Product Details: Effexor XR (Venlafaxine XR)

PLEASE NOTE BRAND EFFEXOR XR IS ALSO MARKETED INTERNATIONALLY UNDER THE NAME EFEXOR XR.

Brand Name Options - Manufacturer: Wyeth-Ayerst

Generic Options

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This medicine is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) used to treat depression, generalized or social anxiety disorder, or panic disorder. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. THIS MEDICINE COMES WITH A MEDICATION GUIDE. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. TAKE THIS MEDICINE with food. SWALLOW WHOLE. Do not crush, break, chew, or place the medicine in water. If you have difficulty swallowing this medicine whole, the capsule may be opened and the contents sprinkled onto a spoonful of applesauce and taken as directed. Do not chew the food/medicine mixture. Swallow the mixture immediately. Take this medicine with a full glass of water (8oz/240mL). DO NOT SUDDENLY STOP TAKING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. Side effects, including 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 may occur. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C), away from heat and light. Taking this medicine at the same time each day will help you to remember. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel better. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. Several weeks may pass before your symptoms improve. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE or take this medicine for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. Laboratory and/or medical tests, including blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR CONDITION is recommended at the start of treatment with this medicine and whenever a change to your dose is made. CHILDREN AND TEENAGERS who take this medicine may be at increased risk for suicidal thoughts or actions. Adults may also be affected. Watch patients who take this medicine closely. Contact the doctor at once if 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. Contact the doctor right away if any signs of suicidal thoughts or actions occur. This medicine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL while you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE WILL ADD TO THE EFFECTS of alcohol and other depressants. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines are depressants. SEROTONIN SYNDROME IS A POSSIBLY fatal syndrome that can be caused by this medicine. Contact your doctor at once if you experience symptoms such as agitation; confusion; hallucinations; coma; fever; fast or irregular heartbeat; tremor; excessive sweating; and nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. IF YOUR DOCTOR TELLS YOU TO STOP TAKING THIS MEDICINE, you will need to wait for a period of time before beginning to take certain other medicines (including MAOI's, nefazodone). Ask your doctor when you should start to take your new medicines after you have stopped taking this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN THE ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine, especially low blood sodium levels. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN CHILDREN OR ADOLESCENT PATIENTS because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine, especially increased risk of suicidal thoughts or actions. This medicine may cause weight and growth changes. CHILDREN and teenagers may need regular weight and growth checks while they take this medicine. FOR WOMEN: This medicine may cause harm to the fetus if it is used during the last 3 months of pregnancy. IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include abnormal dreams, 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, or yawning. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience vision problems, ringing in the ears, or significant weight loss. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience bizarre behavior; chest pain or discomfort; shortness of breath; severe or persistent cough; confusion; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or persistent sore throat; new or worsening agitation, anxiety, panic attacks, aggressiveness, impulsiveness, irritability, hostility, restlessness, or inability to sit still; seizures; severe or persistent nervousness or trouble sleeping; severe or persistent headache, dizziness, or stomach pain; suicidal thoughts or attempts; tremor; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual or severe mental or mood changes; worsening of depression. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice any unusual effects, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Venlafaxine XR