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Usage: Effexor is an antidepressant medication. It affects chemicals in your brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression. Effexor 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. Effexor is also used to relieve symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder.
Directions: Take Effexor 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 Effexor 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 Effexor 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.
Side Effects: If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Effexor 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 Effexor 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.
Precautions: Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Effexor 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 Effexor.
Drug Interactions: Do not take Effexor if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. Effexor 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 Effexor. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
If You Take Too Much: Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of a Effexor overdose include seizures, fast heartbeat, drowsiness, and confusion. Other symptoms may also occur.
Missed 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.
Storage: Store Effexor at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
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