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Venlafaxine
Brand Name: Effexor XR

The following product information is not intended to replace the physician's or manufacturer's instructions.

Most Common Medical Uses
Venlafaxine is an antidepressant medication. It affects chemicals in your brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression. Venlafaxine is most commonly used to relieve symptoms of depression such as feelings of sadness, worthlessness, or guilt; loss of interest in daily activities; changes in appetite; tiredness; sleeping too much; insomnia; and thoughts of death or suicide. Venlafaxine is also used to relieve symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. Venlafaxine may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.

How to Take This Medication
Take venlafaxine exactly as directed by your doctor. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Take venlafaxine with food or milk to lessen stomach upset. Each Effexor XR capsule should be swallowed whole with fluid and not divided, crushed, chewed, or dissolved. Do not stop taking venlafaxine without the approval of your doctor.

Possible Side Effects
Stop taking venlafaxine and call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment if you experience any of the following: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your 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 venlafaxine and talk to your doctor if you experience drowsiness or dizziness; nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, abdominal pain, or loss of appetite or weight; mild tremor, anxiety, or agitation; headache or insomnia. 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
Do not take venlafaxine if you 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 or kidney disease, heart disease or high blood pressure, or seizures or epilepsy. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding a baby.

Drug Interactions
Do not take venlafaxine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. Venlafaxine may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including other antidepressants, antipsychotics, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine unless your doctor approves. Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with venlafaxine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

Storage
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.

Notes
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Venlafaxine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion while you are taking venlafaxine. Do not stop taking this medication without the approval of your doctor. Do not share this medication with others.