What is venlafaxine ?
Venlafaxine is an antidepressant belonging to a group of drugs called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSNRIs). Venlafaxine affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with depression.
Venlafaxine is a prescription medicine used to treat major depressive disorder, anxiety, and panic disorder.
How should I take venlafaxine?
Take venlafaxine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.
Take with food at the same time each day.
Swallow the extended-release capsule or tablet whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.
If you cannot swallow a capsule whole, open it and mix the medicine with applesauce. Swallow the mixture right away without chewing.
Do not stop using venlafaxine suddenly, or you could have unpleasant symptoms (such as agitation, confusion, tingling or electric shock feelings). Ask your doctor how to safely stop using this medicine.
Your symptoms may not improve for several weeks.
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 venlafaxine.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.