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| Prescription Effexor XR Drug Information |
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What Is It Used For? |
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Effexor XR is an antidepressant medication. It affects chemicals in your brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression. Effexor XR 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. Effexor XR is also used to relieve symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder. Effexor XR may also be used for purposes other than those listed here |
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How Is It Used? |
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Take Effexor XR exactly as directed by your doctor. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Take Effexor XR 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 Effexor XR without the approval of your doctor. |
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Are There Possible Side Effects? |
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Stop taking Effexor XR 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 Effexor XR 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. |
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Is It Safe? |
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Do not take Effexor XR 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 breastfeeding a baby. |
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What About Interactions With Other Drugs? |
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Do not take Effexor XR 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 breastfeeding a baby. |
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What If I Miss A Dose? |
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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. |
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How Should It Be Stored? |
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Store it at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.
Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children. |
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Anything Else I Should Know? |
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Effexor is an antidepressant medication. It affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression or anxiety. Effexor is used to relieve symptoms of depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and social anxiety disorder (social phobia). |
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NOTE: The above 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 the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.
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