HOW TO USE:
Take Effexor-XR by mouth exactly as prescribed. During the first few
days your doctor may gradually increase your dose to allow your body to
adjust to the medication. Take Effexor-XR with food. Do not take this more
often or increase your dose without consulting your doctor. Your condition
will not improve any faster but the risk of serious side effects will be
increased. Do not stop taking Effexor XR suddenly without your doctor's approval.
Your dose may need to be gradually reduced to prevent adverse effects.
SIDE EFFECTS:
Effexor-XR may initially cause dizziness and nausea as your body adjusts
to the medication. Other side effects reported include sweating, loss of
appetite, dizziness, dry mouth, anxiety, tremor, blurred vision, constipation,
sleepiness, change in sexual ability. If any of these effects continue or
become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop
any of these serious effects: rapid or irregular heartbeat, chest pain,
severe headache, trouble breathing, painful or difficult urination, skin
rash. Effexor-XR may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or clouded thinking. Use
caution operating machinery or engaging in activities requiring alertness.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: kidney disease,
liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, glaucoma, any allergies.
Elderly persons may be more sensitive to the effects of Effexor-XR. Use
with caution. Effexor-XR should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if Effexor-XR
appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication
you may take especially: MAO inhibitors (e.g., tranylcypromine, phenelzine,
isocarboxazid, selegiline, furazolidone), other antidepressants, cimetidine,
lithium, sedatives, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine, morphine), seizure
medication, certain migraine medicine (e.g., sumatriptan), medicine for
weight control. It is recommended to avoid alcohol while using Effexor-XR.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or
emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include sleepiness,
irregular heartbeat, and seizures.
NOTES:
Laboratory tests may be done periodically while taking Effexor-XR to
monitor the effects. See your doctor regularly.
MISSED DOSE:
Try to take each dose at the scheduled time. If you miss a dose, take
it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the
next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
STORAGE:
Store Effexor-XR at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between
15 and 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom.
Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
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