Effexor (venlafaxine hydrochloride) is an antidepressant that is used for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), anxiety and panic disorder that are interfering with an individual’s daily activities. The symptoms of depression include things such as: changes in appetite, sleep, and mind and body coordination; lessened sex drive; feelings of worthlessness or guilt; inability to concentrate; suicidal thoughts; and slowed thinking. It is not approved for use in children or adolescents.http://www.pdrhealth.com/drugs/rx/rx-mono.aspx?contentFileName=Eff1153.html&contentName=Effexor&contentId=1

Effexor is an antidepressant (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI)) used in the treatment of anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. It works by restoring the balance of chemicals like serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Effexor may improve your mood, feelings of well-being, and energy level and decrease nervousness and the number of panic attacks you may have. http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-4896-Effexor+XR+Oral.aspx?drugid=4896&drugname=Effexor+XR+Oral

Antidepressants are used to treat depression and other mental or mood disorders. They can help prevent suicidal thoughts and have other important benefits. Individuals younger than 25, have been shown to experience worsening depression, suicidal thoughts/attempts, and other mental/mood symptoms. It is very important for everyone (especially those under 25) to discuss the benefits and risks of taking Effexor even if is for some other condition.http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-4896-Effexor+XR+Oral.aspx?drugid=4896&drugname=Effexor+XR+Oral

Be sure to call your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following: “worsening depression/other psychiatric conditions, unusual behavior changes (including possible suicidal thoughts/attempts), or other mental/mood changes (including new/worsening anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, hostile/angry feelings, impulsive actions, severe restlessness, very rapid speech). Be especially watchful for these symptoms when a new antidepressant is started or when the dose is changed.”http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-4896-Effexor+XR+Oral.aspx?drugid=4896&drugname=Effexor+XR+Oral

Cautions and Warnings

Be sure to read all the information that comes with your prescription. If it is not included ask your pharmacist for it.

Because antidepressants are known to increase suicidal thinking and behavior in children and teens, it is important to watch for any changes in moods or actions, especially when beginning treatment or when dosages are changed. Adults should also be watched for these changes. If symptoms appear or get worse the doctor should be contacted immediately. Signs to watch for are hostility, insomnia, impulsive or dangerous behavior, anxiety, restlessness, or thoughts about suicide or dying.

Be sure to let your doctor know if you are taking any medications, over-the-counter drugs, or herbal drugs, such as:

1. narcotic painkillers
2. sleep aids
3. phentermine
4. tranquilizers
5. antipsychotic medicines
6. other antidepressants (fluoxetine, paroxetine)

Be sure to let your doctor know if you have:

1. high blood pressure
2. heart, liver of kidney disease (If you have high blood pressure or liver disease, or are elderly, check with your doctor before combining Effexor with cimetidine.)
3. seizures or mania
4. glaucoma
5. overactive thyroid

Effexor may cause drowsiness. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how the medication affects you.

Avoid alcohol while taking this medication.

Effexor should only be taken during pregnancy if it is necessary. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant discuss this with your doctor. Effexor can cause the baby to have withdrawal symptoms if it is taken near the birth of the baby.

Do not breastfeed when taking Effexor because it transfers in breast milk and could cause serious side effects in the infant. You will have to choose between breastfeeding or continuing your medication.

Effexor has been found to reduce blood levels of the HIV drug indinavir.http://www.pdrhealth.com/drugs/rx/rx-mono.aspx?contentFileName=Eff1153.html&contentName=Effexor&contentId=1

Warning Effexor Drug Interactions

Effexor should never be combined with MAOIs such as the antidepressants phenelzine and tranylcypromine as this could cause a fatal reaction.http://www.pdrhealth.com/drugs/rx/rx-mono.aspx?contentFileName=Eff1153.html&contentName=Effexor&contentId=1

This medication may rarely cause a very serious condition called serotonin syndrome. The risk increases when this medication is used with certain other drugs such as:

1. sumatriptan, eletriptan (for migraine headaches) (e.g. Imitrex)
2. citalopram, paroxetine (SSRIs) (e.g. Paxil)
3. duloxetine (SNRIs)(e.g. Cymbalta)
4. lithium (e.g Eskalith)
5. Tramadol (e.g. Ultram)
6. tryptophan (L-tryptophan)
7. sibutramine (Miridia)

Seek emergency care if you have any of these symptoms: fainting, restlessness, hallucinations, fast heartbeat, loss of coordination, unexplained fever, severe dizziness, severe nausea/diarrhea/vomiting, or twitchy muscles.http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-4896-Effexor+XR+Oral.aspx?drugid=4896&drugname=Effexor+XR+Oral

Effexor comes in tablets of 25, 37.5, 50, 75, 100 mgs. Effexor XR comes in capsules of 37.5, 75, and 150 mgs.http://www.drugs.com/effexor.html

The initial starting dosage for adults is usually 75 mg/day split into two or three smaller doses. The maximum daily dosage is 375 mg/day. If you have kidney or liver disease, or are taking other medications, dosage will be adjusted by your physician based on your medical condition and reaction.

