Why is Effexor prescribed?

Effexor is prescribed for the treatment of depression—that is, a continuing depression that interferes with daily functioning. The symptoms usually include changes in appetite, sleep habits, and mind/body coordination, decreased sex drive, increased fatigue, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, difficulty concentrating, slowed thinking, and suicidal thoughts.

Effexor XR is also prescribed to relieve abnormal anxiety (generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder). Generalized anxiety disorder is marked by persistent anxiety for a period of at least 6 months, accompanied by at least 3 of these 6 symptoms: restlessness, fatigue, poor concentration, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances.

Social anxiety disorder is marked by a persistent fear (avoidance, anxiousness, or distress) of social situations, exposure to unfamiliar people, or possible scrutiny by others. Social anxiety is considered abnormal if it causes someone to alter an otherwise normal routine or interferes with daily functioning. The disorder can also cause panic attacks.

Effexor must be taken 2 or 3 times daily. The extended-release form, Effexor XR, permits once-a-day dosing.

How should this medicine be used?

Venlafaxine comes as a tablet or extended-release capsule to take by mouth. The tablet is usually taken two or three times a day with food. The extended-release capsule is usually taken once daily in the morning or evening with food. Take venlafaxine at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take venlafaxine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often or for a longer period of time than prescribed by your doctor.

Swallow the extended-release capsule whole; do not split, chew, or crush it, or place it in water. If you cannot swallow the extended-release capsule, you may carefully open the capsule and sprinkle the entire contents on a spoonful of applesauce. Swallow (without chewing) this mixture immediately after preparation and then drink a glass of water to make sure that you have swallowed all of the medication.

Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of venlafaxine and gradually increase your dose, not more often than once every 4 to 7 days. Tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment so that your doctor can adjust your dose properly.

Venlafaxine controls depression but does not cure it. It may take 6 to 8 weeks or longer for you to feel the full benefit of this medication. Continue to take venlafaxine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking venlafaxine without talking to your doctor. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually. If you suddenly stop taking venlafaxine, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as agitation; anxiety; confusion; sad mood; irritability; frenzied or abnormal excitement; lack of coordination; trouble falling asleep or staying asleep; nightmares; nausea; vomiting; loss of appetite; diarrhea; dry mouth; sweating; ringing in the ears; seizures; or burning, tingling, numbness, or electric shock-like feelings in any part of the body. Tell your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms while you are decreasing your dose of venlafaxine or soon after you stop taking venlafaxine.

How should you take Effexor?

Take Effexor with food, exactly as prescribed. It may take several weeks before you begin to feel better. Your doctor should check your progress periodically.

Take Effexor XR once at the same time each day. Swallow the capsule whole with water. Do not divide, crush, or chew it. However, if you have trouble swallowing pills, you may take Effexor XR by carefully opening the capsule and sprinkling the entire contents on a spoonful of applesauce, followed by a glass of water.

• If you miss a dose...
  It is not necessary to make it up. Skip the missed dose and continue with your next scheduled dose. Do not take 2 doses at once.

• Storage instructions...
  Store in a tightly closed container at room temperature. Protect from excessive heat and moisture.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Venlafaxine may cause side effects. Call your doctor if any of the following symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• drowsiness
• weakness or tiredness
• dizziness
• headache
• nightmares
• nausea
• vomiting
• stomach pain
• constipation
• diarrhea
• gas
• heartburn
• burping
• dry mouth
• change in ability to taste food
• loss of appetite
• weight loss
• uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
• pain, burning, numbness, or tingling in part of the body
• muscle tightness
• twitching
• yawning
• sweating
• hot flashes or flushing
• frequent urination
• difficulty urinating
• sore throat, chills, or other signs of infection
• ringing in the ears
• changes in sexual desire or ability
• enlarged pupils (black circles in the middle of the eyes)

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately:

• rash
• hives
• itching
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• chest pain
• fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
• seizures
• unusual bruising or bleeding
• small purple spots on the skin
• eye pain or redness
• changes in vision
• fever, sweating, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, and severe muscle stiffness
• fever
• problems with coordination
• hallucinations (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist)
• coma (loss of consciousness for a period of time)

Venlafaxine may slow growth and weight gain in children. If your child is taking venlafaxine, your child's doctor will watch your child's growth carefully. Talk to your child's doctor about the risks of giving venlafaxine to your child.

Venlafaxine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

• dizziness
• nausea
• vomiting
• burning, tingling, or numbness of the hands and feet
• increased size of the pupil (black center of the eye)
• muscle pain
• hot and cold spells
• sleepiness
• seizures
• fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
• coma (loss of consciousness for a period of time)