Effexor xr

Description

Venlafaxine (Effexor)

What it’s used for

Venlafaxine is an antidepressant that helps treat:

• Depression
• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• Panic disorder

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Before taking

Tell your doctor if you have:

• Eating disorders (like anorexia) or major weight loss
• Glaucoma
• High blood pressure, heart disease, or recent heart attack
• High cholesterol
• Kidney or liver problems
• Bipolar disorder or mania
• Seizures
• Suicidal thoughts or past suicide attempt
• Thyroid problems
• Allergies to venlafaxine or other drugs
• Pregnancy or if you are breastfeeding

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How to take it

• Take by mouth with food and a full glass of water.
• Swallow whole — do not cut, crush, or chew.
• Take at the same time each day.
• Do not stop suddenly without your doctor’s advice.
• Not usually recommended for children, unless prescribed by a specialist.

⚠️ In case of overdose, call emergency services or poison control right away.

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Missed dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it’s almost time for your next one, skip the missed dose. Do not double up.

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Drug interactions

Do not take venlafaxine with:

• MAO inhibitors (Nardil, Parnate, Marplan, etc.)
• Duloxetine
• Nefazodone
• Appetite/weight-control drugs
• St. John’s wort or tryptophan

It may also interact with:

• Migraine medications (triptans)
• Other antidepressants or antipsychotics
• Blood thinners (warfarin, enoxaparin)
• NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) or aspirin
• Heart rhythm or blood pressure medications
• Tramadol, ritonavir, clozapine, cimetidine, linezolid
• Herbal products (St. John’s wort, kava, valerian)

👉 Always give your doctor a full list of medicines, vitamins, and supplements you take.

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What to watch for

• It may take about 4 weeks before you feel better.
• Do not stop suddenly — taper slowly with your doctor’s guidance.
• Watch for mood changes: worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, or sudden mood swings.
• Can raise blood pressure and heart rate.
• May cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision — use caution when driving or operating machines.
• Avoid alcohol (increases drowsiness and dizziness).
• Dry mouth is common — drink water, chew sugarless gum, or use lozenges.

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Possible side effects

Seek medical help right away if you notice:

• Allergic reaction (rash, swelling, trouble breathing)
• Vision changes
• Hallucinations or confusion
• Seizures
• Suicidal thoughts or severe mood changes
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Trouble urinating

Common side effects (usually mild):

• Nausea, constipation, loss of appetite
• Tremors, sweating
• Changes in sex drive
• Weight loss

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Storage

• Store at 20–25°C (68–77°F) in a dry place.
• Keep away from children and pets.
• Do not use past the expiration date.

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⚠️ Disclaimer: This is general information, not a substitute for medical advice. Always follow your doctor’s directions and consult them with any concerns.