Effexor XR is an antidepressant medication. It affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression or anxiety.
Effexor XR is used to relieve symptoms of depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and social anxiety disorder (social phobia).
Effexor XR may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
How to use this product
Take each dose with a full glass of water. Take Effexor XR with food or milk to lessen stomach upset. Effexor XR should be taken at the same time every day. It is important to take Effexor XR regularly to get the most benefit. 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.
Store Effexor XR at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Side effects
- If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Effexor XR and contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:
? an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
? seizures; or
? an irregular heartbeat or severely high blood pressure (blurred vision, headache).
- Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Effexor 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);
- Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Precautions
? While you are taking Effexor XR you may need to be monitored for worsening symptoms of depression and/ or suicidal thoughts at the start of therapy or when doses are changed. This concern about the increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors may be greater if you are 18 years of age or younger and are taking Effexor XR. Contact your healthcare provider if you develop any new or worsening mental health symptoms during treatment with Effexor XR. Do not stop taking Effexor.
? Do not take Effexor if you are currently taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days.
? Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
? liver disease;
? kidney disease;
? heart disease or high blood pressure;
? seizures or epilepsy;
? a history of mania or bipolar disorder;
? increased pressure in the eye(s) or narrow-angle glaucoma;
? bleeding or blood clotting problems; or
? increased level of cholesterol in the blood.
? You may not be able to take Effexor XR, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
? Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
? Effexor XR passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. Do not take Effexor XR without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Drug Interactions
Do not take Effexor XR if you are currently taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days.
Effexor XR may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including other antidepressants, anxiety medicines, antipsychotics, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any other medicine without first talking to your doctor.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Effexor XR. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.
