Taking Effexor XR

The Generic Name for Effexor XR is venlafaxine (oral) (ven la FAK seen).
It is sold under the brand names: Effexor XR

Doctors perscribe Effexor XR for depression.

How Effexor XR is Taken

Effexor XR comes as a capsule to orally. Take it once a day and with food. Each capsule should be swallowed whole with fluid and not divided, crushed, chewed, or placed in water, or it may be administered by carefully opening the capsule and sprinkling the entire contents on a spoonful of applesauce. This drug/food mixture should be swallowed immediately without chewing and followed with a glass of water to ensure complete swallowing of the pellets.

Warnings/Precautions about Effexor XR

Before starting Effexor XR, you should tell your doctor about any medicines you're taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements. If you take MAOIs you should not take Effexor XR. If you are taking antidepressants you should especially tell your doctor! You could be becoming suicidal, especially when you first start therapy, or when your dose is increased or decreased. You should also be watched for becoming agitated, irritable, hostile, impulsive, or restless. Such symptoms should be reported to your doctor right away. Effexor XR may raise blood pressure in some patients. When you suddenly stop using or quickly lower your daily dose of Effexor XR, discontinuation symptoms may occur. Talk to your doctor before discontinuing or reducing your dose of Effexor XR. Pregnant or nursing women shouldn't take any antidepressant without consulting their doctor. Until you see how Effexor XR affects you, be careful doing such activities as driving a car or operating machinery. Stay away from alcohol while taking Effexor XR.

Missed a Dose of Effexor XR

Take the missed dose of Effexor XR as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next one as directed. Whatever you do, don't take a double dose of this medication.

Possible Side Effects of Effexor XR

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Effexor XR right away and contact your doctor or seek emergency medical treatment:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing
• closing of the throat
• swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
• seizures
• an irregular heartbeat or severely high blood pressure (blurred vision, headache).

Continue to take Effexor XR and talk to your doctor if you experience nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, abdominal pain, or loss of appetite or weight; dry mouth; drowsiness or dizziness; mild tremor, anxiety, or agitation; insomnia; abnormal dreams; sexual problems such as impotence, abnormal ejaculation, difficulty reaching orgasm, or decreased libido; sweating; yawning; or increase in blood cholesterol levels (detected by blood tests); Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Storage of Effexor XR

Store Effexor XR at normal, usual room temperature (68F to 77F or 20C to 25C). Keep Effexor XR away from children.

Overdose on Effexor XR

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected. Symptoms of an Effexor XR overdose have shown to include dizziness, drowsiness, numbness, nausea, irregular heartbeats, seizures, and unconsciousness.

More Information on Effexor XR

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities since Effexor XR may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion. So take it easy on the booze!

Do not stop taking Effexor XR without first talking to your doctor. Your doctor may need to gradually reduce the dose before stopping the medication completely. Stopping the medication suddenly may cause unpleasant side effects to occur.

Some common misspellings and typos for Effexor include: efexor, effexol, efexol, effexer, iffexor, effexur, efexur, effxor, effeor, effexur, effexr, 3f3xor, effexro, effeoxr, effxeor, efefxor and fefexor.

Disclaimer on Effexor XR

This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not at all intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all and any responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.