1. Take Effexor with food.
2. If you miss a dose skip it and continue on with your next scheduled dose.
3. Do not take two doses at once.
4. Store Effexor at room temperature and keep away from heat and moisture.
5. Keep away from children and pets.http://www.pdrhealth.com/drugs/rx/rx-mono.aspx?contentFileName=Eff1153.html&contentName=Effexor&contentId=1
6. Always swallow the medication whole. Crushing, breaking or chewing the medication could cause too much to go into your system at one time and increases the risk of side effects. If you cannot swallow the capsule you can open it up and put the contents on a teaspoon of applesauce and swallow it. Do not chew and be sure to drink a glass of water with your dosage.
7. To reduce side effects the doctor may start you on a low dosage and gradually increase it. Follow instructions and do not take more than prescribed or more often than prescribed. You will not get any better any faster and your risk of side effects is increased.
8. Be sure to take your medication regularly at the same time each day for the best effect.
9. Do not share this medication with others, it is against the law.
10. Do not stop taking this medication even if you feel well. Stopping it suddenly could cause your condition to worsen. Ease off Effexor gradually.
11. Withdrawals can occur when suddenly stopping this medication, especially if you have used it for a long time or have been taking a high dosage.
12. Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headache, numbness, tingling, flu-like symptoms, and nightmares may occur.http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-4896-Effexor+XR+Oral.aspx?drugid=4896&drugname=Effexor+XR+Oral

It may take several weeks before you notice the full effect of Effexor. Your doctor should check your progress during that time.

Common side effects: insomnia, yawning, tiredness, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss, dry mouth, constipation, drowsiness, weakness, sweating, or nervousness. If these symptoms continue or get worse call your doctor promptly.

Serious allergic reactions to Effexor seldom occur, however they need immediate medical attention. Allergic symptoms are:

1. severe dizziness
2. trouble breathing
3. swelling of the face, tongue or throat
4. hives

Notify your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:

1. severe/pounding headache
2. unusual or severe mood/mental changes (e.g. extreme anxiety, unusual high energy, suicidal ideation)
3. tremor
4. lessened interest in sex or changes in sexual ability
5. difficulty urinating or change in amount of urine

Notify your doctor if any of these rare but serious side effects occur:

1. abdominal/stomach pain
2. chest pain
3. continuing cough
4. shortness of breath
5. black/bloody/tarry stools
6. vomit that looks like coffee grounds
7. muscle weakness/cramps
8. yellowing eyes or skin
9. easy bleeding/bruising
10. dark urine
11. unusual tiredness
12. seizures
13. irregular/pounding/fast heartbeat

The empty tablet shell may appear in your stool, but this is harmless because you have already absorbed the medication.

Effexor can cause your blood pressure to increase and it should be checked regularly while taking this medication.

Males can experience a prolonged or painful erection that lasts over 4 hours. Stop the medication and seek immediate medical attention or it could cause permanent problems.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-4896-Effexor+XR+Oral.aspx?drugid=4896&drugname=Effexor+XR+Oral Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may also report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Be sure to tell your doctor if you have a personal or family history of psychiatric disorders, suicide attempts, bleeding problems, glaucoma, high blood pressure, dehydration, heart problems, kidney or liver disease, high cholesterol, history of stroke, seizure disorder, thyroid problems or hypoatremia.

Effexor XR can cause a condition that affects heart rhythm (QT prolongation). It can cause serious irregular/fast heartbeat or other symptoms such as severe dizziness or fainting that require immediate medical attention. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking drugs that affect the heart rhythm or if you or your family has a history of heart problems. Low potassium or magnesium levels in the blood can also increase your risk for QT prolongation. Many drugs besides Effexor XR may affect the heart rhythm (QT prolongation), including amiodarone, procainamide, quinidine, dofetilide, pimozide, sotalol, macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin), and thioridazine.

The elderly may be more sensitive to the effects of Effexor XR, especially if they are taking a diuretic. It may cause hypoatremia.

Using Effexor XR in children may affect their growth rate, weight and final height.

In addition to all the other drug interactions listed in Step 1, when taking Effexor XR be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking antipsychotic drugs, HiV medications, tricyclic antidepressants, drugs that can cause bleeding, blood thinners, or NSAIDs. Also let the doctor know if you are taking St. John’s wort, or street drugs such as Ecstacy or amphetamines.

Other drugs can cause drowsiness. Tell your doctor if you are taking antihistamines, anti-seizure drugs, sleep medication or anxiety medications, muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers, or psychiatric medications.http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-4896-Effexor+XR+Oral.aspx?drugid=4896&drugname=Effexor+XR+Oral

The content on this page is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Speak with a qualified heath care professional to ensure that you have the most accurate information regarding any medications.