Venlafaxine (Oral Route)

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Proper Use

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor to benefit your condition as much as possible. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered .

You may have to take venlafaxine for 4 weeks or longer before you begin to feel better. Also, you will probably need to keep taking this medicine for at least 6 months, even if you feel better, to help prevent your depression from returning. Your doctor should check your progress at regular visits during this time .

Venlafaxine should be taken with food or on a full stomach to lessen the chance of stomach upset. However, if your doctor tells you to take the medicine a certain way, take it exactly as directed .

If you are taking the extended-release capsule form, take it with food and swallow the capsule whole with fluid. Do not open, crush, chew, or place the capsule in a liquid .

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For mental depression:
  • For oral dosage form (extended-release capsules):
    • Adults—At first, 75 milligrams (mg) a day, taken as one dose in the morning or evening. Your doctor may adjust your dose if needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 225 mg a day.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor .
  • For oral dosage form (tablets):
    • Adults—At first, a total of 75 milligrams (mg) a day, taken in smaller doses two or three times during the day. Your doctor may adjust your dose if needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 375 mg a day.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor .

• For anxiety:
  • For oral dosage form (extended-release capsules):
    • Adults—At first, 75 milligrams (mg) a day, taken as one dose in the morning or evening. Your doctor may adjust your dose if needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 225 mg a day.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor .
• For panic disorder:
  • For oral dosage form (extended-release capsules):
    • Adults—At first, 37.5 milligrams (mg) a day, taken as one dose in the morning or evening for 7 days. Your doctor may adjust your dose if needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 225 mg a day.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor .

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

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