Brand Name: Effexor.
Generic Name: Venlafaxine.
This medication description is not meant for treatment prescription without the intervention of a specialist
Common Uses
Venlafaxine is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). It works by restoring the balance of certain natural substances in the brain (serotonin and norepinephrine), which helps to improve certain mood problems.

How to Take
Take Venlafaxine with food, exactly as prescribed. It may take several weeks before you begin to feel better. Your doctor should check your progress periodically. Take Venlafaxine once at the same time each day. Swallow the capsule whole with water. Do not divide, crush, or chew it. However, if you have trouble swallowing pills, you may take Venlafaxine by carefully opening the capsule and sprinkling the entire contents on a spoonful of applesauce, followed by a glass of water.

Warning and Precautions
Venlafaxine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Venlafaxine with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it. Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Venlafaxine without checking with your doctor; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness. Like all antidepressants, Venlafaxine could cause episodes of mania (abnormally high feelings of excitement and energy). If you experience a major depressive episode, there's a slight chance that it could be the first signs of bipolar disorder. Tell your doctor about all your symptoms, and note that Venlafaxine is not approved for treating bipolar depression. Your doctor will prescribe Venlafaxine with caution if you have high blood pressure; heart, liver, or kidney disease; or a history of seizures or mania. You should discuss all of your medical problems with your doctor before taking Venlafaxine. Venlafaxine sometimes causes an increase in blood pressure. If this happens, your doctor may need to reduce your dose or discontinue the drug. Venlafaxine also tends to increase the heart rate, especially at higher doses. Use Venlafaxine with caution if you've recently had a heart attack, suffer from heart failure, or have an overactive thyroid gland. Venlafaxine may also cause cholesterol levels to rise in some patients who take it for 3 months or longer. This effect is more common among patients taking higher doses of Venlafaxine.

Important
The effects of Venlafaxine during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. Venlafaxine should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. If Venlafaxine is taken shortly before delivery, the baby may suffer withdrawal symptoms. It's also known that Venlafaxine appears in breast milk and could cause serious side effects in a nursing infant. You'll need to choose between nursing your baby or continuing your treatment with Venlafaxine.

Missed Dose
If your doctor gave you strict instructions not to miss dose and if you missed one take the missed dose as soon as you remembered. If it is time for your next dose, skip it and continue taking you medicine regularly. Do not double the medicine. It can cause severe side effects.

Overdose
Almost any medicine taking in excess doses without consultation with your doctor can cause an overdose. Symptoms of overdose may include: sleepiness, vertigo, rapid or slow heartbeat, low blood pressure, seizures, coma.If you suspect an overdose contact your emergency room immediately.

Storage
Venlafaxine should be stored at room temperature in a container it comes in. Protect from heat, sun light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep away from pets and children.

Possible Side Effects
Any of the medicine can cause side effects. If the side effects occur seek medical attention or consult with your doctor for more information. Anyway such common side effects may bother you:  abnormal ejaculation/orgasm, anxiety, blurred vision, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, impotence, insomnia, nausea, nervousness, sleepiness, sweating, tremor, vomiting, weakness, weight loss. Seek medical attention if any of these side effects occur: chest pain, allergic reactions, difficulty swallowing or breathing, fainting, irregular or slow heartbeat, shortness of breath, unusual stomach pain.

More Information
The information given above is a summary. Your doctor, pharmacies or health care provider can provide more information about Venlafaxine. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Do not store medication with end term of storage.