Product Description
Find answers to common questions about our product, including dosage, storage, and side effects.
- Venlafaxine is used to treat specific mental and mood disorders, including depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and social anxiety disorder.
- It falls under the class of drugs known as serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
- Its mechanism of action involves restoring the balance of certain natural substances, serotonin, and norepinephrine, in the brain.
- Before starting venlafaxine, read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
- Take this medication orally as directed by your doctor, usually once daily with food, in the morning or evening.
- Do not crush, chew, or dissolve the medication, as it can release the entire dose at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Swallow the capsule whole without crushing or chewing.
- If swallowing capsules whole is difficult, you may open the capsule and sprinkle the contents onto a spoonful of applesauce. Consume the mixture immediately without chewing, followed by a glass of water.
- Dosage is determined by your medical condition and response to treatment. Your doctor may advise starting at a low dose and gradually increasing it to reduce side effects. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully and take the medication regularly at the same time each day.
- Continue taking the medication even if you feel well. Do not stop suddenly without consulting your doctor, as some conditions may worsen with abrupt discontinuation. You may experience withdrawal symptoms such as confusion, mood swings, blurred vision, headache, tiredness, sleep changes, and sensations similar to electric shocks. Your dose may need to be gradually reduced to minimize side effects. Report any new or worsening symptoms promptly.
- It may take several weeks to feel the full benefit of the medication. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
- Nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, loss of appetite, blurred vision, nervousness, trouble sleeping, unusual sweating, or yawning may occur. Inform your doctor promptly if any of these effects persist or worsen.
- Remember that this medication has been prescribed because the benefit to you outweighs the risk of side effects. Many individuals using this medication do not experience serious side effects.
- This medication may elevate your blood pressure. Monitor your blood pressure regularly and inform your doctor if readings are high.
- Notify your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, including easy bleeding/bruising, decreased interest in sex, changes in sexual ability, muscle cramps/weakness, or shaking (tremor).
- Seek medical attention promptly if you have any very serious side effects, such as a cough that persists, shortness of breath, chest pain, severe or pounding headaches, black stools, vomit resembling coffee grounds, eye pain/swelling/redness, widened pupils, vision changes, or seizures.
- This medication may increase serotonin levels and rarely lead to a serious condition known as serotonin syndrome/toxicity. The risk rises if you are taking other drugs that increase serotonin. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all medications you are taking. Seek immediate medical help if you experience symptoms like a fast heartbeat, hallucinations, loss of coordination, severe dizziness, severe nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, muscle twitching, unexplained fever, or unusual agitation/restlessness.
- While rare, a very serious allergic reaction to this drug may occur. Seek immediate medical help if you notice symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
- Before taking venlafaxine, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or any other substances.
- Discuss your medical history, including bleeding problems, glaucoma, high blood pressure, heart issues, high cholesterol, kidney or liver disease, seizure disorder, or thyroid disease.
- Be cautious of potential side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision, and avoid alcohol or marijuana use which can exacerbate these effects.
- Inform your healthcare provider about all medications, including prescription, nonprescription, and herbal products, before undergoing surgery.
- Older adults may be more sensitive to side effects like dizziness and salt imbalances, while children may experience loss of appetite or weight loss.
- During pregnancy, use venlafaxine only, if necessary, as it may harm the unborn baby and lead to withdrawal symptoms in newborns.
- Consult your doctor before breastfeeding, as venlafaxine can pass into breast milk and have undesirable effects on the nursing infant.
| Generic name: | Venlafaxine XR, Venlafaxine Xr |
|---|---|
| Formulation: | Capsule, ER Capsule |
| Strength(s): | 37.5mg, 75mg, 150mg, 225mg |
| Quantities Available: | 28, 84, 100 |
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