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Effexor XR

Effexor XR

(venlafaxine)

Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) belongs to the class of antidepressant and anxiolytic medications known as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It is used to treat Depression.

Available form

Dosage

24-Hour Release Capsule

37.5MG, 75MG, 150MG

Buy Effexor XR Full drug details

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Effexor XR information

Dosage

Side Effects

Available Form

Contraindications

Precautions

Warnings

Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) should be taken once daily with food, either in the morning or in the evening. Swallow the capsules whole. Do not crush, chew, or split the capsules.

Depression: The recommended dose of Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) for people with depression is 75 mg once daily. For some people, the doctor may recommend starting with a lower dose of 37.5 mg daily for the first 4 to 7 days of treatment so they can get used to the medication. The dose can then be increased to 75 mg daily. If the expected benefit does not occur after a few weeks, your doctor may gradually increase the dose to a maximum of 225 mg daily, until improvement is seen.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): For people with GAD, the recommended starting dose of Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) is 37.5 mg once daily for 4 to 7 days. Your doctor may gradually increase the dose to a maximum of 225 mg daily, based on your response to the medication.

Social anxiety disorder (social phobia): The usual recommended starting dose of Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) is 75 mg once daily. For some people, the doctor may recommend starting with a lower dose of 37.5 mg daily for the first 4 to 7 days of treatment so they can get used to the medication. The dose can then be increased to 75 mg daily. Your doctor may gradually increase the dose based on your response to the medication, to a maximum of 225 mg daily.

Panic disorder (panic attacks): For people with panic attacks, the recommended starting dose of Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) extended release is 37.5 mg once daily for 7 days. The dose can then be increased to 75 mg daily. Your doctor may gradually increase the dose based on your response to the medication to a maximum of 225 mg daily.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important that Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) at room temperature, protect it from moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Effexor XR (Venlafaxine). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Effexor XR (Venlafaxine). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

abnormal dreams
Constipation
dizziness
drowsiness
Dry Mouth
headache
increased sweating
loss of appetite
nausea
nervousness
sweating
sexual difficulties
trouble sleeping
unusual tiredness or weakness
vomiting
weakness

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

agitation
difficulty urinating
fast heartbeat
hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that aren't there)
increased blood pressure
mood or mental changes
restlessness or inability to sit still
severe abdominal pain
signs of bleeding (e.g., unusual nosebleeds, bruising, blood in urine, coughing blood, bleeding gums, cuts that don't stop bleeding)
signs of liver damage (e.g., yellowing of the skin and eyes, abdominal pain, dark urine, clay-coloured stools, loss of appetite, or nausea and vomiting)
symptoms of Glaucoma (increased pressure in the eyes) (e.g., decreased or blurred vision, eye pain, red eye, swelling of the eye)
signs of low sodium (e.g., tiredness, weakness, confusion, achy, stiff, uncoordinated muscles)
symptoms of mania (e.g., irritability, elevated mood, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts)
unusual or sudden body or facial movements or postures

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

attempts at suicide or thoughts of suicide or self-harm
convulsions (seizures)
serotonin syndrome (symptoms include confusion, Diarrhea, Fever, poor coordination, restlessness, shivering, sweating, trembling or shaking, or twitching)
signs of an allergic reaction (e.g., difficulty breathing, Hives, swelling of the face or throat)
signs of bleeding in the stomach (e.g., bloody, black, or tarry stools; spitting up of blood; vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds)
signs of extremely high blood pressure (e.g., severe headache upon wakening that is concentrated in the back of the head and neck, fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, chest pain)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Effexor XR (Venlafaxine).

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Effexor XR (Venlafaxine).

Allergic reactions: In rare cases, some people may develop an allergic reaction to Effexor XR (Venlafaxine). Signs of an allergic reaction include a severe rash, swollen face, or difficulty breathing. If these occur, get immediate medical attention.

