Effexor 50mg Tablets

Venlafaxine and its active metabolite, O-desmethylvenlafaxine (ODV), are potent inhibitors of neuronal serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake and a weak inhibitor of dopamine reuptake. The antidepressant and anxiolytic effects are believed to be related to the potentiation of neurotransmitter activity in the CNS.

Urgent Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek immediate medical attention:

Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash or hives
+ Itching or red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever)
+ Wheezing or tightness in the chest or throat
+ Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of low sodium levels, including:
+ Headache
+ Trouble focusing or memory problems
+ Feeling confused or weak
+ Seizures or changes in balance
Signs of bleeding, such as:
+ Vomiting or coughing up blood
+ Vomit that resembles coffee grounds
+ Blood in the urine
+ Black, red, or tarry stools
+ Bleeding from the gums
+ Abnormal vaginal bleeding
+ Unexplained bruises or bruises that enlarge
+ Uncontrollable bleeding
Signs of high blood pressure, including:
+ Severe headache or dizziness
+ Fainting or changes in vision
Seizures
Chest pain or pressure
Shortness of breath
Cough
Bone pain
Sexual problems, such as:
+ Decreased interest in sex
+ Difficulty having an orgasm
+ Ejaculation problems
+ Trouble getting or maintaining an erection
A potentially life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome, which may be more likely if you take certain other medications. Symptoms include:
+ Agitation
+ Changes in balance
+ Confusion
+ Hallucinations
+ Fever
+ Fast or abnormal heartbeat
+ Flushing
+ Muscle twitching or stiffness
+ Seizures
+ Shivering or shaking
+ Excessive sweating
+ Severe diarrhea, stomach upset, or vomiting
+ Severe headache

Other Possible Side Effects

Most medications can cause side effects, but many people experience none or only mild symptoms. If you notice any of the following side effects or if they persist or bother you, contact your doctor:

Difficulty sleeping
Feeling nervous, anxious, or excitable
Weight loss
Dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness, or weakness
Shakiness
Headache
Excessive sweating
Constipation, diarrhea, stomach upset, vomiting, or decreased appetite
Gas
Dry mouth
Strange or unusual dreams
* Yawning

This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following conditions and situations to ensure safe treatment:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances, such as foods or drugs. Describe the allergic reactions you experienced.
If you have high blood pressure, as this medication may affect your condition.
If you have narrow-angle glaucoma, a condition that affects the eyes.
If you are taking a weight loss drug, as interactions may occur.
* If you are taking or have recently taken certain medications, including:
+ Linezolid or methylene blue, as these can interact with this medication.
+ Drugs for depression or Parkinson's disease, such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, selegiline, or rasagiline, within the last 14 days. Combining these medications can lead to very high blood pressure.

This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to disclose all your medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins, as well as any health problems you have. Your doctor and pharmacist need this information to assess potential interactions and ensure it is safe for you to take this medication. Never start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without consulting your doctor first.

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. This will help ensure they are aware of any potential interactions or complications.

Until you know how this medication affects you, avoid driving and other activities that require your full attention. This is crucial to prevent accidents and ensure your safety.

Do not stop taking this medication abruptly without consulting your doctor, as this may increase your risk of experiencing side effects, which can be severe and long-lasting. If you need to discontinue this medication, your doctor will guide you on how to gradually stop taking it. Be sure to discuss any new or worsening symptoms with your doctor.

Regular blood pressure checks are necessary while taking this medication, as it may cause high blood pressure. Follow your doctor's instructions for monitoring your blood pressure.

It is recommended to avoid consuming alcohol while taking this medication. Additionally, consult your doctor before using marijuana, cannabis, or any prescription or over-the-counter medications that may cause drowsiness or slow your reactions.

This medication may increase your risk of bleeding, which can be life-threatening in some cases. Discuss this risk with your doctor, and seek medical attention immediately if you experience any bleeding.

If you have bipolar disorder, be aware that this medication may trigger manic episodes. Contact your doctor if you experience any symptoms of a manic episode, such as excessive energy, agitation, or impulsivity.

Some individuals may be at a higher risk of developing eye problems while taking this medication. Your doctor may recommend an eye exam to assess your risk. If you experience eye pain, changes in vision, or swelling and redness in or around the eye, seek medical attention promptly.

Low blood sodium levels (hyponatremia) can occur with this medication, and in severe cases, it can be fatal. Discuss this risk with your doctor, and monitor your sodium levels as advised.

High cholesterol has been reported in some individuals taking this medication. If you have concerns or questions, discuss them with your doctor.

