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Venlafaxine Hcl
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CONSUMER INFORMATION
Venlafaxine Hcl
CAS Registry Number 99300-78-4
WARNING: Antidepressant medications are used to treat a variety of
conditions, including depression and other mental/mood disorders. These
medications can help prevent suicidal thoughts/attempts and provide other
important benefits. However, studies have shown that a small number of
people (especially people younger than 25) who take antidepressants for any
condition may experience worsening depression, other mental/mood symptoms,
or suicidal thoughts/attempts. Therefore, it is very important to talk with
the doctor about the risks and benefits of antidepressant medication
(especially for people younger than 25), even if treatment is not for a
mental/mood condition.
USES: Venlafaxine is an antidepressant (serotonin-norepinephrine
reuptake inhibitor type-SNRI) used in the treatment of depression, anxiety,
and panic attacks. It works by restoring the balance of natural substances
in the brain. Venlafaxine may improve your mood, feelings of well-being, and
energy level and decrease nervousness and the number of panic attacks you
may have.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication with food, usually once daily or as
directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition and
response to treatment.
Swallow the medication whole. Do not crush, break, or chew the capsule or
place it in water. If you have difficulty swallowing this medication whole,
you may open the capsule, sprinkle the contents onto a spoonful of
applesauce, and swallow immediately. Do not chew the food/medication
mixture. Follow each dose with a glass of water.
SIDE EFFECTS: Headache, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, weakness, dry
mouth, constipation, loss of appetite, weight loss, blurred vision,
tiredness, nervousness, trouble sleeping, sweating, or yawning may occur. If
any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor promptly. This
medication may rarely cause a very serious condition called serotonin
syndrome. The risk increases when this medication is used with certain other
drugs such as used to treat migraine headaches certain antidepressants
including SSRIs and other SNRIs , or a certain drug to treat obesity. See
also Drug Interactions section. Before taking this drug, tell your doctor if
you take any of these medications. Serotonin syndrome may be more likely
when you start or increase the dose of any of these medications. Seek
immediate medical attention if you develop some of the following symptoms:
hallucinations, restlessness, loss of coordination, fast heartbeat, severe
dizziness, unexplained fever, severe nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, twitchy
muscles.
PRECAUTIONS: Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of: personal or family history
of psychiatric disorders (e.g., bipolar/manic-depressive disorder), personal
or family history of suicide attempts, bleeding problems, severe loss of
body water (dehydration), glaucoma, high blood pressure, heart problems
(e.g., chest pain, irregular heartbeat, heart failure, heart attack, QT
prolongation in the EKG), high cholesterol, kidney disease, liver disease,
seizure disorder, history of stroke, thyroid problems, low sodium in the
blood . This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may
harm an unborn baby. Also, babies born to mothers who have used this drug
during the last 3 months of pregnancy may infrequently develop withdrawal
symptoms such as feeding/breathing difficulties, seizures, muscle stiffness,
or constant crying. If you notice any of these symptoms in your newborn,
tell the doctor promptly.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your
usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25
degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep
all medicines away from children and pets.
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