Important Note before you buy this depression medication
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 the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
Uses
Effexor is used in the treatment of depression. The extended release
form of this medication is also used to treat anxiety.
How to Use Effexor
Take this depression medication by mouth exactly as prescribed.
During the first few days your doctor may gradually increase your
dose to allow your body to adjust to the medication. Take this medication
with food. Do not take this depression medicine 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 this drug suddenly without your doctor's
approval. Your dose may need to be gradually reduced to prevent
adverse effects.
Effexor Side Effects
This depression and anxiety medication 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. This medication 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.
Precautions for this depression medicine
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 this medication. Use with caution. This medication should be
used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks
and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this medication
appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
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 this medication. Do not start or stop
any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
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 this medication
to monitor the effects. See your doctor regularly.
Missed Dose
Try to take each dose of the Effexor depression medication 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.
Storage
Store this medication 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 this and all medications out of the
reach of children.
