What is this medicine?

VENLAFAXINE (VEN la fax een) is used to treat depression, anxiety and panic disorder.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• anorexia or weight loss
• glaucoma
• high blood pressure, heart problems or a recent heart attack
• high cholesterol levels or receiving treatment for high cholesterol
• kidney or liver disease
• mania or bipolar disorder
• seizures (convulsions)
• suicidal thoughts or a previous suicide attempt
• thyroid problems
• an unusual or allergic reaction to venlafaxine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not cut, crush or chew this medicine. Take it with food. Try to take your medicine at about the same time each day. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• duloxetine
• medicines called MAO Inhibitors like Nardil, Parnate, Marplan, Eldepryl
• medicines for weight control or appetite
• nefazodone
• procarbazine
• St. John's wort, Hypericum perforatum
• tryptophan

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• amphetamine or dextroamphetamine
• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines
• cimetidine
• clozapine
• linezolid
• medicines for heart rhythm or blood pressure
• medicines for migraine headache like almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan
• medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin, enoxaparin, and dalteparin
• NSAIDS, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• other medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
• ritonavir
• tramadol

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.