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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
this medication 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.
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
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 this
medication 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.
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