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Venlafaxine |
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What is Venlafaxine and why is it prescribed? Venlafaxine is prescribed for the treatment of depression. Venlafaxine must be taken 2 or 3 times daily. Serious, sometimes fatal reactions have occurred when Venlafaxine is used in combination with other drugs known as MAO inhibitors, including the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate. Never take Venlafaxine with one of these drugs and do not begin therapy with Venlafaxine within 14 days of discontinuing treatment with one of them. Also, allow at least 7 days between the last dose of Venlafaxine and the first dose of an MAO inhibitor. How should you take Venlafaxine? Follow your doctors directions for taking Venlafaxine. 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. If you miss a dose it is not necessary to make it up. Skip the missed dose and continue with your next scheduled dose. Do not take two doses at once. Store Venlafaxine in a tightly closed container at room temperature. Protect from excessive heat and moisture. Are there any Venlafaxine side effects? Venlafaxine side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Venlafaxine side effects may include abnormal dreams, abnormal ejaculation or orgasm, anxiety, appetite loss, blurred vision, chills, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, frequent urination, flushing, gas, headache, impotence, infection, insomnia, muscle tension, nausea, nervousness, rash, sleepiness, sweating, tingling feeling, tremor, upset stomach, vomiting, weakness, and yawning. Less common Venlafaxine side effects may include abnormal taste, abnormal thinking, agitation, chest pain, confusion, decreased sex drive, depression, dilated pupils, dizziness upon standing up, high blood pressure, itching, loss of identity, rapid heartbeat, ringing in the ears, trauma, twitching, urinary problems, and weight loss. A wide variety of very rare symptoms possibly related to Venlafaxine have also been reported. If you develop any new or unusual problems, let your doctor know about it. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Venlafaxine? If Venlafaxine is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Combining Venlafaxine with MAO inhibitors could cause a fatal reaction. Although Venlafaxine does not interact with alcohol, the manufacturer recommends avoiding alcohol while taking this medication. If you have high blood pressure or liver disease, or are elderly, check with your doctor before combining Venlafaxine with cimetidine (Tagamet). Venlafaxine does not interact with Lithium or Valium. However, you should consult your doctor before combining Venlafaxine with other drugs that affect the central nervous system, including narcotic painkillers, sleep aids, tranquilizers, antipsychotic medicines such as Haldol, and other antidepressants such as Tofranil. Venlafaxine has been found to reduce blood levels of the HIV drug Crixivan. It's best to check with your doctor before combining Venlafaxine with any other drug or herbal product. Are there any special warnings about Venlafaxine? 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 have recently had a heart attack, suffer from heart failure, or have an overactive thyroid gland. Antidepressants such as Venlafaxine may cause fluid retention, especially if you are an older adult. Venlafaxine may cause you to feel drowsy or less alert and may affect your judgment. Your doctor will check you regularly if you have glaucoma, or you are at risk of developing it. If you have ever been addicted to drugs, tell your doctor before you start taking Venlafaxine. If you develop a skin rash or hives while taking Venlafaxine, notify your doctor. Venlafaxine may also cause bleeding or bruising of the skin. Do not stop taking the drug without consulting your doctor. If you stop suddenly, you may have withdrawal symptoms, even though this drug does not seem to be habit-forming. Your doctor will have you taper off gradually. The safety and effectiveness of Venlafaxine have not been established in children under 18 years of age. |
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