Why is this medication prescribed? Venlafaxine is used to treat depression.Venlafaxine extended-release (long-acting) capsules are also used to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD; excessive worrying that is difficult to control), social anxiety disorder (extreme fear of interacting with others or performing in front of others that interferes with normal life), and panic disorder (sudden, unexpected attacks of extreme fear and worry about these attacks).Venlafaxine is in a cla*s of medications called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).It works by increasing the amounts of serotonin and norepinephrine, natural substances in the brain that help maintain mental balance.
How should this medication be used?
Venlafaxine comes as a tablet or extended-release capsule to take by mouth.The tablet is usually taken two or three times a day with food.The extended-release capsule is usually taken once daily in the morning or evening with food.Take venlafaxine at around the same time(s) every day.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 or for a longer period of time than prescribed by your doctor.
Swallow the extended-release capsule wh*le; do not split, chew, or crush it, or place it in water.If you cannot swallow the extended-release capsule, you may carefully open the capsule and sprinkle the entire contents on a spoonful of applesauce.Swallow (without chewing) this mixture immediately after preparation and then drink a gla*s of water to make sure that you have swallowed all of the medication.
Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of venlafaxine and gradually increase your dose, not more often than once every 4 to 7 days.Tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment so that your doctor can adjust your dose properly.
Venlafaxine controls depression but does not cure it.It may take 6 to 8 weeks or longer for you to feel the full benefit of this medication.Continue to take venlafaxine even if you feel well.Do not stop taking venlafaxine without talking to your doctor.Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually.If you suddenly stop taking venlafaxine, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as agitation; anxiety; confusion; sad mood; irritability; frenzied or abnormal excitement; lack of coordination; trouble falling asleep or staying asleep; nightmares; nausea; vomiting; loss of appetite; diarrhea; dry mouth; sweating; ringing in the ears; seizures; or burning, tingling, numbness, or electric shock-like feelings in any part of the body.Tell your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms while you are decreasing your dose of venlafaxine or soon after you stop taking venlafaxine.
Are there other uses for this medicine?
Venlafaxine is also sometimes used to treat hot flashes (hot flushes; sudden strong feelings of heat and sweating) in women who have experienced menopause ('change of life'; the end of monthly menstrual periods) or who are taking medication to treat breast cancer.Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the risks of using venlafaxine to treat your condition.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Other names
EffexorВ