This medication may affect the results of certain laboratory tests. Inform all your healthcare providers and laboratory personnel that you are taking this medication to ensure accurate test results.

If you are 65 years or older, use this medication with caution, as you may be more susceptible to side effects.

In children and adolescents, this medication may affect growth in some cases. Regular growth checks may be necessary, and your doctor will discuss this with you.

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, inform your doctor. Taking this medication in mid to late pregnancy may increase the risk of health problems for both the mother (such as postpartum bleeding) and the newborn. Your doctor will help you weigh the benefits and risks of taking this medication during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) (concurrent use or within 14 days of discontinuing MAOI, or within 7 days of discontinuing venlafaxine before starting MAOI) - risk of serotonin syndrome.

• Other serotonergic drugs (e.g., SSRIs, triptans, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, St. John's Wort, tryptophan) - increased risk of serotonin syndrome.
• Linezolid, Methylene Blue (IV) - MAOI activity, increased risk of serotonin syndrome.
• Drugs that impair metabolism of venlafaxine (e.g., strong CYP2D6 inhibitors like quinidine, fluoxetine, paroxetine) - increased venlafaxine levels.
• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin) and antiplatelet agents (e.g., aspirin, NSAIDs) - increased risk of bleeding.
• Drugs that prolong QT interval - theoretical risk of additive QT prolongation.

• CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids) - additive CNS depression.
• Drugs that increase blood pressure (e.g., decongestants, stimulants) - potential for additive pressor effects.
• Cimetidine - may inhibit first-pass metabolism of venlafaxine, increasing venlafaxine levels (more pronounced in poor CYP2D6 metabolizers).

• None specifically categorized as minor with significant clinical impact.

• Serotonin Syndrome (agitation, hallucinations, delirium, coma, tachycardia, labile blood pressure, dizziness, diaphoresis, flushing, hyperthermia, tremor, rigidity, myoclonus, hyperreflexia, incoordination, GI symptoms)
• Suicidal ideation or worsening depression/anxiety
• Abnormal bleeding (e.g., bruising, petechiae, GI bleeding)
• Hyponatremia (headache, difficulty concentrating, memory impairment, confusion, weakness, unsteadiness, falls)
• Withdrawal symptoms upon abrupt discontinuation (dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, irritability, insomnia, anxiety, paresthesias, electric shock sensations)
• Manic/hypomanic episodes (in patients with bipolar disorder)
• Angle-closure glaucoma (eye pain, vision changes, swelling or redness in or around the eye)

Use during pregnancy should be considered only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Exposure during late pregnancy may lead to complications in the neonate requiring prolonged hospitalization, respiratory support, and tube feeding. These complications can arise immediately upon delivery.

Venlafaxine and its active metabolite (ODV) are excreted into breast milk. While some infants may experience no adverse effects, there have been reports of sedation, poor feeding, and weight loss. Weigh the benefits of breastfeeding against the potential risks to the infant.

Not approved for use in pediatric patients. Black Box Warning regarding increased risk of suicidality in children, adolescents, and young adults. Use only after careful consideration of risks vs. benefits and close monitoring.

Increased risk of hyponatremia (SIADH) and falls, especially in those taking diuretics. Start with lower doses and titrate slowly. Monitor blood pressure, heart rate, and sodium levels more closely.

• Venlafaxine is an SNRI, affecting both serotonin and norepinephrine. Lower doses (e.g., <150 mg/day) primarily affect serotonin reuptake, while higher doses also significantly affect norepinephrine reuptake.
• Abrupt discontinuation can lead to significant and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms (e.g., dizziness, nausea, headache, paresthesias, 'brain zaps'). Tapering should be gradual, typically over several weeks.
• Monitor blood pressure regularly, especially during dose escalation, as venlafaxine can cause dose-dependent hypertension.
• Extended-release (XR) formulation is generally preferred for better tolerability and once-daily dosing.
• Caution in patients with a history of seizures, angle-closure glaucoma, or bipolar disorder (risk of inducing mania/hypomania).

• Other SNRIs (e.g., duloxetine, desvenlafaxine, levomilnacipran)
• SSRIs (e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline, escitalopram, citalopram, paroxetine)
• Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) (e.g., amitriptyline, imipramine, nortriptyline)
• Atypical Antidepressants (e.g., bupropion, mirtazapine)
• Other anxiolytics (e.g., buspirone, benzodiazepines for short-term use)
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other psychotherapies

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor promptly. To ensure safe use, do not share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. This medication is accompanied by a Medication Guide, which provides important information for patients. Please read this guide carefully and review it again whenever you receive a refill of this medication. If you have any questions or concerns about this medication, consult with your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When reporting the overdose, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.