Venlafaxine XR

Uses of Venlafaxine XR

Venlafaxine XR is used to treat certain mental/mood disorders (such as depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and social anxiety disorder). Venlafaxine belongs to a class of drugs known as serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances (serotonin and norepinephrine) in the brain.

Precautions and Warnings

Venlafaxine XR may increase suicidal thoughts and actions in some children, adolescents, and young adults, especially within the first few months of treatment or when the dose is changed. Venlafaxine XR is not for use in children.

• Depression or other serious mental illnesses are the most important causes of suicidal thoughts or actions.
• Pay close attention to any changes, especially sudden changes, in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. This is very important when an antidepressant medicine is started or when the dose is changed.
• Call your healthcare provider right away to report new or sudden changes in mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings.
• Keep all follow-up visits with your healthcare provider as scheduled. Call your healthcare provider between visits as needed, especially if you have concerns about symptoms.

Call your healthcare provider or get emergency help right away if you or a family member have any of the following symptoms, especially if they are new, worse, or worry you:

• attempts to commit suicide
• thoughts about suicide or dying
• acting aggressive, being angry, or violent
• acting on dangerous impulses
• new or worse depression
• new or worse anxiety
• panic attacks
• feeling very agitated or restless
• new or worse irritability
• trouble sleeping
• an extreme increase in activity or talking (mania)
• other unusual changes in behavior or mood

Do not take Venlafaxine XR if you:

• are allergic to venlafaxine hydrochloride, desvenlafaxine succinate, or any of the ingredients in Venlafaxine XR. See the end of this Medication Guide for a complete list of ingredients in Venlafaxine XR.
• take a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI)
• have stopped taking an MAOI in the last 14 days
• are being treated with the antibiotic linezolid or intravenous methylene blue

Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are not sure if you take an MAOI, including MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue.

Do not start taking an MAOI for at least 7 days after you stop treatment with Venlafaxine XR.

Before taking Venlafaxine XR tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions and all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Venlafaxine XR and other medicines may affect each other causing possible serious side effects. Venlafaxine XR may affect the way other medicines work and other medicines may affect the way Venlafaxine XR works.

Do not start or stop any other medicines during treatment with Venlafaxine XR without first talking to your healthcare provider.

Venlafaxine XR may harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or think you are pregnant during treatment with Venlafaxine XR.

Dosage

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.

Keep taking this medication even if you feel well. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when this drug is suddenly stopped.

Side Effects

Common side effects:

• headache, dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness;
• ringing in your ears, feeling anxious, nervous, or jittery;
• sleep problems, unusual dreams;
• tremors;
• fast heartbeats;
• blurred vision;
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation;
• changes in weight or appetite;
• dry mouth, yawning;
• increased sweating; or
• sexual problems.