How to use Use Venlafaxine as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions. Take Venlafaxine by mouth with food. Venlaxafine works best if it is taken at the same time each day. Continue to take Venlafaxine even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. Do not suddenly stop taking Venlafaxine without checking with your doctor. Side effects may occur. They may include mental or mood changes, numbness or tingling of the skin, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, headache, increased sweating, loss of coordination or balance, nausea, ringing in the ears, seizures, tremor, trouble sleeping, or unusual tiredness. You should be closely monitored when you start Venlafaxine and whenever a change in dose is made. If you have any questions about Venlafaxine, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider. Venlafaxine is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor. Drug Interactions Venlafaxine (Effexor) is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). It works by restoring the balance of certain natural substances in the brain (serotonin and norepinephrine), which helps to improve certain mood problems. Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Venlafaxine. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following: - Certain diet medicines (eg, phentermine, fenfluramine), linezolid, lithium, MAOIs (eg, phenelzine), methylene blue, metoclopramine, nefazodone, rasagiline, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (eg, fluoxetine), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) (eg, duloxetine), serotonin 5-HT1 receptor agonists (eg, sumatriptan), sibutramine, St. John's wort, tramadol, trazodone, tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline), or tryptophan because severe side effects, such as a reaction that may include fever, rigid muscles, blood pressure changes, mental changes, confusion, irritability, agitation, delirium, and coma, may occur
- Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), aspirin, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen) because the risk of bleeding, including stomach bleeding, may be increased
- Diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide) because the risk of low blood sodium levels may be increased
- Azole antifungals (eg, ketoconazole) or cimetidine because they may increase the risk of Venlaxafine's side effects
- Cyproheptadine, because it may decrease Venlafaxine's effectiveness
- Aripiprazole, haloperidol, phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine, thioridazine), or risperidone because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Venlafaxine
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up. Storage Store in a dry place at 20-25°C (68-77°F). Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Notes The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed that the taking of this medication is safe, appropriate or effective for you. * Illustrations are for graphic purposes only and the ordered medication may differ in appearance.
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