How it works
Effexor belongs to a category of drugs called SSNRIs. It works by changing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain.
Guidelines for usage
Follow the dosage instructions provided by your doctor or as mentioned in the instruction booklet/product label.
Always use only as prescribed. Never exceed the dosage.
Effexor may be used with or without food.
Doctors recommend that you swallow the whole tablet/capsules with a glass of water unless it is specified that it can be broken or chewed.
NOTE: Use only if prescribed to you and intended for your use. Do not share with others.
Missed Dose
It is common for people to forget their dosage times and miss doses.
Do not panic if you have missed a dose.
Instead, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not double up or take more than what the doctor has prescribed.
How & where do I store Effexor?
The medicine label contains detailed instructions regarding safe storage of the medication. Most medicines are best stored at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Some medications may require to be refrigerated. Please check the product label.
Keep it away from the reach of children. Ensure that it is not exposed to direct sunlight or moisture.
Ask your pharmacist about safely disposing off medication that is past expiry date.
Overdose Related Information
If you accidentally consume more medication than what was prescribed, then contact an emergency healthcare center immediately.
Safety Information
Safety Information/ Warning Precautions
Discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider before you start using any new medication.
Ensure that you mention the following:
Any prior serious ailment, lifestyle disease or surgery
All the prescription drugs, OTC health supplements, herbal supplements that you are using currently
Your alcohol intake and whether you smoke or not
Any history of a known allergic reaction to prescription drugs or food
You have bipolar disorder (manic depression);cirrhosis or other liver disease
kidney disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol
diabetes, glaucoma, a thyroid disorder, a history of seizures, a bleeding or blood clotting disorder;
low levels of sodium in your blood; or if you are switching to Effexor from another antidepressant.
This will allow your healthcare provider to prescribe the apt dosage of the medication for you.
To be avoided
You must avoid using Effexor if it you are allergic to any ingredient in it or if:
you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days
Using Alcohol
Effexor is known to cause drowsiness or dizziness. Your vision may be blurred and your judgement affected if you consume alcohol with this medication. So, avoid using alcohol while using Effexor.
These effects may also get aggravated due to hot weather or fever or severe exercise. So, be cautious when you stand up after a long time from a sitting or lying position. If you feel giddy then lie down immediately and seek medical help.
Possible Drug & Food Interactions
Certain prescription drugs or health supplements or even food items are known to interact with the effects of medications. Effexor is known to have possible interactions with the following medications.
any other antidepressant
buspirone
cimetidine
delavirdine,
ketoconazole
lithium
metoprolol
quinidine
Additional Information
Effexor can trigger suicidal thoughts or actions especially in young adults, children and teenagers. The chances of this occuring are higher in people suffering from bipolar disorder. So patients taking Effexor must be monitored closely. Even the slight change in their mood or behavior like depressed mood; anxious, restless, or irritable behavior; panic attacks must reported to the doctor.
Elderly people are more likely to experience side effects while using Effexor. If the side effects are bothersome, then seek medical help.
Important Information for Pregnant Women
Effexor is categorized under FDA category C.
Discuss the potential risks with your healthcare provider before using the medication.
Certain medications may be found in breast milk so speak to your child’s doctor to rule out any possibilities of risk.
