Venlafaxine, Effexor, Effexor XR, antidepressant

Increases the amount of certain chemicals in the brain that are required for the transmission of messages between nerve cells.
CNS activity - norepinephrine and serotonin agonist

Time lapse before drug works: Begins in 1 to 3 weeks, but may take 4 to 6 weeks for maximum benefit.

Dosage

Common initial dose - 37.5 mg once daily
Usual maximal dose - 225 mg

Overdose

Symptoms: May cause no symptoms, or there may be extreme drowsiness, convulsions or rapid heartbeat.

What To Do in case of overdose: Dial 911 (emergency) or 0 (operator) for an ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.

Possible Adverse Reactions Or Side Effects
Symptoms	What To Do
Life-threatening Overdose and symptoms such as extreme drowsiness, convulsions or rapid heartbeat.	See Above
Common Fast heartbeat, blurred vision, increased blood pressure.	Discontinue medication. Call doctor right away.
Stomach pain, gas, insomnia or drowsiness, dizziness, decreased sexual drive, impotence, nausea or vomiting, headache, diarrhea or constipation, dryness of mouth, skin flushing, rash, loss of appetite, unusual tiredness, weakness, strange dreams, sweating, tremors, nervousness, headache.	Continue medication. Call doctor when convenient.
Infrequent, Lightheadedness or faintness when arising from a sitting or lying position, mood or behavior changes, mental changes, difficulty urinating.	Continue medication. Call doctor when convenient
Weight loss or gain, changes in taste, ringing in ears.	Continue medication. Tell doctor at next visit.
Rare Seizures.	Discontinue medication. Seek emergency help.

Adverse reactions and side effects may be more severe in those over 60 than in younger persons.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if you are allergic to venlafaxine.

Before you start, consult your doctor if any of the following applies:

	You have liver or kidney disease.
	You have high blood pressure.
	You have thoughts about suicide.
	You are allergic to any other medications.
	You have a history of seizures.

Miscellaneous

	Get up slowly from a sifting or lying position to avoid any dizziness, faintness or lightheartedness.
	Advise any doctor or dentist whom you consult that you take this medicine.
	Take medicine only as directed. Do not increase or reduce dosage without doctor's approval.
	Safety in children under age 18 has not been established. Use only under close medical supervision.

Interactions

Possible Interaction With Other Drugs
Generic Name Or Drug Class	Combined Effect
Antidepressants, other	Increased sedative effect. Not recommended.
Central nervous system (CNS) depressants, other	Increased sedative effect.
Cimetidine	Increased risk of adverse reactions.
Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors	Increased risk and severity of adverse reactions. Allow 14 days between use of the two drugs.

Possible Interaction With Other Substances
Interacts With	Combined Effect
Alcohol.	Increased sedative affect. Avoid.
Cocaine.	Effect not known. Best to avoid.
Marijuana.	Effect not known. Best to avoid.

Next Topic:

[Sleep Home][Diseases and Remedies][Holisticonline.com Home]

Holisticonline.com is developed and maintained by ICBS, Inc.
Send mail to: info@holisticonline.com with comments about this web site.
Copyright � 1998-2007 ICBS, Inc. Terms of Use
All Rights Reserved.