IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

VENLAFAXINE - ORAL (ven-luh-FAX-een)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Effexor

USES: This medication is used in the treatment of depression. The extended release form of this medication is also used to treat anxiety.

HOW TO USE: Take Effexor by mouth exactly as prescribed. During the first few days your doctor may gradually increase your dose to allow your body to adjust to the medication. Take this medication with food. Do not take this more often or increase your dose without consulting your doctor. Your condition will not improve any faster but the risk of serious side effects will be increased. Do not stop taking this drug suddenly without your doctor's approval. Your dose may need to be gradually reduced to prevent adverse effects.

SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may initially cause dizziness and nausea as your body adjusts to the medication. Other side effects reported include sweating, loss of appetite, dizziness, dry mouth, anxiety, tremor, blurred vision, constipation, sleepiness, change in sexual ability. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop any of these serious effects: rapid or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, severe headache, trouble breathing, painful or difficult urination, skin rash. This medication may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or clouded thinking. Use caution operating machinery or engaging in activities requiring alertness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT EFFEXOR: Do not take Effexor if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) during the past 14 days. Serious and sometimes fatal reactions have occurred when these medicines were taken at the same time and they must not be used together with venlafaxine. You may have an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior at the start of treatment with Effexor, especially if you are 18 years of age or younger. Talk with your doctor about this risk. While you are taking Effexor you will need to be monitored for worsening symptoms of depression and/ or suicidal thoughts during the first weeks of treatment, or whenever your dose is changed. In addition to you watching for changes in your own symptoms, your family or other caregivers should be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits for at least the first 12 weeks of treatment. Contact your doctor if you have any of the following side effects, especially if they are new symptoms or if they get worse: mood changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, agitation, aggressiveness, severe restlessness, mania (mental and/ or physical hyperactivity), or thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself. It may take 4 weeks or more for you to start feeling better. Do not stop using Effexor without first talking to your doctor. You may have unpleasant side effects if you stop taking this medication suddenly.
 
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, glaucoma, any allergies. Elderly persons may be more sensitive to the effects of this medication. Use with caution. This medication should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this medication appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take especially: MAO inhibitors (e.g., tranylcypromine, phenelzine, isocarboxazid, selegiline, furazolidone), other antidepressants, cimetidine, lithium, sedatives, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine, morphine), seizure medication, certain migraine medicine (e.g., sumatriptan), medicine for weight control. It is recommended to avoid alcohol while using this medication. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE: If overdose of Effexor is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include sleepiness, irregular heartbeat, and seizures.

NOTES: Laboratory tests may be done periodically while taking this medication to monitor the effects. See your doctor regularly.

MISSED DOSE: Try to take each dose at the scheduled time. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store Effexor at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.