Efexor Depot
Efexor Depot is a medicine used to treat depression, anxiety, and panic disorder in adults.
Form
depotkapseli, kova
Strength
75 mg
Active Ingredient
Venlafaxine hydrochloride
Manufacturer
Upjohn EESV
How to Use
Dosage
The usual starting dose is 75 mg once daily. Your doctor may adjust your dose.
Method
Take the capsule whole with water with food, either in the morning or evening. Do not break, crush, chew, or dissolve the capsule.
Important
For depression, the maximum dose can be 375 mg per day. For anxiety and panic disorders, the maximum dose is 225 mg per day.
Possible Side Effects
COMMON
- •Dizziness, headache, drowsiness
- •Insomnia
- •Nausea, dry mouth, constipation
- •Sweating (including night sweats)
- •Decreased appetite
- •Confusion, feeling unreal, lack of orgasm, low sex drive, agitation, nervousness, unusual dreams
- •Tremor, restlessness, inability to sit still, tingling, altered taste, increased muscle tension
- •Vision problems (blurry vision, dilated pupils, inability to focus on distant objects)
- •Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- •Fast heart rate, palpitations
- •Increased blood pressure, flushing
- •Shortness of breath, yawning
- •Vomiting, diarrhea
- •Mild rash, itching
- •Increased urination, inability to urinate, difficulty urinating
- •Menstrual problems (increased or irregular bleeding), ejaculation/orgasm problems (men), erectile dysfunction (impotence)
- •Weakness, fatigue, chills
- •Weight gain, weight loss
- •Increased cholesterol levels
RARE
- •Swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, throat, hands or feet, and/or itchy rash, difficulty swallowing or breathing.
- •Restlessness, hallucinations, coordination problems, fast heart rate, fever, blood pressure changes, muscle twitches, diarrhea, coma, nausea, vomiting. In more severe form: fever, rapid pulse, sweating, severe muscle stiffness, confusion, high muscle enzymes (Serotonin Syndrome or Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome-like reactions).
- •Severe skin rash, itching or hives (severe blistering and peeling skin).
- •Chest tightness, wheezing, difficulty swallowing or breathing.
- •Signs of infection (like fever, chills, headache) which may indicate blood count problems. Prolonged bleeding time or unexpected bleeding (e.g., from gums, in urine, in vomit).
- •Itching, yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, or flu-like symptoms, which can be signs of liver inflammation (hepatitis).
- •Seizures, mental health problems (like delusions, confusion), muscle pain, stiffness or weakness, severe stomach or back pain, irregular or fast heartbeat, chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting, excess water retention, low blood sodium, blurred vision, abnormal breast milk production.
- •Very heavy vaginal bleeding after childbirth.
Important Warnings
- Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to venlafaxine or any other ingredient. Also, do not use it if you have taken MAOIs (a type of antidepressant) in the last 14 days. Wait at least 7 days after stopping Efexor Depot before starting MAOIs.
- Talk to your doctor if you are taking other medicines that might increase the risk of 'serotonin syndrome.' This can be a serious condition.
- Tell your doctor if you have eye, heart, or blood pressure problems, seizures, low sodium levels in your blood, bleeding disorders, or mania.
- This medicine can cause restlessness or aggression. Tell your doctor if you experience these symptoms.
- Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine, as it can cause extreme tiredness.
Show 3 more warnings
- If you have thoughts of harming yourself or feel worse, contact a doctor or go to the hospital right away.
- If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
- Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
Use in Elderly Patients
Category C
Suitable for older adults, with specific precautions. Serotonergic. A significant adverse effect is low serum sodium level. Increases risk of falls. Consider the numerous potential interactions, especially with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Reduce the dose already in mild renal impairment. (updated 12.2.2024)