You should not take Effexor if you have uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma, or if you are being treated with methylene blue injection.
Do not use Effexor XR within 7 days before or 14 days after you have used an MAO inhibitor, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine.
Some young people have thoughts about suicide when first taking an antidepressant. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
Do not stop using Effexor XR without first talking to your doctor.
Do not give this medicine to anyone younger than 18 years old without the advice of a doctor. Effexor XR is not approved for use in children.
Before taking this medicine
You should not take Effexor XR if you are allergic to venlafaxine or desvenlafaxine (Pristiq), or if you have uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma.
Do not use Effexor XR within 7 days before or 14 days after you have used an MAO inhibitor, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine. A dangerous drug interaction could occur.
Tell your doctor if you also take stimulant medicine, opioid medicine, herbal products, or medicine for depression, mental illness, Parkinson's disease, migraine headaches, serious infections, or prevention of nausea and vomiting. An interaction with Effexor XR could cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome.
To make sure Effexor XR is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
bipolar disorder (manic depression);
liver disease;
kidney disease;
heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol;
diabetes;
glaucoma;
a thyroid disorder;
a seizure;
bleeding problems; or
low blood levels of sodium.
Some young people have thoughts about suicide when first taking an antidepressant. Your doctor should check your progress at regular visits. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.
Effexor XR is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
Taking this medicine during pregnancy could harm the baby, but stopping the medicine may not be safe for you. Do not start or stop Effexor XR without asking your doctor.
Venlafaxine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. If venlafaxine was used successfully during your pregnancy, speak to your doctor about the risks and benefits of continuing it while breastfeeding.
How should I take Effexor XR?
Take Effexor XR exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.
Take Effexor XR with food at the same time each day.
Do not chew an extended-release capsule. To make the extended-release Effexor XR capsule easier to swallow, you may open the capsule and sprinkle the medicine into a small amount of applesauce. Swallow all of the mixture without chewing, and do not save any for later use.
Your symptoms may not improve for several weeks. You may have unpleasant symptoms if you stop using Effexor XR suddenly. Ask your doctor before stopping the medicine.
Your blood pressure will need to be checked often.
This medicine may cause false results on a drug-screening urine test. Tell the laboratory staff that you use Effexor XR.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
