Medication Information:
Venlafaxine (generic) - Effexor (brand)

Manufacturer: Wyeth
Classification: Antidepressant
Common Usage: Treatment of major depression

Major Side Effects: A general feeling of weakness or tiredness*, sweating*. nausea*, vomiting*, constipation, upset stomach*, anorexia with weight loss*, sleep disturbances*, dry mouth, dizziness*. increase in blood pressure*, anxiety or nervousness*, tremor*, blurred vision, sexual dysfunction*, impotence*. yawning*, chills*.
(* denotes side effects which may become more pronounced with higher doses of Effexor.)

It should also he noted that many of these side effects go away or lessen with time.

Interactions with Other Medications: Not to be taken with alcohol. Certain drugs used over-the-counter for cough/cold/allergy (antihistamines. decongestants) may have an addictive effect regarding certain side effects. Cimetadine (Tagamet HB, Tagamet) may in some patiemits (especially with liver disease) cause more of Effexor to enter the blood system than is normal. Patients taking routine blood pressure medication need to monitor their blood pressure regularly, especially on higher doses of Effexor. It is important to let your physician know about any increases in blood pressure. Effexor should not be taken with other similar drugs (Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft) or any other antidepressant medications, unless recommended by your psychiatrist.

Common Dosages: For most patients, time starting dose is usually 75 mg per day, taken in divided dosing intervals of 2 to 3 times daily. These doses are usually taken with food, to decrease time severity of stomach upset. Increasing doses should be done at no more than 75 mg/day, and no closer together than every 4 days. Maximum dosage is set at 125 mg three times daily (375 mg/day). Dosages should be tailored to time response of time individual patient.

Dosages for patients with liver or kidney disease, or high blood pressure, are usually started at a lower dose, approximately half of time normal starting dose. This is to prevent both accumulation of the drug in the body, and increasing the severity of side effects.

As with all antidepressant medication, it may take a few weeks before improvement becomes noticeable. Taking this medication on a regular basis, as prescribed by your physician, is important and will have a direct bearing on the success or failure of helping your depression. Never stop taking this medication abruptly, as the consequences may be worse than the initial depression itself. Patients being taken off this medication by their physician should be gradually taken off over a period of a few days to 2 weeks, depending on length of time on the drug, the amount of the total daily dose and physician assessment.

Identification: All dosages are peach-colored and shield-shaped.

25 mg .: '25' and 'W' on one side, and '701' and scored on the other.
37.5 mg.: '37.5' and 'W' on one side, and '781' and scored on the other.
50 mg.: '50' and 'W, on one side, and '703' and scored on the other.
75 mg.: '75' and 'W' on one side, and '704' and scored on the other.
100 mg.: '100' and 'W' on one side, and '705' and scored on the other

Storage: Always keep tablets dry, tightly-capped and away from direct light, heat and moisture. Keep tablets away from children. Discontinued medication should be discarded.

Edited by Stephen R. Saklad, PharmD

Note: These guidelines are for general information only. For more specific information, consult your physician or pharmacist.