Uses

Venlafaxine(Effexor) is a SSNRI (Selective Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor). It helps to regulate natural neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and serotonin within the body to treat conditions such as depression and anxiety. It may be used to treat other conditions.

How to Use

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take this medication with food.

Take it exactly as directed, do not take it more than directed. Take it at regular intervals.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is already almost time for your next dose, take only that next dose. Do not double up on any dose.

Important Information

Inform your healthcare provider if symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

It may take a few weeks before this medication begins to work. Do not stop taking it without consulting with your doctor first.

Do not operate heavy machinery, drive a car, or engage in other activity that requires fine motor skills until you are sure of how this medication affects you. This is because it can make you dizzy upon initiation of the regimen.

Stand and sit slowly when first starting this medication to avoid dizziness.

Avoid alcohol consumption, alcohol can increase chances of dizziness or drowsiness.

This medication can make your mouth dry, drinking water, chewing sugarless gum, or sucking on candy can help to minimize this side effect.

Be sure that your prescribing doctor is aware if you have any of the the following conditions before taking this medication

Blood disorders, heart disease, glaucoma, high blood pressure, liver disease, kidney disease, high cholesterol, low sodium levels, bipolar disorder, other psychiatric conditions, seizures, suicidal thoughts or actions, history of suicide in the family, thyroid disease, history of allergic reactions, pregnancy, breastfeeding, trying to become pregnant.

Side effects that should be immediately reported to your healthcare provider

Allergic reactions(hives, itching, rashes, swelling of the face or mouth), trouble breathing, vision changes, suicidal thoughts or actions, mood changes, changes in the passing of urine, unusual bruising or bleeding.

Other Side Effects

Changes in sex drive, constipation, nausea, loss of appetite, increased sweating, weight loss, tremors.

Adult Dose

Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Extended Release Capsules: Between 37.5 and 75 mg  by mouth once daily as the starting dose. The dose can then be increased by 75mg at intervals of no less than 4 days.

Major Depressive Disorder

Immediate Release Tablets: 75 mg by mouth daily divided into 2 or 3 doses throughout the day. The dose can then be increased by 75mg at intervals of no less than 4 days.

Extended Release Tablets and Capsules: Between 37.5 and 75 mg  by mouth once daily as the starting dose. The dose can then be increased by 75mg at intervals of no less than 4 days.

Panic Disorder

Extended Release Capsule: 37.5 mg by mouth once per day for 7 days. After 7 days the dose is increased to 75 mg by mouth once per day.  The dose can then be titrated by 75 mg at intervals of no less than one week.

Sources

1.  Effexor (venlafaxine) [package insert]. Philadelphia, PA: Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; 2014.

2.  Effexor XR (R) extended-release oral capsules, venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release oral capsules[package insert]. Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Inc, Philadelphia, PA, 2008.

3.  Effexor ® oral tablets, venlafaxine hcl oral tablets]package insert]. Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Inc: Philadelphia, PA; 2008.

4.  Effexor XR(R) extended-release oral capsules, venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release oral capsules[package insert]. Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Inc: Philadelphia, PA; 2008.

5.  Venlafaxine extended release oral tablets, venlafaxine extended release oral tablets[package insert]. Rochester, NY: Upstate Pharma, LLC; 2008.

6. Venlafaxine hydrochloride [package insert]. Bridgewater, NJ: Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Inc; 2010.

7.  Effexor XR (venlafaxine) [package insert]. Philadelphia, PA: Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Inc; 2015.