How To Use Venlafaxine ER (EFFEXOR XR) 

Venlafaxine ER comes in the form of an extended-release capsule to be taken by mouth once a day. You can take the capsule with or without food. Try to take your medicine at around the same time every day.

Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully and use venlafaxine ER exactly as prescribed. Do not take a higher or lower dose of this medicine or take it more or less frequently than your healthcare provider tells you to.

Do not crush, chew, or split the venlafaxine ER capsule. If you have trouble swallowing pills, you can open the extended release capsules and sprinkle the contents on some applesauce. Consume the mixture immediately and drink a glass of water afterwards to ensure you have swallowed all the medicine.

Your healthcare provider may start you on a low dose of venlafaxine ER and adjust your dose based on your response. They may increase your dose every 4-7 days or decrease your dose if significant remission occurs. Follow your provider’s dosing instructions carefully. Remember that venlafaxine ER will help to control your symptoms, but it will not cure your condition. Continue taking the medicine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking venlafaxine ER without speaking to your healthcare provider first, as this could lead to worsening depression and anxiety. Your healthcare provider will tell you how to decrease the dose slowly to prevent withdrawal (serious discontinuation symptoms).

Missed dose: If you miss a dose of venlafaxine ER, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

Storage: Store venlafaxine ER at room temperature (between 15-30° C or 59-86° F) away from moisture, heat, and direct light in a tightly closed container. Do not store medications in the bathroom where they can be exposed to moisture and heat. Keep all medications safely out of reach of children and pets.

Unused medicine: Unused venlafaxine ER should be disposed of in a way that children, other people, and pets cannot get to them. Do not throw venlafaxine ER in the trash or flush it down the toilet. The best way to dispose of expired or unneeded venlafaxine ER is through a drug take-back program. Learn more about proper medication disposal. 

NOTE: This medication guide is a summary and may not contain all possible drug information on venlafaxine ER. The information contained here may not be up-to-date. This sheet is for information purposes only. If you have questions about venlafaxine ER, talk to your doctor for medical advice.

Discounted prices for venlafaxine ER
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