How is Venlafaxine dosed?
The dosage of venlafaxine varies depending on the medical condition being treated, the patient's age, and the doctor's prescription. It is important to follow the doctor's orders or the directions on the label. Do not change the dose unless advised by the doctor.
What is the dosage form of Venlafaxine?
Venlafaxine is available in the following dosage forms for oral use: tablet, extended-release tablet, and extended-release capsule.
What medications are contraindication with Venlafaxine?
Venlafaxine may cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome if taken together with certain medicines. Some of the contraindicated medications include buspirone, fentanyl, linezolid, lithium, methylene blue injection, tryptophan, St. John's wort, amphetamines, or some pain or migraine medicines. Consult your doctor before taking any other medicines with venlafaxine.
How is Venlafaxine administered?
Venlafaxine is administered orally as a tablet or an extended-release capsule. The extended-release capsule should be swallowed whole with fluid. Do not crush, chew, divide, or place it in a liquid. If you are unable to swallow the extended-release capsule, you can open it and pour the medicine on a spoonful of applesauce, then swallow the mixture without chewing and follow it with a glass of water. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label when taking this medicine.
What are common precautions when taking Venlafaxine?
Common precautions when taking venlafaxine orally include:
- Inform your healthcare provider about any allergies or unusual reactions to the medication or other drugs, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
- Inform your doctor about any other types of allergies, such as allergies to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals.
- Be cautious of potential bleeding risks, especially if you are also taking blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin, NSAIDs, or warfarin.
- Report any chest pain, dry cough, fever, general tiredness, skin rash, or difficulty breathing to your doctor, as these could be symptoms of a serious lung problem.
- Be aware of the potential for drowsiness or blurred vision and avoid activities that require alertness or clear vision, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how you respond to the medication.
- Avoid alcohol while taking venlafaxine, as it may exacerbate the sedative effects of the medication. Follow your doctor's instructions and discuss any concerns or questions you may have about the medication.