CLASS and MECHANISM of Action
Generic Effexor XR belongs to class of antidepressants called serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI). Generic Effexor XR affects the absorption of serotonin. Moreover Generic Effexor XR acts on the norepinephrine system. No other available medication affects both neurotransmitters without causing the side effects of the older tricyclic antidepressants.
Generic Effexor XR works by blocking the transporter "reuptake" proteins for key neurotransmitters affecting mood, thereby leaving more active neurotransmitter in the synapse.
Active Ingredients: Venlafaxine hydrochloride
Inactive Ingredients: cellulose, ethylcellulose, gelatin, hypromellose, iron oxide, and titanium dioxide.
What is Generic Effexor XR PRESCRIBED For?
Generic Effexor XR is used for the purpose of treatment of depression and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Generic Effexor XR affects two neurotransmitters (chemical messengers in the brain) involved in depression, serotonin and norepinephrine.
How Should I Take Generic Effexor XR?
Generic Effexor XR is administrated orally. It should be taken as a single dose with food at about the same time every day, either in the morning or evening. The dose is prescribed by the health care professional individually. Commonly the starting dose is 75 mg. The capsule should not be divided, crushed, chewed, or placed in water. It should be swallowed whole.
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed.
Keep Generic Effexor XR out of reach of children.
Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture.
Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed.
What are the CONTRAINDICATIONS for taking Generic Effexor XR?
Generic Effexor XR is contraindicated to patients that:
- are allergic to Effexor XR or any of its ingredients;
- have suicidal thoughts;
- have high blood pressure;
- have heart disease (Effexor XR can increase your heart rate (pulse));
- liver or kidney problems.
Women that are pregnant or plan to be pregnant should not take Generic Effexor XR. If Generic Effexor XR is taken shortly before delivery, the baby may suffer withdrawal symptoms. This medicine passes into milk therefore Generic Effexor XR is contraindicated to women that are breast-feeding.
What Happens if I MISS A DOSE?
If you miss a dose of Generic Effexor XR, it can be taken later that day. Don't try to "make up" for the missed dose by taking 2 doses the next day.
What happens if I OVERDOSE?
Symptoms of Generic Effexor XR overdose include: sleepiness, vertigo, rapid or slow heartbeat, low blood pressure, seizures, coma. An overdose of Generic Effexor XR, combined with other drugs or alcohol, can be fatal. If an overdose is suspected call your local emergency immediately.
What are the possible SIDE EFFECTS of Generic Effexor XR?
Only your health care professional can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Generic Effexor.
Less common 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;
- weight loss .
More common 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;
- yawning .
What other drugs can INTERACT with Generic Effexor XR?
diet pills;
diuretics;
cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB);
warfarin (Coumadin); amiodarone (Cordarone);
quinidine (Quinadex, Cardioquin, Quinaglute);
mibefradil (Posicor); methadone (Dolophine, Methadose);
HIV medicines such as indinavir (Crixivan) and ritonavir (Norvir);
saquinavir (Invirase),
nelfinavir (Viracept);
haloperidol (Haldol)
risperidone (Risperdal);
other antidepressants such as clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), duloxetine (Cymbalta), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), buproprion (Wellbutrin, Zyban).
Additional Information
Generic Effexor XR may raise blood pressure in some patients. Your blood pressure should be controlled before starting treatment and should be monitored regularly.
Adult and pediatric patients taking antidepressants should be watched closely for signs that their condition is getting worse or that they are becoming suicidal, especially when they first start therapy.
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