What is Effexor XR: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Effexor XR

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

• It is best to take the extended-release capsule at the same time each day (either in the morning or evening).

• Oral routeIt is best to take this medicine with food or milk.

• Swallow the extended-release capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it. Do not place the capsule in a liquid.

• Oral routeIf you cannot swallow the extended-release capsule, you may open it and pour the medicine into a small amount of soft food such as pudding, yogurt, or applesauce. Stir this mixture well and swallow it without chewing.

• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

• It is best to take the extended-release capsule at the same time each day (either in the morning or evening).

• Oral routeIf you cannot swallow the extended-release capsule, you may open it and pour the medicine into a small amount of soft food such as pudding, yogurt, or applesauce. Stir this mixture well and swallow it without chewing.

• Swallow the extended-release capsule whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it. Do not place the capsule in a liquid.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

• Oral routeIt is best to take this medicine with food or milk.

What to do if you miss a dose of Effexor XR

Effexor XR contraindications

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to venlafaxine or desvenlafaxine succinate.

Effexor XR warnings

• This medicine may cause the following problems: Serotonin syndrome (when used with certain medicines)Increased cholesterol levelsIncreased blood pressureIncreased risk of bleeding problemsLow sodium levelsInterstitial lung disease and eosinophilic pneumonia

• This medicine can increase thoughts of suicide. Tell your doctor right away if you start to feel depressed and have thoughts about hurting yourself.

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, glaucoma, heart disease, high blood pressure, or thyroid problems. Tell your doctor if you have a history of mania, seizures, heart attack, or stroke.

• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Headache, trouble concentrating, memory problems, unsteadiness

• Seizures

• Trouble sleeping, nervousness, unusual dreams

• Unusual behavior, thoughts of hurting yourself or others

• Unusual bleeding or bruising

Effexor XR interactions

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

• Do not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor within the past 14 days. Do not take an MAO inhibitor for at least 7 days after you stop this medicine.

• Some medicines can affect how venlafaxine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following: Buspirone, cimetidine, fentanyl, ketoconazole, lithium, metoprolol, mirtazapine, St John€™s wort, tramadol, or tryptophan supplementsAmphetaminesBlood thinner (including warfarin)Diuretic (water pill)Medicine for migraine headachesMedicine to lose weight (including phentermine)NSAID pain or arthritis medicine (including aspirin, celecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen)Tricyclic antidepressant

• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

• Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.