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Effexor information for you

Posted by R.Anne on November 4, 2000, at 17:04:52

In reply to I GOT THE SHAKES!!!!!, posted by janine on November 4, 2000, at 11:16:56

Here is some information on Effexor from http://www.drkoop.com and you can get more information there if you wish.

venlafaxine (oral)

Pronunciation: ven la FAX een
Brand: Effexor, Effexor XR

What is the most important information I should know about venlafaxine?
• 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.
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Venlafaxine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
• 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.


What is venlafaxine?
• Venlafaxine is an antidepressant medication. It affects chemicals in your brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression.
• Venlafaxine is 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 in this medication guide.


Who should not take venlafaxine?
• 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.
• You may not be able to take venlafaxine, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
• Venlafaxine is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether venlafaxine will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
• Venlafaxine passes into breast milk and it is not known if it will affect a nursing baby. Do not take venlafaxine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.


How should I take venlafaxine?
• Take venlafaxine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain the instructions to you.
• 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 placed in water.
• Do not stop taking venlafaxine without the approval of your doctor. It may be 4 weeks or more before you begin to feel better, and you may require continuous treatment for quite some time. Talk to your doctor before you stop taking this medication.
• Store venlafaxine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.


What happens if I miss a 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.


What happens if I overdose?
• Seek emergency medical attention.
• Symptoms of a venlafaxine overdose include seizures, fast heartbeat, drowsiness, and confusion. Other symptoms may also occur.


What should I avoid while taking venlafaxine?
• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Venlafaxine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
• Avoid the use of alcohol. Alcohol may increase drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion while you are taking venlafaxine.


What are the possible side effects of venlafaxine?
• If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking venlafaxine and call your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment:
· 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;
· insomnia;
· dry mouth;
· abnormal ejaculation;
· sweating;
· blurred vision; or
· yawning.
• 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.


What other drugs will affect venlafaxine?
• 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.


Where can I get more information?
• Your pharmacist has additional information about venlafaxine written for health professionals that you may read.


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poster:R.Anne thread:48187
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20001102/msgs/48205.html