Effexor (Venlafaxine)

• The dosage of Effexor is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Your healthcare provider may direct you to start the medication at a low dose and gradually increase it to reduce the risk of side effects. Follow their instructions carefully.
• Effexor should be taken by mouth, usually once daily with food, either in the morning or evening. The medication should be swallowed whole without crushing, chewing, or dissolving it. If you have trouble swallowing the capsules whole, you may open the capsule and sprinkle the contents onto a spoonful of applesauce, then swallow the mixture right away without chewing, followed by a glass of water.
• Take Effexor regularly to get the most benefit from it. It may take several weeks to feel the benefit of this medication. Keep taking it even if you feel well, and do not stop taking it without consulting your healthcare provider. Some conditions may become worse when this drug is suddenly stopped.Side Effects

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Tiredness
• Ringing in your ears
• Feeling anxious, nervous, or jittery
• Sleep problems and unusual dreams
• Tremors
• Fast heartbeats
• Blurred vision
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation
• Changes in weight or appetite
• Dry mouth and yawning
• Increased sweating
• Sexual problems

• Symptoms of serotonin syndrome, such as agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Easy bleeding/bruising
• Decreased interest in sex
• Symptoms such as confusion, mood swings, blurred vision, headache, tiredness, sleep changes, and brief feelings similar to electric shock

Effexor has been associated with an increased risk of both completed and attempted suicide compared with other antidepressants. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, seek support and assistance from a trained counselor or call 911 if in immediate danger.

Stopping Effexor abruptly may result in withdrawal symptoms. Consult your healthcare before discontinuing the medication, as your dose may need to be gradually decreased to reduce these side effects.

Effexor may adversely affect weight and height in pediatric patients. Regular monitoring of weight and height is recommended during treatment, particularly if treatment is to be continued long-term. The safety of Effexor treatment for pediatric patients has not been systematically assessed for chronic treatment longer than six months in duration.

Effexor may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome when used concomitantly with other serotonergic drugs. Monitor for symptoms of serotonin syndrome when using Effexor with other drugs that may affect the serotonergic neurotransmitter systems.

Effexor is contraindicated in patients taking MAOIs, including linezolid or intravenous methylene blue. Consult a healthcare provider before taking any drug, changing any diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information provided applies to your personal circumstances.