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VENLAFAXINE SUSTAINED – RELEASE
Effexor XR Oral Uses
Venlafaxine is an antidepressant (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor type-SNRI) used in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. It works by restoring the balance of natural substances (neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine) in the brain. Venlafaxine may improve your mood, feelings of well-being, and energy level and decrease nervousness and the number of panic attacks you may have.
How to use Effexor XR OralRead the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using venlafaxine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication with food, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
Swallow the medication whole. Do not crush, break, or chew the medication, and do not dissolve it in water. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. If you have trouble swallowing this medication whole, and you are taking the capsules, you may open the capsule and sprinkle the contents onto a spoonful of applesauce. Swallow all of the mixture immediately without chewing. Drink a glass of water after each dose.
To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start taking this drug at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Do not take more or less medication or take it more frequently than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day.
It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.
This medication may cause withdrawal reactions, especially if it has been used regularly for a long time or in high doses. In such cases, withdrawal symptoms (such as nausea, vomiting, headache, numbness, tingling, nightmares) may occur if you suddenly stop using this medication. To prevent withdrawal reactions, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions immediately.
It may take several weeks to feel the full benefit of this medication. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Effexor XR Oral Warnings
Antidepressant medications are used to treat a variety of conditions, including depression and other mental/mood disorders. These medications can help prevent suicidal thoughts/attempts and provide other important benefits. However, studies have shown that a small number of people (especially people younger than 25) who take antidepressants for any condition may experience worsening depression, other mental/mood symptoms, or suicidal thoughts/attempts. Therefore, it is very important to talk with the doctor about the risks and benefits of antidepressant medication (especially for people younger than 25), even if treatment is not for a mental/mood condition.
Tell the doctor immediately if you notice worsening depression/other psychiatric conditions, unusual behavior changes (including possible suicidal thoughts/attempts), or other mental/mood changes (including new/worsening anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, hostile/angry feelings, impulsive actions, severe restlessness, very rapid speech). Be especially watchful for these symptoms when a new antidepressant is started or when the dose is changed.
PART 2
