Effexor XR

Drug Name

Effexor XR Extended-Release Capsules are a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor that is used to cure the symptoms of depression.

How it is taken

Effexor XR can be taken by mouth with or without food. Check the label for dosage instructions or read the medication guide that accompanies the drug. The best way to use the drug is as recommended by your doctor.

You must maintain a regular dosage schedule for the drug. Do not stop taking it suddenly without consulting your doctor. Side effects like mental or mood changes, numbness or tingling of the skin, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, headache, increased sweating, loss of coordination or balance, nausea, ringing in the ears, seizures, tremor, trouble sleeping, or unusual tiredness. Start of therapy and dosage changes require constant monitoring.

Drug Class and mechanism

Effexor XR Extended-Release Capsules are a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor that works by restoring the balance of chemicals in the brain.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Effexor XR, then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Storage

Store it at room temperature (between between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in an air tight container protecting it from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture. Keep away from pets and children.

Warnings/Precautions

Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances, 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, ou have a history of seizures, heart problems (eg, heart failure, irregular heartbeat), abnormal electrocardiogram (ECG), recent heart attack, high blood pressure, 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, you are dehydrated, have low blood sodium levels, or drink alcohol, you will be having electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

You must not take if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, phenelzine), selegiline, or St. John's wort within the last 14 days, are taking a fenfluramine derivative (eg, dexfenfluramine), methylene blue, sibutramine, nefazodone, or tryptophan.

Certain drugs can interact with and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking, especially any of the following.

Certain diet medicines (eg, phentermine, fenfluramine), linezolid, lithium, MAOIs (eg, phenelzine), methylene blue, metoclopramine, nefazodone, rasagiline, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (eg, fluoxetine), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) (eg, duloxetine), serotonin 5-HT1 receptor agonists (eg, sumatriptan), sibutramine,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 it increases the risk of bleeding, including stomach bleeding.

Diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide) because it increases the risk of low blood sodium levels

Azole antifungals (eg, ketoconazole) or cimetidine because they increase the risk of experiencing side effects

Cyproheptadine because it decreases the effectiveness of the drug

Aripiprazole, haloperidol, phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine, thioridazine), or risperidone because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Effexor XR

Possible Side Effects

Some of the common side effects of are Anxiety, 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. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side effects include severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), bizarre behavior, chest pain or discomfort, confusion, decreased urination, fast or irregular heartbeat, fever, chills, or sore throat, memory problems, new or worsening agitation, panic attacks, aggressiveness, impulsiveness, irritability, hostility, restlessness, or inability to sit still, persistent or severe ringing in the ears, 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, vision problems, worsening of depression.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.