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 To Take
Effexor
XR comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken once 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. If you take MAOIs you
should not take Effexor XR. If you are taking antidepressants you should be watched
closely for signs that your condition is getting worse or that you are becoming
suicidal, especially when you first start therapy, or when your dose is
increased or decreased. You should also be watched for becoming agitated,
irritable, hostile, impulsive, or restless. Such symptoms should be reported to
your doctor right away. Effexor XR may raise blood pressure in some patients,
so blood pressure should be monitored regularly. When you suddenly stop using
or quickly lower your 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.
Visit us to buy @ www.OnlineMedWorld.com