Before taking venlafaxine

Before taking venlafaxine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you have high blood pressure, heart or heart rhythm problems.
• If you have liver or kidney problems.
• If you have diabetes.
• If you have epilepsy.
• If you or any close family members have ever had abnormally 'high' moods.
• If you have glaucoma (increased pressure in your eye).
• If you have ever had a bleeding disorder.
• If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or to any other medicine.

How to take venlafaxine

• Before starting this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack.
• Take venlafaxine exactly as your doctor has told you.
• Take your doses with a snack or just after eating a meal.
• If you have been supplied with modified-release venlafaxine (these have 'XL' after the brand name) you should swallow these tablets or capsules whole. They should not be chewed or crushed.
• Try to take venlafaxine at the same time(s) each day to avoid missing any doses.
• If you do forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• You may feel that venlafaxine is not working for you straightaway. It can take a week or two after starting this treatment before the effect builds up, and up to four weeks before you feel the full benefit. Do not stop taking it after a week or so, thinking it is not helping.
• Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress.
• While you feel depressed or are taking venlafaxine, you may have thoughts about harming yourself or ending your life. It is very important that you tell your doctor about this if it happens.
• Venlafaxine may slow your reactions or make you sleepy. If this happens, do not drive or use tools or machines.
• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with venlafaxine.
• There are several types of antidepressants and they differ in their possible side-effects. If you find that venlafaxine does not suit you then let your doctor know, as another may be found that will.
• If you have diabetes you may need to check your blood glucose more frequently, as venlafaxine may affect the levels of sugar in your blood. Your doctor will be able to advise you about this.
• If you are taking venlafaxine for depression, you should expect that a normal course of treatment will last for around six months after your symptoms have eased.
• Do not stop taking venlafaxine unless your doctor tells you to do so. Stopping treatment suddenly can cause problems and your doctor will probably want you to reduce your dose gradually if this is necessary.

Can venlafaxine cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store venlafaxine

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

References

• Manufacturer's PIL, Efexor® XL, Pfizer Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated October 2011.
• British National Formulary; 62nd Edition (Sep 2011) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF)