Effexor Xr

Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) should be taken once daily with food, either in the morning or in the evening. Swallow the capsules whole. Do not crush, chew, or split the capsules.

Depression: The recommended dose of Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) for people with depression is 75 mg once daily. For some people, the doctor may recommend starting with a lower dose of 37.5 mg daily for the first 4 to 7 days of treatment so they can get used to the medication. The dose can then be increased to 75 mg daily. If the expected benefit does not occur after a few weeks, your doctor may gradually increase the dose to a maximum of 225 mg daily, until improvement is seen.

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD): For people with GAD, the recommended starting dose of Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) is 37.5 mg once daily for 4 to 7 days. Your doctor may gradually increase the dose to a maximum of 225 mg daily, based on your response to the medication.

Social anxiety disorder (social phobia): The usual recommended starting dose of Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) is 75 mg once daily. For some people, the doctor may recommend starting with a lower dose of 37.5 mg daily for the first 4 to 7 days of treatment so they can get used to the medication. The dose can then be increased to 75 mg daily. Your doctor may gradually increase the dose based on your response to the medication, to a maximum of 225 mg daily.

Panic disorder (panic attacks): For people with panic attacks, the recommended starting dose of Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) extended release is 37.5 mg once daily for 7 days. The dose can then be increased to 75 mg daily. Your doctor may gradually increase the dose based on your response to the medication to a maximum of 225 mg daily.

Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important that Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) at room temperature, protect it from moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

37.5 mg
Each extended release, hard gelatin capsule, with gray cap and peach-coloured body, with "W" and "Effexor XR" on the cap and "37.5" on the body, in red ink, contains Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) HCl equivalent to 37.5 mg of Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) base. Nonmedicinal ingredients: ethylcellulose, gelatin, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, iron oxide, microcrystalline cellulose, talc, titanium dioxide, and Opacode Red S-1-15034 ink. Gluten-free.

75 mg
Each extended release, hard gelatin capsule, with peach-coloured cap and body, with "W" and "Effexor XR" on the cap and "75" on the body, in red ink, contains Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) HCl equivalent to 75 mg of Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) base. Nonmedicinal ingredients: ethylcellulose, gelatin, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, iron oxide, microcrystalline cellulose, talc, titanium dioxide, and Opacode Red S-1-15034 ink. Gluten-free.

150 mg
Each extended release, hard gelatin capsule, with dark orange cap and body, with "W" and "Effexor XR" on the cap and "150" on the body, in white ink, contains Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) HCl equivalent to 150 mg of Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) base. Nonmedicinal ingredients: ethylcellulose, gelatin, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, iron oxide, microcrystalline cellulose, talc, titanium dioxide, and White Tek SB-0007 ink. Gluten-free.

Do not take Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) if you:

• are allergic to Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) or any ingredients of the medication
• are currently taking an MAO inhibitor (e.g., Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine), have taken one in the last 14 days, or will start treatment with one in the next 14 days

There may be an interaction between Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) and any of the following:

• Acalabrutinib
• alcohol
• alpha-agonists (e.g., Clonidine, methyldopa)
• alpha/beta-agonists (e.g., Epinephrine, norepinephrine)
• amphetamines (e.g., Dextroamphetamine, Lisdexamfetamine)
• anticoagulants (e.g., Apixaban, Edoxaban, dabigatran, Rivaroxaban, Warfarin)
• antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, doxylamine, Diphenhydramine, Hydroxyzine, Loratadine)
• antiplatelet medications (e.g., acetylsalicylic acid [Asa], Clopidogrel)
• antipsychotics (e.g., Chlorpromazine, Clozapine, Haloperidol, Olanzapine, Quetiapine, Risperidone)
• "azole" antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole, Voriconazole)
• barbiturates (e.g., butalbital, Phenobarbital)
• Bromocriptine
• Bupropion
• Buspirone
• Carbamazepine
• Celecoxib
• Crizotinib
• Cyclobenzaprine
• Dasatinib
• dexmethylphenidate
• Dextromethorphan
• ergot alkaloids (e.g., ergotamine, Dihydroergotamine)
• glucosamine
• grapefruit juice
• Heparin
• Linezolid
• lithium
• low molecular weight heparins (e.g., Dalteparin, Enoxaparin, Tinzaparin)
• Methadone
• methylene blue
• Methylphenidate
• Metoclopramide
• Mirtazapine
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (M.O.S. e.g., Moclobemide, phenelzine, Rasagiline, Selegiline, tranylcypromine)
• multivitamins with minerals
• narcotic pain relievers (e.g., Codeine, Fentanyl, Morphine, Oxycodone)
• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs; e.g., Ibuprofen, Indomethacin, Naproxen)
• Obinutuzumab
• Pentoxifylline
• Phenytoin
• primidone
• Propafenone
• Pseudoephedrine
• rivaroxaban
• Safinamide
• St. John's wort
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; e.g., Citalopram, Fluoxetine, Sertraline)
• other serotonin / norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs; e.g., Desvenlafaxine, Duloxetine)
• serotonin antagonists (anti-emetic medications; e.g., Granisetron, Ondansetron)
• Tramadol
• Trazodone
• tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., Amitriptyline, Desipramine, Imipramine)
• "triptan" migraine medications (e.g., sumatriptan, rizatriptan, Zolmitriptan)
• Tryptophan supplements
• vitamin E

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Effexor XR (Venlafaxine). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Effexor XR (Venlafaxine).

Allergic reactions: In rare cases, some people may develop an allergic reaction to Effexor XR (Venlafaxine). Signs of an allergic reaction include a severe rash, swollen face, or difficulty breathing. If these occur, get immediate medical attention.

Behaviour changes or suicidal behaviour: Some people taking Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) experience erratic or aggressive behaviour, agitation, depressed mood, or they may have thoughts of harming themselves or others. If you experience any mood or behaviour changes, or if your friends or family observe any of these changes while you are taking Effexor XR (Venlafaxine), stop taking Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) and contact your doctor immediately.

Bleeding disorders: Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) may increase bruising and bleeding from cuts may take longer to stop. If you have a bleeding disorder or a history of bleeding problems, discuss with your doctor how Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Effexor XR (Venlafaxine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Blood pressure: Treatment with Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) has been associated with increases in blood pressure. Your doctor may monitor your blood pressure while you are taking Effexor XR (Venlafaxine). Rarely, some people may experience a large increase in blood pressure. This extremely high blood pressure can cause rapid or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, dizziness, feeling overly tired, blurred vision, and symptoms of severe headache upon awakening that is mainly in the back of the head and neck region. If any of these symptoms occur, contact your doctor immediately.

Bone health and Osteoporosis: Recent studies have shown that there may be an increased risk of bone fractures (breaks) with the use of Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) and other antidepressants. People with osteoporosis or those with risk factors for developing osteoporosis, may be more likely to experience a fracture. If you have osteoporosis or are at risk for developing osteoporosis, discuss with your doctor how Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Effexor XR (Venlafaxine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Cholesterol: Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) can cause higher blood cholesterol levels. If you are at risk of developing High Cholesterol or you have high cholesterol levels before starting Effexor XR (Venlafaxine), discuss with your doctor how Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Effexor XR (Venlafaxine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) may cause drowsiness or dizziness, affecting your ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid these and other hazardous tasks until you have determined how Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) affects you.

Glaucoma: Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) may cause the symptoms of glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye) to become worse. If you have glaucoma, discuss with your doctor how Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Effexor XR (Venlafaxine), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Report any changes in vision to your doctor as soon as possible while you are taking Effexor XR (Venlafaxine).

Heart disease: If you have heart disease, discuss with your doctor how Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Effexor XR (Venlafaxine), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) may cause increased blood pressure or increased cholesterol levels.

Kidney function: Kidney Disease or reduced kidney function may cause Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have kidney disease or reduced kidney function, discuss with your doctor how Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Effexor XR (Venlafaxine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Effexor XR (Venlafaxine), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Effexor XR (Venlafaxine).

If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.

Mania/hypomania: Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) may cause activation of mania or hypomania. People with a history of bipolar disorder should be closely monitored by their doctor while taking Effexor XR (Venlafaxine).

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) can rarely cause a potentially fatal syndrome known as neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). If you notice the symptoms of NMS such as high fever, muscle stiffness, confusion or loss of consciousness, sweating, racing or irregular heartbeat, or fainting, get immediate medical attention.

Seizures: If you have a history of seizures, discuss with your doctor how Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Effexor XR (Venlafaxine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Serotonin syndrome: Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) may cause a potentially life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome, especially when used with other medications that increase serotonin levels (e.g., Sumatriptan, Rizatriptan). If you experience symptoms of serotonin syndrome such as agitation, hallucinations, fast heart rate, fever, lack of coordination, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, get immediate medical attention.

Stopping the medication: Stopping Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) suddenly may lead to side effects. If you are thinking of stopping Effexor XR (Venlafaxine), check with your doctor first. When stopping Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) treatment after more than one week, it is recommended that the dose of the medication be reduced gradually to prevent symptoms such as anxiety, agitation, confusion, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, headache, nausea, loss of appetite, nervousness, sleep disturbances, sweating, and vomiting.

Pregnancy: Newborns whose mothers take medications such as Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) during the third trimester of pregnancy may experience complications that require prolonged hospitalization. These complications normally resolve over time.

Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Effexor XR (Venlafaxine), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Effexor XR (Venlafaxine), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of Effexor XR (Venlafaxine) have not been established for children under 18 years old. There have been reports that using this and similar medications for children below the age of 18 may cause behavioural and emotional changes, such as suicidal thoughts and behaviour.

Seniors: Seniors may be more sensitive to the side effects of Effexor XR (Venlafaxine).