Behaviour changes or suicidal behaviour: Some people taking Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) experience erratic or aggressive behaviour, agitation, depressed mood, or they may have thoughts of harming themselves or others. If you experience any mood or behaviour changes, or if your friends or family observe any of these changes while you are taking Effexor XR (Venlafaxine), stop taking Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) and contact your doctor immediately.

Bleeding disorders: Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) may increase bruising and bleeding from cuts may take longer to stop. If you have a bleeding disorder or a history of bleeding problems, discuss with your doctor how Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Effexor XR (Venlafaxine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Blood pressure: Treatment with Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) has been associated with increases in blood pressure. Your doctor may monitor your blood pressure while you are taking Effexor XR (Venlafaxine). Rarely, some people may experience a large increase in blood pressure. This extremely high blood pressure can cause rapid or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, dizziness, feeling overly tired, blurred vision, and symptoms of severe headache upon awakening that is mainly in the back of the head and neck region. If any of these symptoms occur, contact your doctor immediately.

Bone health and Osteoporosis: Recent studies have shown that there may be an increased risk of bone fractures (breaks) with the use of Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) and other antidepressants. People with osteoporosis or those with risk factors for developing osteoporosis, may be more likely to experience a fracture. If you have osteoporosis or are at risk for developing osteoporosis, discuss with your doctor how Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Effexor XR (Venlafaxine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Cholesterol: Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) can cause higher blood cholesterol levels. If you are at risk of developing High Cholesterol or you have high cholesterol levels before starting Effexor XR (Venlafaxine), discuss with your doctor how Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Effexor XR (Venlafaxine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) may cause drowsiness or dizziness, affecting your ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid these and other hazardous tasks until you have determined how Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) affects you.

Glaucoma: Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) may cause the symptoms of glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye) to become worse. If you have glaucoma, discuss with your doctor how Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Effexor XR (Venlafaxine), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Report any changes in vision to your doctor as soon as possible while you are taking Effexor XR (Venlafaxine).

Heart disease: If you have heart disease, discuss with your doctor how Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Effexor XR (Venlafaxine), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) may cause increased blood pressure or increased cholesterol levels.

Kidney function: Kidney Disease or reduced kidney function may cause Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have kidney disease or reduced kidney function, discuss with your doctor how Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Effexor XR (Venlafaxine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Effexor XR (Venlafaxine), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Effexor XR (Venlafaxine).

If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.

Mania/hypomania: Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) may cause activation of mania or hypomania. People with a history of bipolar disorder should be closely monitored by their doctor while taking Effexor XR (Venlafaxine).

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) can rarely cause a potentially fatal syndrome known as neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). If you notice the symptoms of NMS such as high fever, muscle stiffness, confusion or loss of consciousness, sweating, racing or irregular heartbeat, or fainting, get immediate medical attention.

Seizures: If you have a history of seizures, discuss with your doctor how Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Effexor XR (Venlafaxine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Serotonin syndrome: Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) may cause a potentially life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome, especially when used with other medications that increase serotonin levels (e.g., Sumatriptan, Rizatriptan). If you experience symptoms of serotonin syndrome such as agitation, hallucinations, fast heart rate, fever, lack of coordination, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, get immediate medical attention.

Stopping the medication: Stopping Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) suddenly may lead to side effects. If you are thinking of stopping Effexor XR (Venlafaxine), check with your doctor first. When stopping Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) treatment after more than one week, it is recommended that the dose of the medication be reduced gradually to prevent symptoms such as anxiety, agitation, confusion, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, headache, nausea, loss of appetite, nervousness, sleep disturbances, sweating, and vomiting.

Pregnancy: Newborns whose mothers take medications such as Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) during the third trimester of pregnancy may experience complications that require prolonged hospitalization. These complications normally resolve over time.

Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Effexor XR (Venlafaxine), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Effexor XR (Venlafaxine), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) have not been established for children under 18 years old. There have been reports that using this and similar medications for children below the age of 18 may cause behavioural and emotional changes, such as suicidal thoughts and behaviour.

Seniors: Seniors may be more sensitive to the side effects of Effexor XR (Venlafaxine).

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All material © 1996-2024 MediResource Inc. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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