What is Venlafaxine ER: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Venlafaxine ER

• Follow all the doctor’s instructions.

• Please read the Medication Guide that comes with this medicine before you start taking it.

• Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you. Do not take more than prescribed.

• Extended-release tablets or capsules can be taken either in the morning or evening but take them at the same time each day.

• Take doses with food.

• Swallow the extended-release capsule or tablet whole with a drink of water. Do not crush, break, chew it, divide it, or open it.

• If you cannot swallow the capsule, open the capsule and sprinkle the contents on a spoonful of applesauce. Immediately swallow the mixture without chewing. Drink a glass of water when done. 

• Store venlafaxine ER tablets at room temperature protected from moisture and humidity.

• Store venlafaxine ER capsules at room temperature.

What to do if you miss a dose of Venlafaxine ER

• Take a missed dose as soon as it’s remembered.

• Skip the missed dose if it’s almost time for the next dose.

• Take the regular dose at its scheduled time.

• Do not take an extra dose to make up for a missed dose.

Venlafaxine ER contraindications

• This medicine is not right for everyone. 

• Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to venlafaxine or desvenlafaxine.

Venlafaxine ER warnings

• Tell any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you that you are using this medicine.

• Your doctor may do regular checkups and blood tests to see how well the treatment is working and monitor possible side effects. Keep all appointments.

• Extended-release venlafaxine tablets and capsules are not FDA-approved for use in children.

• Before starting venlafaxine ER, make sure the prescriber knows about all your medical conditions, particularly:

  • A family or personal history of bipolar disorder, depression, mania, or hypomania

  • A family or personal history of suicide

  • Kidney problems

  • Liver problems

  • Heart problems

  • High blood pressure

  • A history of stroke or similar problems

  • A history of bleeding problems

  • A history of seizures

  • Lung problems

  • Glaucoma or high eye pressure

  • A history of seizures

  • Low sodium levels

  • Diabetes

• Tell the doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to breastfeed.

• Venlafaxine can cause serious problems including:

  • Serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening side effect of taking drugs like antidepressants

  • Increased risk of bleeding

  • High blood pressure

  • Angle-closure glaucoma

  • Manic episodes

  • Seizures

  • Low sodium

  • Lung problems

  • Sexual dysfunction

• Venlafaxine increases the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, teens, and young adults. Call a doctor immediately if you notice signs of worsening depression and suicidal thoughts including:

  • Attempts to commit suicide

  • Thoughts or talk about suicide

  • New or worse depression

  • New or worse anxiety

  • Agitation

  • Panic attacks

  • Extreme increase in activity

  • Sleeplessness

  • Other unusual changes in mood or behavior

• This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or lightheaded. Do not drive or do anything else that’s risky until you know how this medicine affects you.

• Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to the doctor. Stopping venlafaxine suddenly can bring withdrawal symptoms.

Venlafaxine ER interactions

• To avoid potentially hazardous drug interactions, make sure the doctor knows about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements you are using before starting extended-release venlafaxine.

• Tell other healthcare providers you are taking venlafaxine before they prescribe new medications.

• Do not use venlafaxine and an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) together or within 14 days of each other. The combination could cause severe side effects.

• Some drugs can cause problems when taken with venlafaxine. Always tell the prescriber if you’re taking or about to take: 

  • Drugs that treat mood disorders or other mental health problems such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, antipsychotics, amphetamines, buspirone, or lithium

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen

  • Blood thinners such as warfarin

  • Blood pressure drugs

  • Drugs that make you pee (diuretics)

  • Migraine headache medications called triptans

  • Blood thinners

  • The appetite suppressant phentermine

  • The supplements St. John‘s wort or tryptophan

• Tell the doctor if you are taking any drugs that make you sleepy such as opioids, benzodiazepines, sleeping aids, or allergy medications.

• Avoid alcohol when taking venlafaxine.

Find more information about venlafaxine interactions to avoid here.