Effexor-XR (Oral)

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Effexor


I have been taking Effexor for six months. (75mg.) I am experiencing sweats (which I have neveer done) and it seems to have made my mood swings greater. I find myself becoming even more irritated than normal. The depression is better, but I feel it is...
by Beverly Logan in Mount Vernon, Texas, 02/05/2008

Effexor-XR (Oral) Drug and Prescription Information

Effexor-XR (Oral)

Effexor-XR (Oral) Medication Classification

VENLAFAXINE (By mouth)

Effexor-XR (Oral) Brandname

Effexor-XR, Effexor

Effexor-XR (Oral) is used for the Treatment

Venlafaxine (VEN-la-fax-een) Treats depression.

When To Not Use Effexor-XR (Oral)

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to venlafaxine or if you have taken a medicine called an MAO inhibitor (Eldepryl®, Nardil®, Marplan®, Parnate®) in the past two weeks.

How Should You Use Effexor-XR (Oral)

Tablet, Long Acting Capsule

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
  • It is best to take this medicine with food.
  • Take the extended-release capsules with food and a full glass of liquid. Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush, chew, or open it.
  • It is best to take this medicine at the same time each day.
    • If a dose is missed:
  • If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
  • Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Proper Effexor-XR (Oral) Storage

Store Effexor-XR (Oral) at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture unless otherwise stated by manufacturer's instructions or labelling. Keep Effexor-XR (Oral) and all medications out of the reach of children.

What To Avoid While Using Effexor-XR (Oral)

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Certain drugs should not be used while using venlafaxine. Using these drugs can cause very serious medical problems, or even death.
  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Effexor-XR (Oral) Warnings

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have liver disease, kidney disease, or seizures.
  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
  • Your doctor will need to check your blood pressure at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Effexor-XR (Oral) Side Effects

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
  • Loss of appetite causing weight loss
  • Seizures
  • Unusual behavior
    • If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
  • Blurred vision
  • Constipation, dry mouth, or sweating
  • Drowsiness, tiredness dizziness
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Sexual problems in men (abnormal ejaculation)
  • Trouble sleeping

Effexor-XR (Oral) Ratings

Overall Rating:

4.0****

 

(based on 4 reviews)

Effectiveness:

****

Ease of Use:

*****

Overall Satisfaction:

***~

Reviewit

Reviews

Effexor-XR (Oral)
3.5

Effectiveness: ***

Ease of Use: ****

Overall Satisfaction: ***

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jackie pope, Baton Rouge,La. - 11/12/2008

I started Effexor after dealing with the side effects of my radiation and chemotherapy treatments, and because of my bad experiences, I’m almost afraid to try anything else. I’ve tried this drug for three years, but it doesn’t seem to work for me at all. I started at 75 mg, and when that didn’t work, my doctor gave me a higher dose. Increasing the dosage just resulted in my anxiety and depression getting worse, though. My doctors want to combine it with different medications, primarily ativan and neurontin, but I’m starting to lose faith in it. The whole experience is just making me more depressed.

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Effexor-XR (Oral)
4.5

Effectiveness: ****

Ease of Use: *****

Overall Satisfaction: ****

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Mark, National - 04/14/2010

I have been taking Effexor for 6 years. I began with a 150 mg dosage, was switched to 225 mg, and then switched back to 150 mg. The 225 mg dosage worked best, but my health insurance would not pay for that. The only side effect that I have noticed is a slight decrease in my libido. But if I accidentally forget a dose, I can detect what feels like withdrawal symptoms right away. My family doctor prescribed the Effexor and a psychiatrist wants me to gradually stop taking it. I do not want to do that since it works quite well for me.

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Effexor-XR (Oral)
5.0

Effectiveness: *****

Ease of Use: *****

Overall Satisfaction: *****

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Brenden, Reno, nv. - 07/02/2010

Since I began taking Effexor XR Oral, I have noticed a dramatic change in the way I feel every day. I no longer suffer with depression and my anxiety has completely disappeared. Overall, Effexor has changed my life and helped me become a much calmer and happier person. I recently switched to the generic version, Venlafaxine, in hopes of cutting prescription costs, but I experienced terrible side effects within 6 weeks of taking it. Before I switched back to Effexor XR, it was like I was never on an anti-depressant at all. Now I only take Effexor XR, and I am feeling great again.

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Effexor-XR (Oral)
3.5

Effectiveness: ***

Ease of Use: *****

Overall Satisfaction: **

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danny brookes, US - 08/02/2008

This is one of the worst drugs I have ever seen. It is a great drug for Depression and Anxiety, but it is horrible when it is time to change.

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