Venlafaxine is used to treat mental depression. It is also used to treat certain anxiety disorders or to relieve the symptoms of anxiety. However, it usually is not used for anxiety or tension caused by the stress of everyday life. Venlafaxine is also used to treat panic disorders.

Directions

Venlafaxine comes as an extended-release capsule to take by mouth. The extended-release capsule is usually taken once daily in the morning or evening with food. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take venlafaxine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Swallow the extended-release capsule whole; do not split, chew, crush, or place it in water. If you cannot swallow the extended-release capsule, it may be carefully opened and the entire contents of the capsule sprinkled on a spoonful of applesauce. Swallow (without chewing) this mixture immediately after preparation and then drink a glass of water to make sure all of the medicine is swallowed.

Continue to take venlafaxine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking venlafaxine without talking to your doctor, especially if you have taken large doses for a long time. Your doctor probably will want to decrease your dose gradually. This drug must be taken regularly for a few weeks before its full effect is felt.

Important Warning for Children and Teenagers

It is not recommended that children under the age 18 years take venlafaxine. Studies have shown that children and teenagers who take antidepressants ("mood elevators") such as venlafaxine may be more likely to think about harming or killing themselves or to plan or try to do so than children who do not take antidepressants. If your child's doctor has prescribed venlafaxine for your child, you should watch his or her behavior very carefully, especially at the beginning of treatment and any time his or her dose is increased or decreased. Your child may develop serious symptoms very suddenly, so it is important to pay attention to his or her behavior every day.

Side Effects

Side effects from venlafaxine are common:

• upset stomach
• drowsiness
• weakness or tiredness
• excitement or anxiety
• insomnia
• nightmares
• dry mouth
• skin more sensitive to sunlight than usual
• changes in appetite or weight
• headache

Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• constipation
• difficulty urinating
• frequent urination
• blurred vision
• changes in sex drive or ability
• excessive sweating

If you experience any of the following symptoms section, call your doctor immediately:

• jaw, neck, and back muscle spasms
• slow or difficult speech
• shuffling walk
• persistent fine tremor or inability to sit still
• fever
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• severe skin rash
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• irregular heartbeat

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include sleepiness, irregular heartbeat, and seizures.

Storage

Store below 30°C (86°F).