Effexor XR (Venlafaxine Hydrochloride)

They need to know if you have any of these conditions: -bleeding disorders -glaucoma -heart disease -high blood pressure -high cholesterol -kidney disease -liver disease -low levels of sodium in the blood -mania or bipolar disorder -seizures -suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family -take medicines that treat or prevent blood clots -thyroid disease -an unusual or allergic reaction to venlafaxine, desvenlafaxine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives -pregnant or trying to get pregnant -breast-feeding

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not cut, crush, or chew this medicine. Take it with food. If needed, the capsule may be carefully opened and the entire contents sprinkled on a spoonful of cool applesauce. Swallow the applesauce/pellet mixture right away without chewing and follow with a glass of water to ensure complete swallowing of the pellets. Try to take your medicine at about the same time each day. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly except upon the advice of your doctor. Stopping this medicine too quickly may cause serious side effects or your condition may worsen. A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time. Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications: -certain medicines for fungal infections like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole -cisapride -desvenlafaxine -dofetilide -dronedarone -duloxetine -levomilnacipran -linezolid -MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate -methylene blue (injected into a vein) -milnacipran -pimozide -thioridazine -ziprasidone This medicine may also interact with the following medications: -aspirin and aspirin-like medicines -certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances -certain medicines for migraine headaches like almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan -certain medicines for sleep -certain medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like dalteparin, enoxaparin, warfarin -cimetidine -clozapine -diuretics -fentanyl -furazolidone -indinavir -isoniazid -lithium -metoprolol -NSAIDS, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen -other medicines that prolong the QT interval (cause an abnormal heart rhythm) -procarbazine -rasagiline -supplements like St. John's wort, kava kava, valerian -tramadol -tryptophan

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not get better or if they get worse. Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Because it may take several weeks to see the full effects of this medicine, it is important to continue your treatment as prescribed by your doctor. Patients and their families should watch out for new or worsening thoughts of suicide or depression. Also watch out for sudden changes in feelings such as feeling anxious, agitated, panicky, irritable, hostile, aggressive, impulsive, severely restless, overly excited and hyperactive, or not being able to sleep. If this happens, especially at the beginning of treatment or after a change in dose, call your health care professional. This medicine can cause an increase in blood pressure. Check with your doctor for instructions on monitoring your blood pressure while taking this medicine. You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks. Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum, sucking hard candy and drinking plenty of water will help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible: -allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue -breathing problems -changes in vision -hallucination, loss of contact with reality -seizures -suicidal thoughts or other mood changes -trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine -unusual bleeding or bruising Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): -change in sex drive or performance -constipation -increased sweating -loss of appetite -nausea -tremors -weight loss

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Keep out of the reach of children. Store at a controlled temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 degrees and 77 degrees F), in a dry place. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.