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Effexor XR
Drug Uses
Effexor XR is a potent inhibitor of the reuptake of
serotonin and norepinephrine-two neurotransmitters thought
to play important roles in the pathophysiology of depression.
Correcting the imbalance of these two chemicals may
help relieve symptoms of depression.
How Taken
Effexor XR comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is
usually taken two or three times a day and should be
taken with food. Each capsule should be swallowed whole
with fluid and not divided, crushed, chewed, or placed
in water, or it may be administered by carefully opening
the capsule and sprinkling the entire contents on a
spoonful of applesauce. This drug/food mixture should
be swallowed immediately without chewing and followed
with a glass of water to ensure complete swallowing
of the pellets. Warnings/Precautions
Before starting Effexor XR, tell your doctor about any
medicines you're taking, including over-the-counter
drugs and herbal supplements. People taking MAOIs should
not take Effexor XR. Patients taking antidepressants
should be watched closely for signs that their condition
is getting worse or that they are becoming suicidal,
especially when they first start therapy, or when their
dose is increased or decreased. Patients should also
be watched for becoming agitated, irritable, hostile,
impulsive, or restless. Such symptoms should be reported
to the patient?s doctor right away. Effexor XR may raise
blood pressure in some patients, so blood pressure should
be monitored regularly. When people suddenly stop using
or quickly lower their daily dose of Effexor XR, discontinuation
symptoms may occur. Talk to your doctor before discontinuing
or reducing your dose of Effexor XR. Pregnant or nursing
women shouldn?t take any antidepressant without consulting
their doctor. Until you see how Effexor XR affects you,
be careful doing such activities as driving a car or
operating machinery. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking
Effexor XR. Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However,
if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed
dose and take only the next one as directed. Do not
take a double dose of this medication. Possible 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 XR 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. Storage
Store Effexor XR at room temperature (68F to 77F or
20C to 25C). Keep Effexor XR away from children. Overdose
Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
Symptoms of an Effexor XR overdose may include dizziness,
drowsiness, numbness, nausea, irregular heartbeats,
seizures, and unconsciousness. More Information
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing
other hazardous activities. Effexor XR may cause dizziness
or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness,
avoid these activities. Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol
may increase drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion 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. Disclaimer
This drug information is for your information purposes
only, it is not intended that this information covers
all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions,
or adverse effects of your medication. This is only
general information, and should not be relied on for
any purpose. It should not be construed as containing
specific instructions for any particular patient. We
disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability
of this information, and/or any consequences arising
from the use of this information, including damage or
adverse consequences to persons or property, however
such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either
expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.
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