Description
Effexor XR
Description
Effexor XR is an extended-release capsule for oral administration that contains venlafaxine hydrochloride, a structurally novel antidepressant. It is designated (R/ S)-1-[ 2-( dimethylamino)-1-(4-methoxyphenyl) ethyl] cyclohexanol hydrochloride or ( )-1-[ -[( dimethylamino) methyl] -p-methoxybenzyl] cyclohexanol hydrochloride and has the empirical formula of C17H27NO2 hydrochloride. Its molecular weight is 313.87.
Venlafaxine hydrochloride is a white to off-white crystalline solid with a solubility of 572 mg/ mL in water (adjusted to ionic strength of 0.2 M with sodium chloride). Its octanol: water (0.2 M sodium chloride) partition coefficient is 0.43. Effexor XR is formulated as an extended-release capsule for once-a-day oral administration.
Drug release is controlled by diffusion through the coating membrane on the spheroids and is not pH dependent. Capsules contain venlafaxine hydrochloride equivalent to 37.5 mg, 75 mg, or 150 mg venlafaxine. Inactive ingredients consist of cellulose, ethylcellulose, gelatin, hypromellose, iron oxide, and titanium dioxide.
Dosage and Administration
Effexor XR should be administered in a single dose with food either in the morning or in the evening at approximately the same time each day. Each capsule should be swallowed whole with fluid and not divided, crushed, chewed, or placed in water, or it may be administered by carefully opening the capsule and sprinkling the entire contents on a spoonful of apple sauce. This drug/ food mixture should be swallowed immediately without chewing and followed with a glass of water to ensure complete swallowing of the pellets.
Overdose
?If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include sleepiness, irregular heartbeat, and seizures.
Missed Dose
Try to take each dose at the scheduled time. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take it if it is near the time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not “double-up” the dose to catch up.
