How Effexor Xr should be taken.
Effexor XR comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day and should be taken with food. Each capsule should be swallowed whole with fluid and not divided, crushed, chewed, or placed in water, or it may be administered by carefully opening the capsule and sprinkling the entire contents on a spoonful of applesauce. Effexor Xr/food mixture should be swallowed immediately without chewing and followed with a glass of water to ensure complete swallowing of the pellets.
Precautions or Warnings for Effexor Xr
Before starting Effexor XR, tell your physician about any medications you\'re taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements. If you take MAOIs you should not take Effexor XR. If you are taking antidepressants you should be watched closely for signs that your condition is getting worse or that you are becoming suicidal, especially when you first start therapy, or when your dose is increased or decreased. You should also be watched for becoming agitated, irritable, hostile, impulsive, or restless. Such symptoms should be reported to your physician right away. Effexor XR may raise blood pressure in some patients, so blood pressure should be monitored regularly. When you suddenly stop using or quickly lower your daily dose of Effexor XR, discontinuation symptoms may occur. Talk to your physician before discontinuing or reducing your dose of Effexor XR. Pregnant or nursing women shouldn\'t take any antidepressant without consulting their physician. Until you see how Effexor XR affects you, be careful doing such activities as driving a car or operating machinery. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Effexor XR.
What to do if you miss a dose of Effexor Xr
Take the What to do if you miss a dose of Effexor Xr as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the What to do if you miss a dose of Effexor Xr and take only the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
Side effects that may be possible for Effexor Xr
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Effexor XR and contact your physician immediately or seek emergency medical treatment: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the 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 XR and talk to your physician if you experience nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, abdominal pain, or loss of appetite or weight; dry mouth; drowsiness or dizziness; mild tremor, anxiety, or agitation; insomnia; abnormal dreams; sexual problems such as impotence, abnormal ejaculation, difficulty reaching orgasm, or decreased libido; sweating; yawning; or increase in blood cholesterol levels (detected by blood tests);
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your physician about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
How to store Effexor Xr
Store Effexor XR at room temperature (68F to 77F or 20C to 25C). Keep Effexor XR away from children.
What to do when overdosing on Effexor Xr
Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected. Symptoms of an Effexor XR overdose may include dizziness, drowsiness, numbness, nausea, irregular heartbeats, seizures, and unconsciousness.
Other information on Effexor Xr
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Effexor XR may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion
Do not stop taking Effexor XR without first talking to your physician. Your physician may need to gradually reduce the dose before stopping the medication completely. Stopping the medication suddenly may cause unpleasant side effects to occur.
Important Disclaimer - Please read
Effexor Xr data on this page is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of this medication or any other in conjunction. By all means, this is general information only, and should not be relied on for any purpose. This information should not be construed as containing specific diagnosis, advice, or instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the reliability and accuracy of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including adverse consequences or damage to persons or property, however such adverse consequences or damage may happen. Either expressed or implied, no warranty is made in regards to this information.
