Venlafaxine is used for:

Treating depression. It may also be used for other conditions
as determined by your doctor.

Venlafaxine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
(SNRI). It works by restoring the balance of certain natural substances in the
brain (serotonin and norepinephrine), which helps to improve certain mood
problems.

Do NOT use Venlafaxine if:

• you areallergic
  to any ingredient in Venlafaxine
• you are taking or have taken a
  monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (eg, phenelzine), selegiline, or St.
  John’s wort within the last 14 days
• you are taking a fenfluramine
  derivative (eg, dexfenfluramine), methylene blue, sibutramine, nefazodone,
  or tryptophan

Before using Venlafaxine :

Some medical conditions may interact with Venlafaxine . Tell
your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any
of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to
  become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any
  prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary
  supplement
• if you have allergies to
  medicines,foods,
  or other substances
• if you or afamily
  member has a history of bipolar disorder (manic-depression), other mental or
  mood problems, suicidal thoughts or attempts, or alcohol or substance abuse
• if you have a history of
  seizures,heart
  problems(eg, heart failure, irregular heartbeat), abnormal
  electrocardiograms (ECGs), a recent heart attack, high blood pressure,
  overactive thyroid, liver problems, lung problems, kidney problems, stomach
  or bowel bleeding, blood or bleeding problems, increased eye pressure (eg,
  glaucoma), nervous system problems, or metabolism problems
• if you are dehydrated, have low
  blood sodium levels, or drink alcohol
• if you will be having
  electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Venlafaxine . Tell your
health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of
the following:

• Certain diet medicines (eg,
  phentermine, fenfluramine), linezolid, lithium, MAOIs (eg, phenelzine),
  methylene blue, metoclopramide, nefazodone, rasagiline, selective serotonin
  reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (eg, fluoxetine), selegiline, serotonin 5-HT₁
  receptor agonists (eg, sumatriptan), sibutramine, SNRIs (eg, duloxetine),St.
  John’s wort, tramadol, trazodone, tricyclic antidepressants (eg,
  amitriptyline), or tryptophan because severe side effects, such as a
  reaction that may include fever, rigid muscles, blood pressure changes,
  mental changes, confusion, irritability, agitation, delirium, and coma, may
  occur
• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin),aspirin,
  or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen) because the
  risk of bleeding, including stomach bleeding, may be increased
• Diuretics (eg, furosemide,
  hydrochlorothiazide) because the risk of low blood sodium levels may be
  increased
• Azole antifungals (eg,
  ketoconazole) or cimetidine because they may increase the risk of
  Venlafaxine ‘s side effects
• Cyproheptadine because it may
  decrease Venlafaxine ‘s effectiveness
• Aripiprazole, haloperidol,
  phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine, thioridazine), or risperidone because
  the risk of their side effects may be increased by Venlafaxine

How to use Venlafaxine :

Use Venlafaxine as directed by your doctor. Check the label
on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Venlafaxine comes with an extra
  patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Read
  it again each time you get Venlafaxine refilled.
• Take Venlafaxine by mouth with
  food.
• Venlafaxine works best if it is
  taken at the same time each day.
• Continue to take Venlafaxine even
  if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
• Do not suddenly stop taking
  Venlafaxine without checking with your doctor. Side effects may occur. They
  may include mental or mood changes, numbness or tingling of the skin,
  dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, headache, increased sweating, loss of
  coordination or balance, flu-like symptoms, nausea, ringing in the ears,
  seizures, tremor, trouble sleeping, or unusual tiredness. You will be
  closely monitored when you start Venlafaxine and whenever a change in dose
  is made.
• If you miss a dose of Venlafaxine
  , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip
  the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2
  doses at once.

Important safety information:

• Venlafaxine may cause drowsiness,
  dizziness, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with
  alcohol or certain medicines. Use Venlafaxine with caution. Do not drive or
  perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Do not drink alcohol or use
  medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while
  you are using Venlafaxine without checking with your doctor; it may add to
  their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which
  medicines may cause drowsiness.
• Several weeks may pass before
  your symptoms improve. Do NOT take more than the recommended dose or use for
  longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.
• Children,
  teenagers, and young adults who take Venlafaxine may be at increased risk
  for suicidal thoughts or actions. Watch all patients who take Venlafaxine
  closely. Contact the doctor at once if new, worsened, or sudden symptoms
  such as depressed mood; anxious, restless, or irritable behavior; panic
  attacks; or any unusual change in mood or behavior occur. Contact the doctor
  right away if any signs of suicidal thoughts or actions occur.
• Serotonin syndrome is a possibly
  fatal syndrome that can be caused by Venlafaxine . Your risk may be greater
  if you take Venlafaxine with certain other medicines (eg, “triptans,”
  MAOIs, SSRIs). Symptoms may include agitation; confusion; hallucinations;
  coma; fever; fast or irregular heartbeat; tremor; excessive sweating; and
  nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Contact your doctor at once if you have any
  of these symptoms.
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
  is a possibly fatal syndrome that can be caused by Venlafaxine . Symptoms
  may include fever; stiff muscles; confusion; abnormal thinking; fast or
  irregular heartbeat; and sweating. Contact your doctor at once if you have
  any of these symptoms.
• If your doctor tells you to stop
  taking Venlafaxine , you will need to wait for a period of time before
  beginning to take certain other medicines (eg, MAOIs, nefazodone,
  thioridazine).Ask
  your doctorwhen you should start to take your new medicines
  after you have stopped taking Venlafaxine .
• Venlafaxine may rarely cause a
  prolonged, painful erection. This could happen even when you are not having
  sex. If this is not treated right away, it could lead to permanent sexual
  problems such as impotence. Contact your doctor right away if this happens.
• Lab tests, including blood
  pressure and blood cholesterol levels, may be performed while you use
  Venlafaxine . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for
  side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Use Venlafaxine with caution in
  the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially low blood
  sodium levels.
• Caution is advised when using
  Venlafaxine in CHILDREN; they may be more sensitive to its effects,
  especially increased risk of suicidal thoughts or actions.
• Venlafaxine should be used with
  extreme caution in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not
  been confirmed.
• Venlafaxine may cause weight
  changes and growth changes. CHILDREN and teenagers may need regular weight
  and growth checks while they take Venlafaxine .
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING:
  Venlafaxine may cause harm to the fetus if it is used during the last 3
  months of pregnancy. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will
  need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Venlafaxine while you are
  pregnant. Venlafaxine is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while
  taking Venlafaxine .

Possible side effects of Venlafaxine :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have
no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any
of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Anxiety; blurred vision; changes in taste; constipation;
decreased sexual desire or ability; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth;
flushing; headache; increased sweating; loss of appetite; nausea; nervousness;
stomach upset; trouble sleeping; vomiting; weakness; weight loss; yawning.

Seek medical
attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty
breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or
tongue); bizarre behavior; blood in the stool;chest
painor discomfort; confusion; decreased concentration; decreased
coordination; decreased urination; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat;
fever, chills, or sore throat; hallucinations; memory problems; new or
worsening aggressiveness, agitation, hostility, impulsiveness, inability to
sit still, irritability, panic attacks, or restlessness; persistent or severe
ringing in the ears; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures;
severe or persistent anxiety, nervousness, or trouble sleeping; severe or
persistent cough; severe or persistent headache, dizziness, stomach pain, or
weakness; shortness of breath; significant weight loss; suicidal thoughts or
attempts; tremor; trouble concentrating; unsteadiness or loss of coordination;
unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual or severe mental or mood changes;
unusual weakness; vision problems; worsening of depression.