Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: Check your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are high. This medication may raise your blood pressure. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor promptly.
Nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, loss of appetite, blurred vision, nervousness, trouble sleeping, unusual sweating, or yawning may occur. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens. It may take several weeks to feel the benefit of this medication. Report any new or worsening symptoms right away. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased to reduce side effects. Also, you may experience symptoms such as confusion, mood swings, blurred vision, headache, tiredness, sleep changes, and brief feelings similar to electric shock. Some conditions may become worse when this drug is suddenly stopped. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Keep taking this medication even if you feel well. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Swallow all of the mixture right away without chewing. If you have trouble swallowing the capsules whole, you may open the capsule and sprinkle the contents onto a spoonful of applesauce. If you are taking the capsules, swallow them whole. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing.
Also, do not split the tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily with food, either in the morning or evening.ĭo not crush, chew, or dissolve this medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using venlafaxine and each time you get a refill. Be especially watchful for these symptoms when a new antidepressant is started or when the dose is changed. Tell the doctor right away if you notice worsening depression/other psychiatric conditions, unusual behavior changes (including possible suicidal thoughts/attempts), or other mental/mood changes (including new/worsening anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, hostile/angry feelings, impulsive actions, severe restlessness, very rapid speech). It is very important to talk with the doctor about the risks and benefits of antidepressant medication (especially for people younger than 25), even if treatment is not for a mental/mood condition. However, a small number of people (especially people younger than 25) who take antidepressants for any condition may experience worsening depression, other mental/mood symptoms, or suicidal thoughts/attempts. These medications can help prevent suicidal thoughts/attempts and provide other important benefits. Antidepressant medications are used to treat a variety of conditions, including depression and other mental/mood disorders.