How to use

Generic Effexor (Venlafaxine) should be taken orally, usually 2-3 times per day and with or without food. The exact dosage depends on your medical condition and response to treatment. For best results and minimum side effects, it is recommended to start with a low dosage and then gradually increase the dose. Take this medication regularly to enjoy its maximum benefits and make sure to take the pills at approximately the same times each day. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. It is important to keep taking Generic Effexor (Venlafaxine), even if you feel well. Suddenly stopping a treatment could lead to the condition becoming worse or could cause withdrawal symptoms, such as:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Headache
• Numbness
• Tingling
• Nightmares
• Flu-like symptoms

If you do want to stop taking this medication but want to prevent the above symptoms, you should gradually decrease the dose. Discuss all options with your doctor.

Overdose

Potential symptoms of a Generic Effexor (Venlafaxine) overdose include:

• Severe drowsiness
• Seizures
• Fast or irregular heartbeat

If you think you have taken too much of this medication, contact your local poison control center or the emergency medical services immediately.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Generic Effexor (Venlafaxine), take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for your next scheduled dosage, skip the missed dose and take the next one. Do not double up on medication to make up for a missed dose.

Notes

While taking Generic Effexor (Venlafaxine), you should have regular medical and psychological check-ups to determine your progress and check for side effects. Make sure you do not miss any of these appointments.

Do not share this medication with others as they may have a condition that is not adequately treated with Generic Effexor (Venlafaxine).

Storage

Store Generic Effexor (Venlafaxine) in a dry place at 20-25°C (68-77°F), away from light and moisture. KEEP THIS AND ALL OTHER MEDICATION OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

Important Note

The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed that the taking of this medication is safe, appropriate or effective for you.

Precautions

Before taking Generic Effexor (Venlafaxine), you should tell your doctor if you currently have or used to have any of the following:

• Any allergies
• Personal or family history of psychiatric disorders (e.g. bipolar/manic-depressive disorder)
• Personal or family history of suicide attempts
• Bleeding problems
• Severe loss of body water (dehydration)
• Glaucoma
• High blood pressure
• Heart problems (e.g. chest pain, irregular heartbeat, heart attack)
• High cholesterol
• Kidney or liver diseases
• Seizure disorder
• History of stroke
• Thyroid problems
• Low sodium in the blood (hyponatremia)

If you have any of the above conditions, you may not be able to take this medication or you may need a dosage adjustment.

Generic Effexor (Venlafaxine) may cause a heart rhythm condition called QT prolongation. This condition could cause serious symptoms that require immediate medical attention, such as:

• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Severe dizziness
• Fainting

The risk of QT prolongation may increase if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other medication that affects the heart rhythm. Therefore, you should tell your doctor before using this medication if you suffer from any of the following:

• Heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG)
• Family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death)
• Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood
• Severe sweating
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting

Generic Effexor (Venlafaxine) may cause dizziness or drowsiness. It is not recommended to drive or operate heavy machinery until you are sure you can safely perform these activities.

Elderely people should be extra cautious when using Generic Effexor (Venlafaxine), as they may be more sensitive to its side effects. People from this age group are more likely to lose too much salt (hyponatremia), especially if they are taking this medication in combination with diuretics.

Generic Effexor (Venlafaxine) is classed as Pregnancy Category C by the FDA, which means it could potentially be harmful to an unborn baby. This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. However depression is a serious disease and you should not stop taking this medication without talking to your doctor first. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor if you are currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant during treatment. In addition, babies born to mothers who took Generic Effexor (Venlafaxine) during the last 3 months of pregnancy may infrequently develop withdrawal symptoms, such as:

• Feeding or breathing difficulties
• Seizures
• Muscle stiffness
• Constant crying

If you notice any of these symptoms in your newborn, you should tell your doctor about them immediately.

Generic Effexor (Venlafaxine) passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing infant. Breastfeeding is not recommended while using this medication. Consult your doctor first.

