How to Take Effexor XR

Effexor XR is a drug intended for patients suffering from psychological disorders such as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). This is a Venlafaxine drug and is normally taken orally once daily. Effexor XR works by affecting neurotransmitter activity within the central nervous system. If you have plans to take Effexor XR, consider the following.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Effexor XR

1. Ask your doctor about Effexor XR if you are suffering from a Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Symptoms of Major Depressive Disorder include a change in your interest in everyday activities and experiencing a depressed mood for long periods of time.
2. Take Effexor XR orally with food, in a single daily dosage. The capsule should not be cut into two or mixed with water.
3. Administer Effexor XR at about the same time every day, such as during breakfast or your evening meal. Try to maintain a strict schedule.
4. Follow your doctor's instructions on dosage. For a majority of patients, dosage usually starts at about 75 mg. a day. If you are pregnant or if you have hepatic or renal impairment (problems with your liver or kidneys), consider a lower starting dosage to avoid possible effects on your unborn baby or your medical condition.
5. Increase the dosage only if you are not reacting to Effexor XR. Increases in dosages of Effexor XR should be done slowly over the course of four days.
6. Stop administering the drug gradually, if treatment is to be discontinued. A sudden stop in Effexor XR can cause serious side effects such as nightmares, insomnia and nervousness.

Tips & Warnings

• Use Effexor XR as directed by your doctor. Tell your doctor if you are suffering from bipolar disorder, cirrhosis, liver disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, glaucoma, seizures, epilepsy, a bleeding disorder or high cholesterol.
• It can take up to 4 weeks for Effexor XR to take effect.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, may become pregnant or are breast-feeding. Effexor XR is known to be harmful to unborn and newborn babies.
• Take Effexor XR with a full glass of water and some food.
• If you miss a dose of Effexor XR, take it as soon as you remember unless it is close to the time for your next prescribed dose. In this case you should skip the dose and continue taking Effexor XR as prescribed.
• Contact your doctor before taking Effexor XR if you have recently taken cimetidine, warfarin, ketoconazole, tryptophan, haloperidol, risperidone, almotriptan, frovatriptan, sumatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, zolmitriptan, amitriptyline, amoxapine, citalopram, clomipramine, desipramine, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, imipramine, nortriptyline, paroxetine, protriptyline, sertraline or trimipramine.
• Effexor XR may cause severe depression and suicidal thoughts, especially in patients under 18 years old. Your doctor should be notified immediately if this happens.
• Do not drink alcohol while taking Effexor XR. Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol while taking Effexor XR can lead to death.
• Do not take Effexor XR if you have an allergy to Venlafaxine.
• Do not use Effexor XR if you are taking a MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline or tranylcypromine.
• Older people are more prone to the side effects of Effexor XR.
• Do not crush or chew Effexor XR. The time-release caplets should be swallowed whole.
• Contact your doctor immediately if you suffer from severe headaches, blurred vision, restlessness, overactive reflexes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, fast heartbeat, loss of coordination, hallucinations, fainting, coma, seizure, extreme thirst with headache, weakness, easy bruising or bleeding while taking Effexor XR.
• Other side effects of Effexor XR include drowsiness, dizziness, nervousness, anxiety, dry mouth, increased sweating, constipation, decreased sex drive, impotence, problems having orgasm, sleep problems, tremors, chills, poor appetite and change in weight.