What to do if you forget to take Effexor? 

What to do if you forget to take Effexor? 

If you have forgotten to take your Effexor (Venlafaxine), take it as soon as you remember. However, if a lot of time has passed since you missed your last dose and the next dose is near, it’s better to skip the missed dose and take the next one on time. 

If you do take your missed dose pretty late in the day and your next dose on time, there’s a chance of overdosing on Effexor, which may cause some unwanted side effects. Missing one dose may not affect you that much, especially if you’re on a low dosage strength of Effexor. 

Although you should always take your antidepressant on time, it’s common to forget it every once in a while. Just make sure you don’t take your medication twice. It may not cause life-threatening side effects, but it does affect people differently. 

What are the risks of skipping Effexor doses?

Skipping doses of Effexor can have several risks and potential consequences. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions and take Effexor as prescribed. Some of the risks include:

Relapse of depressive or anxiety symptoms

Effexor is commonly prescribed to treat depression and anxiety disorders. Skipping doses can lead to a return or worsening of these symptoms, including low mood, irritability, feelings of sadness or hopelessness, or increased anxiety. (1,2)

Withdrawal symptoms

Effexor belongs to a class of medications known as serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). If doses are missed or discontinued abruptly, some individuals may experience withdrawal symptoms, also known as discontinuation syndrome. 

These symptoms can include dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, irritability, and brain zaps (a sensation of electrical shock). (3)

Disrupted treatment efficacy

Consistent and regular use of Effexor is necessary to maintain its therapeutic effects. Skipping doses may interrupt the medication’s effectiveness and delay improvements in your condition.

Increased risk of medication side effects

Effexor may cause certain side effects, such as changes in blood pressure, drowsiness, nausea, nightmares, dizziness, or gastrointestinal discomfort. Skipping doses may increase the likelihood of experiencing these side effects when restarting or adjusting the medication. (1)

How to remember to take your antidepressant? 

There are plenty of ways to remember to take your medications. A few of them are:

  • Set a reminder on your smartphone or any other smart gadget to take your medication on time. 
  • Keep your antidepressant in a place that you look at frequently, like your work desk. 
  • Take it with a meal and make it a habit. This way you’ll always remember to take your antidepressant with that specific meal of the day. 
  • Keep a pillbox and place it in front of you. It will help you remember to take a med and will prevent you from accidentally taking another dose. 
  • Always make sure you refill your prescription before you run out of it to prevent missing a dose of your antidepressant. 

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References

1.-

Singh D, Saadabadi A. Venlafaxine. 2022 Oct 10. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 30570984. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535363

2.-

Holliday SM, Benfield P. Venlafaxine. A review of its pharmacology and therapeutic potential in depression. Drugs. 1995 Feb;49(2):280-94. doi: 10.2165/00003495-199549020-00010. PMID: 7729333. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7729333/

3.-

Parker G, Blennerhassett J. Withdrawal reactions associated with venlafaxine. Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 1998 Apr;32(2):291-4. doi: 10.3109/00048679809062742. PMID: 9588310. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9588310/

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