Venlafaxine is an antidepressant medication that works in the brain. It is approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder MDD , generalized anxiety disorder GAD , panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder social phobia. Generalized Anxiety Disorder GAD occurs when a person experiences excessive anxiety or worry for at least six months. Other symptoms include:. Panic Disorder occurs when a person experiences unexpected and repeated episodes of intense fear.
These episodes have physical symptoms including chest pain, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, sweating, dizziness, and nausea. Fear of future episodes is also part of panic disorder. Symptoms include:. They should be clear about the limits of the research around that medication and if there are any other options. Do not stop taking venlafaxine, even when you feel better.
With input from you, your health care provider will assess how long you will need to take the medicine. Depression is also a part of bipolar illness. People with bipolar disorder who take antidepressants may be at risk for "switching" from depression into mania. Symptoms of mania include "high" or irritable mood, very high self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, pressure to keep talking, racing thoughts, being easily distracted, frequently involved in activities with a large risk for bad consequences for example, excessive buying sprees.
Medical attention should be sought if serotonin syndrome is suspected. If you are planning on becoming pregnant, notify your health care provider to best manage your medications. People living with MDD who wish to become pregnant face important decisions. Untreated MDD has risks to the fetus, as well as the mother. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with your doctor and caregivers.
For women who take antidepressant medications during weeks 13 through the end of their pregnancy second and third trimesters , there is a risk that the baby can be born before it is fully developed before 37 weeks. Venlafaxine immediate release tablets are usually taken two or three times per day with or without food. The extended release tablets and capsules are taken one time per day with or without food.
Typically patients begin at a low dose of medicine and the dose is increased slowly over several weeks. The dose usually ranges from Only your health care provider can determine the correct dose for you. Extended release capsules: swallow whole or sprinkle onto food, such as applesauce or pudding and eat immediately. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects. Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:. Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:. Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.
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 this medication. Allergic reactions: In rare cases, some people may develop an allergic reaction to this medication.
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 this medication 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 this medication, stop taking this medication and contact your doctor immediately.
Bleeding disorders: 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 this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Blood pressure: Treatment with venlafaxine has been associated with increases in blood pressure. Your doctor may monitor your blood pressure while you are taking 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 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 this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Cholesterol: Venlafaxine can cause higher blood cholesterol levels. If you are at risk of developing high cholesterol or you have high cholesterol levels before starting venlafaxine, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Avoid these and other hazardous tasks until you have determined how this medication affects you. Glaucoma: This medication may cause the symptoms of glaucoma increased pressure in the eye to become worse. If you have glaucoma, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed. Report any changes in vision to your doctor as soon as possible while you are taking this medication.
If you have diabetes , venlafaxine can make it more difficult to keep your blood sugar stable. Monitor your blood sugar more often for the first few weeks of treatment with venlafaxine and adjust your diabetes treatment if necessary.
Take venlafaxine once or twice a day as recommended by your doctor. It's best to take venlafaxine with food so it doesn't make you feel sick. The usual starting dose of venlafaxine is 75mg a day. This might be gradually increased to a maximum dose of mg. If you have problems with your liver or kidneys your doctor might prescribe a lower dose.
Venlafaxine tablets and capsules can be either immediate release or extended release. How you take them depends on the type you've been prescribed. Immediate release tablets release the venlafaxine into your system as soon as you swallow them. You will usually take Extended release tablets and capsules are released into your system gradually. You will usually take 75mg extended release tablets or capsules once a day.
You can choose to take them at any time as long as you stick to the same time every day. If you have trouble sleeping, it's best to take it in the morning.
If you occasionally forget to take a dose, don't worry. Take your next dose at the usual time. Never take 2 doses at the same time to make up for a forgotten one. If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine. The amount of venlafaxine that can lead to an overdose varies from person to person.
You've taken too much venlafaxine by accident and experience symptoms such as:. Take the venlafaxine packet, or the leaflet inside it, plus any remaining medicine with you.
Like all medicines, venlafaxine can cause side effects in some people, but many people have no side effects or only minor ones. Some of the common side effects of venlafaxine will gradually improve as your body gets used to it. These side effects happen in more than 1 in people. Keep taking the medicine, but tell your doctor or pharmacist if these side effects bother you or don't go away:. It is not common, but some people less than 1 in may have serious side effects when taking venlafaxine.
In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction anaphylaxis to venlafaxine. You could be having a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.
These are not all the side effects of venlafaxine. For a full list see the leaflet inside your medicines packet. You can report any suspected side effect to the UK safety scheme. It's important for you and your baby that you stay well during your pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking venlafaxine speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking your medicine unless your doctor tells you to. Venlafaxine has been linked to a very small increased risk of problems for your unborn baby.
However if your depression is not treated during pregnancy this can also increase the chance of problems.
You may need to take venlafaxine during pregnancy if you need it to remain well. Your doctor can explain the risks and the benefits, and will help you decide which treatment is best for you and your baby. If your doctor or health visitor says your baby is healthy, venlafaxine can be used during breastfeeding.
It has been used in breastfeeding mothers usually without any problems. Make sure to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider and use your medication only as directed. If your medication comes in capsule form, make sure to take it whole. Do not crush, dissolve or chew the capsule.
As with other antidepressants, Effexor and generic venlafaxine can potentially cause a range of side effects. Although uncommon, Effexor and other antidepressants can potentially cause more severe side effects. In some cases, these interactions may lead to a severe increase in serotonin levels, referred to as serotonin syndrome.
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all medications you use or have recently used before you begin treatment with Effexor for anxiety. Make sure to:. Keep using Effexor, even after your symptoms improve. Venlafaxine, the ingredient in Effexor, can control the symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Make sure to keep using Effexor, even after you experience improvements. Over time, your healthcare provider may suggest making changes to your Effexor usage based on how you respond to this medication. Talk to your healthcare provider before stopping Effexor.
If you want to stop taking Effexor, talk to your healthcare provider first. They may advise you to gradually reduce your dosage of Effexor to prevent withdrawal symptoms. Not everyone responds to antidepressants in the same way.
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