Indications for Generic Effexor
Effexor or venlafaxine hydrochloride is generally prescribed for patients who have a type of depression which interferes with their daily functioning. Some symptoms of the type of depression that can be treated with Effexor would include changes in appetite and sleeping habits, decreased sex drive, feelings of guilt, increased fatigue, slowed thinking, difficulty concentrating and having suicidal thoughts.
Effexor can also be used for relieving anxiety disorders such as social anxiety disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. It can also be prescribed for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Important Information about Generic Effexor
You should never take Effexor if you are also taking MAOIs or monoamine oxidase inhibitors as taking them together could cause fatal reactions. You can only start taking Effexor at least 14 days after stopping your therapy with an MAOI or you can start taking an MAOI at least seven days after stopping your therapy with Effexor.
You should also avoid taking Effexor if you have an allergy to venlafaxine hydrochloride.
The use of Effexor in children and adolescents has been linked to an increased risk of having suicidal thoughts and behavior. It is important to balance this risk with the need of the medication. Seek the advice of a physician if you are considering administering Effexor to anyone who is below 18 years of age.
Similar to other antidepressants, Effexor may cause some episodes of mania. Make sure to inform your doctor of all symptoms that you are experiencing to get a proper diagnosis and whether you need to have your medication changed.
Tell your doctor if you are being treated for other medical conditions like high blood pressure, liver disease, heart disease, kidney disease, hyperthyroidism or diabetes. If you these or similar conditions, your doctor might prescribe you a lower dosage of Effexor.
Effexor, like other antidepressants, could cause fluid retention, particularly if you are 60 years or above.
Effexor could also cause you to be drowsy and to be less alert so it is important to avoid driving or doing anything that requires your awareness until you know how the drug affects you.
If you have a history of addiction, inform your doctor before starting to take Effexor.
Do not suddenly stop taking Effexor without consulting your doctor first. Stopping suddenly could cause you to experience withdrawal symptoms.
There are some drugs and medications which could interact with Effexor so make sure to tell your doctor if you are also taking other medications such as lithium, migraine medications, narcotic painkillers, weight-loss products, sleep aids, tranquilizers, other antidepressants and antipsychotic medicines.
Effexor or venlafaxine hydrochloride belongs to the FDA pregnancy category C, which means that its effects in a developing baby are not known. It is important to inform your doctor if you are pregnant, are trying to get pregnant or are nursing a baby before taking Effexor.
Dosage and Administration of Generic Effexor
Effexor or venlafaxine hydrochloride should only be taken exactly as it has been prescribed for you. It could take several weeks before you start feeling better. You may be required by your doctor to come in for regular checkups and evaluations.
Effexor should be taken at the same time every day. The capsule should be swallowed whole with water. The capsule should not be crushed, chewed or broken. However, if it is difficult for you to swallow pills, you could take Effexor by opening the capsule and sprinkling the contents on one spoonful of applesauce. Take the mixture immediately, and drink a glass of water.
If you miss a dose, you do not need to take it anymore. You could just skip the dose that you missed and then take the next regularly scheduled dose. Never take two doses together.
If you suspect an overdose on Effexor, seek medical assistance right away. Some of the symptoms of an overdose include sleepiness, low blood pressure, seizures, vertigo, abnormal heartbeat and coma.
Possible Side Effects of Generic Effexor
Some of the side effects which can possibly be experienced while taking Effexor or venlafaxine hydrochloride would include anxiety, blurred vision, dry mouth, constipation, dizziness, abnormal ejaculation, insomnia, impotence, nervousness, nausea, sweating, sleepiness, vomiting, tremor, weight loss, abnormal dreams, dry mouth, headache and weakness.
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