Effexor

Before taking this medicine

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to venlafaxine hydrochloride, desvenlafaxine succinate or any of its ingredients. Do not take it while taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), including linezolid or intravenous methylene blue, or within 14 days of stopping an MAOI, because of the risk of serotonin syndrome. Conditions requiring caution include high blood pressure, untreated narrow drainage angles in the eyes, bipolar disorder and seizure disorders. High blood pressure should be controlled before treatment and checked regularly during treatment. Screening for bipolar disorder is needed because mania or hypomania may occur. Serotonin syndrome can occur with this medicine alone, and the risk increases when it is combined with other medicines that affect serotonin. Aspirin, NSAIDs, other antiplatelet medicines, warfarin and other anticoagulants may increase the risk of bleeding. Other warnings include low blood sodium, interstitial lung disease, eosinophilic pneumonia and sexual dysfunction. Stopping treatment can cause discontinuation symptoms and should be managed by the prescriber. Use during the third trimester of pregnancy may increase the risk of breathing problems, unstable body temperature, feeding difficulties, low muscle tone, tremor or irritability in the newborn.