EffexorŽ
Important Note:
The following 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 use of Effexor
safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare
professional before using Effexor.
Effexor Uses:
Effexor is used in the treatment of depression. The extended release
form of Effexor is also used to treat anxiety.
How to Use Effexor:
Take Effexor by mouth exactly as prescribed. During the first few
days your doctor may gradually increase your dose to allow your body to
adjust to Effexor. Take Effexor with food. Do not take this
more often or increase your dose without consulting your doctor. Your
condition will not improve any faster but the risk of serious side effects
will be increased. Do not stop taking Effexor suddenly without your
doctor's approval. Your dose may need to be gradually reduced to prevent
adverse effects.
Effexor Side Effects:
Effexor may initially cause dizziness and nausea as your body
adjusts to the medication. Other side effects reported include sweating,
loss of appetite, dizziness, dry mouth, anxiety, tremor, blurred vision,
constipation, sleepiness, change in sexual ability. If any of these effects
continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you
develop any of these serious effects: rapid or irregular heartbeat, chest
pain, severe headache, trouble breathing, painful or difficult urination,
skin rash. Effexor may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or clouded
thinking. Use caution operating machinery or engaging in activities
requiring alertness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact
your doctor or pharmacist.
Effexor Precautions:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver
disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, glaucoma, any allergies.
Elderly persons may be more sensitive to the effects of Effexor. Use
with caution. Effexor should be used only if clearly needed during
pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known
if Effexor appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before
breast-feeding.
Efexor Drug Interactions:
Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may
take especially: MAO inhibitors (e.g., tranylcypromine, phenelzine,
isocarboxazid, selegiline, furazolidone), other antidepressants, cimetidine,
lithium, sedatives, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine, morphine),
seizure medication, certain migraine medicine (e.g., sumatriptan), medicine
for weight control. It is recommended to avoid alcohol while using Effexor. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist
approval.
Effexor Overdose:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or
emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include sleepiness,
irregular heartbeat, and seizures.
Effexor Notes:
Laboratory tests may be done periodically while taking Effexor to
monitor the effects. See your doctor regularly.
Missed Dose:
Try to take each dose at the scheduled time. If you miss a dose, take it as
soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose,
instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not
"double-up" the dose to catch up.
Effexor Storage:
Store Effexor at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F
(between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the
bathroom. Keep Effexor and all medications out of the reach of children.
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