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How should I take venlafaxine?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from the medication. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take this medication with a full glass of water. Venlafaxine should be taken with food. Swallow the controlled-release capsule (Effexor XR) whole, without crushing or chewing. To make the medication easier to swallow, you may open the capsule and sprinkle the medicine into a small amount of applesauce. Swallow all of the mixture without chewing, and do not save any for later use.

Try to take venlafaxine at the same time each day.

It may take 4 weeks or more for your symptoms to improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Do not stop using venlafaxine without first talking to your doctor. You may have unpleasant side effects if you stop taking this medication suddenly. Store venlafaxine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have taken too much of this medication.

Overdose symptoms may include dizziness, sleepiness, nausea, and numbness or tingling in your hands or feet.

What should I avoid while taking venlafaxine?

Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of venlafaxine.

Avoid using other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxers, medicine for seizures, other medication for depression or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by venlafaxine.

Venlafaxine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

What are the possible side effects of venlafaxine?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: skin rash or hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Contact your doctor promptly if you have any of the following side effects, especially if they are new symptoms or if they get worse: mood changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, agitation, aggressiveness, severe restlessness, mania (mental and/or physical hyperactivity), thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• increased blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision);

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, fast heartbeat; hallucinations, loss of coordination, fainting, coma;

• seizure (convulsions);

• extreme thirst with headache, nausea, vomiting, and weakness; or

• easy bruising or bleeding.

Less serious side effects may include:

• drowsiness, dizziness, nervousness, or anxiety;

• dry mouth, increased sweating;

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation;

• decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm;

• headache, blurred vision;

• tremor or chills; or

• changes in appetite or weight.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

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