Venice Xr Capsules 75mg Capsules

Venlafaxine is an antidepressant of the SNRI type. It raises the levels of serotonin and noradrenaline, natural chemicals that help balance mood. It is used to treat:

• depression
• generalised anxiety disorder
• social anxiety disorder and panic disorder

It may take several weeks before you feel the full benefit.

Take it exactly as your doctor tells you, at the same time each day.

• Take it with food.
• Swallow extended-release capsules whole. If you cannot, ask your pharmacist whether the contents can be sprinkled on a spoonful of apple sauce and swallowed straight away without chewing.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless the next dose is nearly due. Never take two doses together.
• Do not stop suddenly. Your doctor will lower the dose slowly to avoid symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, irritability and electric-shock feelings.

Common side effects include:

• feeling sick, dry mouth, loss of appetite
• sleepiness or sweating
• sexual problems

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• thoughts of harming yourself, or worsening mood, agitation or panic
• fever, confusion, sweating, a fast heartbeat, stiff or twitching muscles, vomiting or diarrhoea
• a seizure, unusual bruising or bleeding, or hallucinations
• eye pain, redness or vision changes
• a rash, swelling or trouble breathing

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• take, or have taken in the last 2 weeks, an MAO inhibitor (such as linezolid, phenelzine or selegiline)
• take St John's wort, tryptophan or other antidepressants
• have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease or a recent heart attack
• have glaucoma, seizures, or kidney, liver or thyroid disease
• have misused alcohol or drugs
• are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding

Store at room temperature in the original, tightly closed container, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of the reach of children.

Suicidal thoughts: young people under 25 may have a higher risk of suicidal thoughts, especially in the first months or after a dose change. Family should watch for changes in mood.

Driving: it may cause drowsiness; avoid driving until you know how it affects you.

Alcohol: can make side effects worse; ask your doctor.