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Venlafaxine tablets
What do venlafaxine tablets do?
VENLAFAXINE (Effexor(R)) is an antidepressant, a medicine that helps to lift mental depression. Venlafaxine can help patients whose depression has not responded to other medications. Venlafaxine is also effective for the treatment of anxiety or other nervous conditions. Occasionally it is prescribed for other purposes. Generic venlafaxine tablets are not yet available.
What should my health care professional know before I take venlafaxine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
How should I take this medicine?
Take venlafaxine tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take venlafaxine tablets with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking the tablets except on your prescriber's advice.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is less than two hours to your next dose, take only that dose and skip the missed dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What other medicines can interact with venlafaxine?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking venlafaxine?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
Rare or uncommon:
More common:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
What do I need to watch for while I take venlafaxine?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You may have to take venlafaxine for 4 weeks before you feel better. If you have been taking venlafaxine for some time, do not suddenly stop taking it. You must gradually reduce the dose to avoid side effects. Ask your prescriber or health care professional for advice.
Venlafaxine can cause an increase in blood pressure. Check with your prescriber or health care professional; you may be able to measure your own blood pressure and pulse. Find out what your blood pressure and heart rate should be and when you should contact him or her.
You may get drowsy, dizzy or have blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how venlafaxine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may increase dizziness or drowsiness; avoid alcoholic drinks.
Venlafaxine can make your mouth dry. Chewing sugarless gum, sucking hard candy and drinking plenty of water will help.
Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or allergies without asking your prescriber or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients may increase possible side effects.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking venlafaxine.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at a controlled temperature between 20 degrees and 25 degreesC (68 degrees and 77 degreesF), in a dry place. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
NOTE: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have questions about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.