IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

VENLAFAXINE - ORAL (ven-luh-FAX-een)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Effexor

USES: Effexor is used in the treatment of depression. The extended release form of Effexor is also used to treat anxiety.

HOW TO USE: Take Effexor by mouth exactly as prescribed. During the first few days your doctor may gradually increase your dose to allow your body to adjust to the medication. Take Effexor with food. Do not take this more often or increase your dose without consulting your doctor. Your condition will not improve any faster but the risk of serious side effects will be increased. Do not stop taking this drug suddenly without your doctor's approval. Your dose may need to be gradually reduced to prevent adverse effects.

SIDE EFFECTS: Effexor may initially cause dizziness and nausea as your body adjusts to the medication. Other side effects reported include sweating, loss of appetite, dizziness, dry mouth, anxiety, tremor, blurred vision, constipation, sleepiness, change in sexual ability. If any of these effects continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop any of these serious effects: rapid or irregular heartbeat, chest pain, severe headache, trouble breathing, painful or difficult urination, skin rash. Effexor may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or clouded thinking. Use caution operating machinery or engaging in activities requiring alertness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, glaucoma, any allergies. Elderly persons may be more sensitive to the effects of Effexor. Use with caution. Effexor should be used only if clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if Effexor appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of any over-the-counter or prescription medication you may take especially: MAO inhibitors (e.g., tranylcypromine, phenelzine, isocarboxazid, selegiline, furazolidone), other antidepressants, cimetidine, lithium, sedatives, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine, morphine), seizure medication, certain migraine medicine (e.g., sumatriptan), medicine for weight control. It is recommended to avoid alcohol while using Effexor. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

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.

NOTES: Laboratory tests may be done periodically while taking Effexor to monitor the effects. See your doctor regularly.

MISSED DOSE: Try to take each dose at the scheduled time. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store Effexor at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (between 15 and 30 degrees C) away from heat and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.