Take Effexor XR with food, exactly as prescribed. It may take several weeks before you begin to feel better. Your doctor should check your progress periodically.

Take Effexor XR once at the same time each day. Swallow the capsule whole with water. Do not divide, crush, or chew it.

EFFEXOR XR

For both depression and anxiety the usual starting dose of Effexor XR is 75 milligrams once daily, although some people begin with a dose of 37.5 milligrams for the first 4 to 7 days. Your doctor may gradually increase the dose, in steps of no more than 75 milligrams, up to a maximum of 225 milligrams daily. As with regular Effexor, the doctor will make adjustments in your dosage if you have kidney or liver disease.

EFFEXOR

The usual starting dose of Effexor is 75 milligrams a day, divided into 2 or 3 smaller doses, and taken with food. If needed, your doctor may gradually increase your daily dose in steps of no more than 75 milligrams at a time up to a maximum of 375 milligrams per day.

If you have kidney or liver disease or are taking other medications, your doctor will adjust your dosage accordingly.

Effexor Overdose: An overdose of Effexor, combined with other drugs or alcohol, can be fatal. If you suspect an overdose of Effexor, seek medical attention immediately.

Symptoms of Effexor overdose include: Sleepiness, vertigo, rapid or slow heartbeat, low blood pressure, seizures, coma.

If you miss a dose of Effexor: It is not necessary to make it up. Skip the missed dose of Effexor and continue with your next scheduled dose. Do not take 2 Effexor doses at once.

Effexor Storage instructions: Store Effexor in a tightly closed container at room temperature. Protect Effexor from excessive heat and moisture.

Preparations of Effexor: Effexor is available in tablets of 25 mg, 37.5 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg.

Effexor XR is available in capsules of 37.5 mg, 75 mg, 150 mg.