What Is Effexor?
Effexor is in a class of medicines called serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake
inhibitors (SNRIs). Effexor is used to treat depression.
Effexor XR is used to treat:
Depression
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
Who Should Not Take Effexor?
Never take Effexor if you are taking another drug used to treat depression,
called a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI), or if you have stopped taking
an MAOI in the last 14 days. Taking Effexor close in time to an MAOI can result
in serious, sometimes fatal, reactions, including:
High body temperature
Coma
Seizures (convulsions)
MAOI drugs include Nardil (phenelzine sulfate), Parnate (tranylcypromine sulfate),
Marplan (isocarboxazid), and other brands.
What Are The Risks Of Effexor?
Suicidal thoughts or actions.
Stopping Effexor: Do not stop taking Effexor suddenly because
you could get side effects. Your healthcare professional will slowly decrease
your dose.
High blood pressure and heart problems: You may get high
blood pressure or a faster heart.
Bleeding problems: Effexor may cause bleeding problems.
Mania: You may become unusually hyperactive, excitable or
elated.
Seizures: You may experience a seizure (convulsion), even
if you are not taking Effexor close in time with a MAOI.
Pregnancy: Tell your healthcare professional if you are or
may be pregnant because babies delivered to mothers taking Effexor late in
pregnancy have developed problems, such as difficulty breathing and feeding.
Weight loss: Effexor can cause weight loss.
Sexual problems: You may have problems with impotence (erectile
dysfunction), abnormal ejaculation, difficulty reaching orgasm, or decreased
libido (sexual desire).
Other side effects include nausea, sleepiness, dry mouth, dizziness, difficulty
sleeping and constipation.
Tell your healthcare professional about all your medical conditions, especially
if you have liver, kidney, or heart disease, or glaucoma. Tell your healthcare
professional if you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed your baby.
Are There Any Interactions With Effexor And Drugs or Foods?
Effexor may interact with medicines other than the ones already mentioned
in this information sheet. These interactions can cause serious side effects.
Tell your healthcare professional about all medicines, vitamins, and herbal
supplements you take.
If you plan to drink alcohol, talk to your healthcare professional.
How Do I Take Effexor?
Effexor is taken by mouth, with food, exactly as prescribed by your healthcare
professional.
Swallow Effexor XR capsules whole. Do not crush or chew them. You may open
the capsule, sprinkle the contents on a spoonful of applesauce, and take right
away without chewing. Then follow with a glass of water.
Effexor
FDA Approved 1993
Effexor Patient Information Sheet Revised 2/2005