Venlafaxine

Brand name(s): EffexorŽ; EffexorŽ XR

Studies have shown that children and teenagers who take antidepressants ('mood elevators') such as venlafaxine are more likely to think about harming or killing themselves or to plan or try to do so than children who do not take antidepressants. Children younger than 18 years of age should not normally take venlafaxine.If your child's doctor has prescribed venlafaxine for your child, you should watch his or her behavior very carefully, especially at the beginning of treatment and any time his or her dose is increased or decreased. Your child may develop serious symptoms very suddenly, so it is important to pay attention to his or her behavior every day. Call your child's doctor right away if he or she experiences any of these symptoms: new or worsening depression; thinking about harming or killing him- or herself or planning or trying to do so; extreme worry; agitation; panic attacks; difficulty falling or staying asleep; irritability; aggressive behavior; acting without thinking; severe restlessness; frenzied, abnormal excitement; or any other sudden or unusual changes in behavior.Your child's doctor will want to see your child often while he or she is taking venlafaxine, especially at the beginning of his or her treatment .Your child's doctor may also want to speak with you or your child by telephone from time to time. Be sure that your child keeps all appointments for office visits or telephone conversations with his or her doctor.Talk to your child's doctor about the risks of giving venlafaxine to your child.

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