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 Venlafaxine Xr.
Allergic reactions: In rare cases, some people may develop an allergic reaction to Venlafaxine Xr. 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 Venlafaxine Xr 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 Venlafaxine Xr, stop taking Venlafaxine Xr and contact your doctor immediately.
Bleeding disorders: 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 Venlafaxine Xr may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Venlafaxine Xr, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Blood pressure: Treatment with venlafaxine has been associated with increases in blood pressure. Your doctor may monitor your blood pressure while you are taking 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 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 Venlafaxine Xr may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Venlafaxine Xr, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Cholesterol: Venlafaxine can cause higher blood cholesterol levels. If you are at risk of developing High Cholesterol or you have high cholesterol levels before starting venlafaxine, discuss with your doctor how Venlafaxine Xr may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Venlafaxine Xr, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: 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 Venlafaxine Xr affects you.
Glaucoma: Venlafaxine Xr may cause the symptoms of glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye) to become worse. If you have glaucoma, discuss with your doctor how Venlafaxine Xr may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Venlafaxine Xr, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Report any changes in vision to your doctor as soon as possible while you are taking Venlafaxine Xr.
Heart disease: If you have heart disease, discuss with your doctor how Venlafaxine Xr may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Venlafaxine Xr, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Venlafaxine may cause increased blood pressure or increased cholesterol levels.
Kidney function: Kidney Disease or reduced kidney function may cause Venlafaxine Xr to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have kidney disease or reduced kidney function, discuss with your doctor how Venlafaxine Xr may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Venlafaxine Xr, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Venlafaxine Xr to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Venlafaxine Xr may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Venlafaxine Xr, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Venlafaxine Xr.
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: Venlafaxine may cause activation of mania or hypomania. People with a history of bipolar disorder should be closely monitored by their doctor while taking Venlafaxine Xr.
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): 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 Venlafaxine Xr may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Venlafaxine Xr, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Serotonin syndrome: Venlafaxine Xr 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 Venlafaxine Xr suddenly may lead to side effects. If you are thinking of stopping Venlafaxine Xr, check with your doctor first. When stopping 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 venlafaxine during the third trimester of pregnancy may experience complications that require prolonged hospitalization. These complications normally resolve over time.
Venlafaxine Xr should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Venlafaxine Xr, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Venlafaxine Xr passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking venlafaxine, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of Venlafaxine Xr 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 Venlafaxine Xr.
