Posted 9/22/2005 8:19 PM (GMT 0)
I have been on it for several months. It hasn't numbed my emotions like Paxil did. I haven't really noticed any significant side affects while being on it either. Here is what I found:
Active Ingredient:
Venlafaxine HCL
Drug Interactions:
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or if you are planning to take any over-the-counter or prescription medications with Effexor XR. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be changed or a different drug may need to be prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with Effexor:
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) (eg, phenelzine)
sibutramine (Meridia)
Side Effects:
Every drug can cause side effects, but most people have no, or minor, side effects. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following occurs:
Circulatory System: Increased blood pressure; increased heart rate; decreased blood pressure upon rising; flushing.
Digestive Tract: Nausea; constipation; appetite loss; diarrhea; vomiting; indigestion; stomach pain; gas; difficulty swallowing; dry mouth; belching.
Nervous System: Drowsiness; sleeplessness; dizziness; nervousness; headache; vertigo (feeling of whirling motion); migraine; anxiety; tremor; abnormal dreams; abnormal skin sensations; agitation; confusion; impaired memory; depression; abnormal thinking; unstable emotions; lockjaw; twitching; depersonalization; decreased sex drive; muscle stiffness.
Respiratory System: Yawning; bronchitis; difficulty breathing; runny nose; cough.
Senses: Blurred vision; taste changes; ringing in the ears; dilated pupils; ear pain; vision changes.
Skin: Sweating; rash; itching; flushing.
Urinary and Reproductive Tract: Abnormal ejaculation or orgasm; impotence; impaired urination; urinary frequency; menstrual disorders; blood in the urine; painful or difficult urination; irregular bleeding between periods; inflammation of the vagina with itching or abnormal discharge; urinary retention.
Other: Weakness; infection; chills; chest pain; weight gain or loss; accidental injury; general body discomfort; neck pain; muscle pain; joint pain; swelling of hands or feet; unusual bruising.
Precautions:
Do not use in the following situations:
allergy to Effexor XR
current or recent (14 days or less) use of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)
Use with caution in the following situations:
concomitant systemic illness
liver disease
kidney disease
mania, history of
seizures, history of
suicide, high-risk of
Pregnancy: Adequate studies have not been done in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed and potential benefits to the mother outweigh the possible hazards to the fetus.
Breastfeeding: Effexor XR appears in breast milk. A decision should be made to either stop nursing or stop the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.
Children: Safety and effectiveness in children < 18 years of age have not been established.
Guidelines For Use:
Usual adult starting dose is 75 mg/day taken as a single dose.
Take each dose with food.
Do not crush, chew, or dissolve extended-release capsules in water. Swallow extended-release capsules whole, with fluid.
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless told to do so by your doctor. If several doses are missed, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Use exactly as prescribed.
Do not change the dose or stop taking Effexor XR unless told to do so by your doctor.
If Effexor XR therapy is stopped, the dose should be gradually reduced over a 2-week period.
Smaller doses should be used in patients with moderate liver or kidney impairment.
Effexor XR should not be used in combination with an MAOI, or within at least 14 days of stopping treatment with an MAOI. After stopping Effexor XR, at least 7 days should elapse before starting an MAOI.
Because any psychoactive drug may impair judgment, thinking, or motor skills, do not operate hazardous machinery, including automobiles, until you are reasonably certain that Effexor XR does not adversely affect your ability to engage in such activities.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, become pregnant, are planning to become pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding during therapy.
Tell your doctor if rash, hives, or other allergic reactions occur.
Blood pressure will be monitored during treatment.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, or supplements.
Do not use alcohol use during Effexor XR therapy.
Store at room temperature (68° to 77°F). Keep container tightly closed.
How The Drug Works:
Effexor XR inhibits neuronal uptake of serotonin and norepinephrine in the central nervous system, which is believed to combat depression and other behavioral disorders.