Q: Who should not take Effexor?
A: You should not take Effexor if you are taking another drug used to treat depression called a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI), or if you have stopped taking an MAOI in the last 14 days. Taking Effexor and an MAOI within a close period of time can result in serious (and sometimes fatal) reactions including high body temperature, coma, and seizures (convulsions).

Q: Are there any serious health risks associated with Effexor?
A: Stopping Effexor suddenly could result in harmful side effects. Your healthcare professional should slowly decrease your dose. Other health risks associated with Effexor use include suicidal thoughts or actions, high blood pressure or faster heartbeat, bleeding problems, mania, seizures, weight loss, and sexual problems. Other problems associated with Effexor use may develop if you are or may become pregnant.

Q: Are there any other side effects associated with Effexor?
A: Other side effects from Effexor use include nausea, sleepiness, dry mouth, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, and constipation.

Q: What should I tell my healthcare professional before he or she prescribes Effexor?
A: Tell your healthcare professional about all known medical conditions, especially if you have liver, kidney, or heart disease, or glaucoma. Tell your healthcare professional if you breast-feed or plan to breast-feed your baby.

Q: Are there any drug interactions between Effexor and other drugs or foods?
A: Effexor and certain other medicines can interact with each other. Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take - including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

In light of the July 2006 FDA alert, it is important to talk to your healthcare professional before taking Effexor and a triptan medicine together. If you must take Effexor and a triptan medicine together, be aware of the possibility of getting serotonin syndrome. Seek immediate medical attention if you think serotonin syndrome is happening to you.

If you plan to drink alcohol while taking Effexor, talk to your healthcare professional.