Drug Interactions

Before taking Generic Effexor (Venlafaxine), let your doctor know if you are also taking any of the following medicines:

• MAO inhibitors (e.g. Furazolidone, Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Moclobemide, Phenelzine, Procarbazine, Rasagiline, Selegiline, Tranylcypromine) 2 weeks before treatment, during treatment, and at least 7 days after your last dose
• Weight loss drugs (e.g. Sibutramine, Phentermine)
• Tryptophan
• Amiodarone
• Dofetilide
• Pimozide
• Procainamide
• Quinidine
• Sotalol
• Macrolide antibiotics (such as erythromycin)
• Thioridazine
• Medication removed from your body by certain liver enzymes (e.g. antipsychotics such as Clozapine or Haloperidol, HIV medications such as Indinavir, tricyclic antidepressants-TCAs such as Desipramine)
• Medication affecting liver enzymes that remove Venlafaxine from your body (e.g. Cimetidine, azole antifungals such as Ketoconazole, Itraconazole)
• Medication that can cause bleeding or bruising (e.g. aspirin, antiplatelet drugs such as Clopidogrel, NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen, blood thinners such as Heparin or Warfarin)
• Buspirone
• Dextromethorphan
• Lithium
• Meperidine
• Propoxyphene
• SSRIs
• SNRIs
• St. John's wort
• Medication used to treat migraines such as triptans and dihydroergotamine
• Street drugs such as MDMA or ecstasy
• Amphetamine
• Certain antihistamines (e.g. Diphenhydramine)
• Anti-seizure drugs (e.g. Carbamazepine)
• Medicine for sleep or anxiety (e.g. Alprazolam, Diazepam, Zolpidem)
• Muscle relaxants
• Narcotic pain relievers (e.g. Codeine)
• Psychiatric medicines (e.g. Chlorpromazine, Risperidone, Amitriptyline, Trazodone)
• Medication containing ingredients that cause drowsiness
• Cimetidine

This is only a partial list and other interactions are possible. Inform your doctor of all other prescription or non-prescription medication you take, including herbal pills, dietary supplements, vitamins and medication prescribed by other doctors. Do not stop or start taking any medication without discussing this with your doctor first. 

The following common side effects of Generic Effexor (Venlafaxine) may occur:

• Headache
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Weakness
• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Blurred vision
• Tiredness
• Nervousness
• Trouble sleeping
• Sweating
• Yawning

If any of the above side effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.

Generic Effexor (Venlafaxine) may increase your blood pressure, so have it checked regularly while taking this medication.

Tell your doctor straightaway if any of the following unlikely but serious side effects occur:

• Severe or pounding headache
• Unusual or severe mental or mood changes (e.g. extreme anxiety, unusual high energy or excitement, rare thoughts of suicide)
• Shakiness (tremor)
• Decreased interest in sex
• Changes in sexual ability
• Difficulty urinating
• Change in the amount of urine

Inform your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following rare but very serious side effects:

• Stomach or abdominal pain
• Chest pain
• Persistent cough
• Shortness of breath
• Bloody, black or tarry stools
• Vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Fast, irregular or pounding heartbeat
• Muscle weakness or cramps
• Yellowing eyes or skin
• Dark urine
• Seizures
• Unusual tiredness

In rare cases, Generic Effexor (Venlafaxine) may cause a very serious condition called Serotonin Syndrome. This risk increase when these pills are taken in combination with other medication, such as:

• Triptans used to treat migraine headaches (e.g. Sumatriptan, Eletriptan)
• Certain antidepressants including SSRIs (e.g. Citalopram, Paroxetine) and other SNRIs (e.g. Duloxetine)
• Lithium
• Tramadol
• Tryptophan
• Sibutramine

Serotonin Syndrome may be more likely when you start taking any of these medications or increase the dosage. Seek emergency medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Hallucinations
• Fainting
• Restlessness
• Loss of coordination
• Fast heartbeat
• Severe dizziness
• Unexplained fever
• Severe nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
• Twitchy muscles

In the very unlikely event men experience a painful or prolonged erection while taking this medication (that lasts more than 4 hours), you should stop taking these pills and seek immediate medical attention.

In rare cases, you could experience a severe allergic reaction to Generic Effexor (Venlafaxine). Seek emergency medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• Rash
• Itching or swelling (especially of the face, tongue or throat)
• Severe dizziness
• Trouble breathing

This is only a partial list and other side effects may occur. Let your doctor know straightaway if you experience any other side effects than the ones mentioned above. especially if they are bothersome.