Information about Venlafaxine (Generic Effexor) :


Venlafaxine is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) used to treat depression. It restores the balance of certain natural substances in the brain (serotonin and norepinephrine). In that way Venlafaxine helps to improve certain mood problems.

It may also be administered for other conditions as determined by your physician.

You should not use Venlafaxine in the following cases: you are allergic to any ingredient in Venlafaxine; you are taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, phenelzine), selegiline, or St. John's wort within the last 14 days; you are taking a fenfluramine derivative (eg, dexfenfluramine), nefazodone, sibutramine, or tryptophan.

In such cases it is obligatory to consult with your doctor or health care provider before taking this drug.

Before using Venlafaxine:
Before using Venlafaxine you should tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions listed below: you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding a baby; you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement; you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances; you or a family member has a history of bipolar disorder (manic-depression), other mental or mood problems, suicidal thoughts or attempts, or alcohol or substance abuse; you have a history of seizures, heart problems, (eg, heart failure, irregular heartbeat), abnormal electrocardiogram, recent heart attack, high blood pressure, overactive thyroid, liver problems, kidney problems, stomach or bowel bleeding, increased eye pressure (eg, glaucoma), nervous system problems, or metabolism problems; you are dehydrated, have low blood sodium levels, or drink alcohol; you will be having electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

Be aware that Venlafaxine may interact with some medicines. Consult with your health care provider in case you are taking any other drugs, especially any of the following: certain diet medicines (eg, phentermine, fenfluramine), linezolid, lithium, MAOIs (eg, phenelzine), metoclopramine, nefazodone, selegiline, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (eg, fluoxetine) serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) (eg, duloxetine), serotonin 5-HT1 receptor agonists (eg, sumatriptan), sibutramine,St. John's wort, tramadol, trazodone, or tryptophan because severe side effects, such as a reaction that may include fever, rigid muscles, blood pressure changes, mental changes, confusion, irritability, agitation, delirium, and coma, may occur; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen) because the risk of bleeding, including stomach bleeding, may be increased; diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide) because the risk of low blood sodium levels may be increased; cimetidine or ketoconazole because they may increase the risk of Venlafaxine 's side effects; cyproheptadine because it may decrease Venlafaxine 's effectiveness; aripiprazole, haloperidol, phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine, thioridazine), or risperidone because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Venlafaxine.

It may not be a complete list of all interactions with other drugs. To prevent any complications you should check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Venlafaxine:
Use this medicine as directed by your doctor. Venlafaxine should be taken orally with food at the same time each day.

Do not stop taking Venlafaxine even if you feel well. Try not to miss any doses.

Do not stop taking Venlafaxine without medical consultation, as you may experience side effects may: mental or mood changes, numbness or tingling of the skin, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, headache, increased sweating, nausea, ringing in the ears, seizures, tremor, trouble sleeping, or unusual tiredness. You will be closely monitored when you start Venlafaxine and whenever a change in dose is made.

Try not to miss any doses. In case you miss a dose of Venlafaxine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next intake, skip the missed dose and take it according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take double doses to catch up.

Important safety information:
Be careful when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities as Venlafaxine usage may lead to drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. Try to avoid such activities. Alcohol and certain other medicines (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) may increase the risk of unfavorable reactions while taking Venlafaxine.

You should know that improvement in your depression may start in several weeks.

Children and teenagers who take Venlafaxine may be at increased risk for suicidal thoughts or actions. Adults may also be affected. The risk may be greater in patients who have had suicidal thoughts or actions in the past. The risk may also be greater in patients who have had bipolar (manic-depressive) illness, or if their family members have had it.

Look after patients who use Venlafaxine closely. Contact the doctor immediately in case new, worsened, or sudden symptoms such as depressed mood; anxious, restless, or irritable behavior; panic attacks; or any unusual change in mood or behavior occur. Consult with your doctor immediately in case any signs of suicidal thoughts or actions take place.

Venlafaxine usage may cause serotonin syndrome - a possibly fatal syndrome. Your risk may be increased by taking certain medicines (eg, "triptans," MAOIs, SSRIs). Symptoms of syndrome are agitation; confusion; hallucinations; coma; fever; fast or irregular heartbeat; tremor; excessive sweating; and nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Consult with your doctor immediately in case you experience any of these symptoms.

In case your physician recommends you to stop using Venlafaxine, you will need to wait for a period of time before beginning to take certain other medicines (eg, MAOIs, nefazodone, thioridazine). Consult with your doctor when you should start to take your new drugs after you have stopped taking Venlafaxine.

You may have a prolonged, painful erection while taking Venlafaxine. This could happen even when you are not having sex. This problem should be treated immediately, as it could lead to permanent sexual problems, such as impotence. Consult with your doctor right away if this happens.

Lab tests, including blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels, may be performed while you are using Venlafaxine. It is important to control your progress or to check for side effects. Follow all doctor and lab appointments strictly.

The ELDERLY may be more sensitive to the effects of Venlafaxine, especially low blood sodium levels. Use Venlafaxine with caution in this group.

Use Venlafaxine with extreme caution in CHILDREN, as they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially increased risk of suicidal thoughts or actions. Safety and effectiveness in this group have not been proved.

Venlafaxine usage may lead to weight changes and growth changes in children. It is important to check their weight and growth regularly while using Venlafaxine.

PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING:
This medicine may be deleterious to the fetus if it is used during the last 3 months of pregnancy. In case you become pregnant, consult with your doctor and discuss the benefits and risks of taking this medicine while pregnancy. It is known that Venlafaxine passes into breast milk. Avoid breast-feeding a baby while taking Venlafaxine.

Possible side effects of Venlafaxine:
You should consult with your doctor in case you have any of side effects especially bothersome listed below: anxiety; blurred vision; changes in taste; constipation; decreased sexual desire or ability; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; flushing; headache; increased sweating; loss of appetite; nausea; nervousness; stomach upset; trouble sleeping; vomiting; weakness; weight loss; yawning.

Seek emergency immediately in case you have any of these severe side effects: severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bizarre behavior; chest pain or discomfort; confusion; decreased urination; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; new or worsening agitation, panic attacks, aggressiveness, impulsiveness, irritability, hostility, restlessness, or inability to sit still; persistent or severe ringing in the ears; seizures; severe or persistent anxiety, nervousness, or trouble sleeping; severe or persistent cough; severe or persistent headache, dizziness, or stomach pain; shortness of breath; significant weight loss; suicidal thoughts or attempts; tremor; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual or severe mental or mood changes; vision problems; worsening of depression.

What is the expiration date of the pills?
This information is mentioned on each blister. The expiration date is 2 years from the date of manufacture.