose
Take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next
dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double
doses.
Storage
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out
of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat
and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated
or no longer needed.
Pregnancy/Nursing
If you plan on becoming pregnant, talk with your doctor about the benefits
vs. the risks while taking this medicine. For nursing mothers, it is unknown
whether this medicine is excreted in breast milk. Talk to your doctor if you
are or plan to breast feed.
More Information
For more information, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or health care provider.
Copyright © 2004 PharmClips,
Inc. All rights reserved. Information expires March 1, 2005. Published
March 1, 2004.
This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions,
precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. This is general
information and should not in any event be construed as specific instructions
for individual patients. The publisher does not accept any responsibility
for the accuracy of the information or the consequences arising from
the application, use, or misuse of any of the information contained
herein, including any injury and/or damage to any person or property
as a matter of product liability, negligence, or otherwise. No warranty,
expressed or implied, is made in regard to the contents of this material.
The reader is advised to check with their health care provider before
making any changes in their drug regimen. |
