Hi! I came across this Forum while doing a search on Effexor XR & Zofran. I realize it's more than a year since your post but wanted to add...The combo of Effexor & Zofran raised my bloodpressure and made my chest hurt so much that I had to be admitted to the hospital. I usually have very low BP. I am on Chemo infusions for a disease called Wegener's Granulamotosis. My next infusion cycle starts in less than a month, therefore I am weaning down on my Effexor XR. I can't take any of the other drugs commonly used for Chemo side affects. Please becareful with this combo! I can't imagine I'm the only one who has experienced this. Take care :-)
-HCNC-
Zofran is commonly used to treat nausea. I believe there are a number of forum members that have used it during their treatment. Some of them have tried other anti nausea meds and Zofran seems to work for most people. I have used it to manage nausea after chemo treatments.
Zofran
Why is this medication prescribed?
Zofran (ondansetron) is used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Ondansetron is in a class of medications called serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonists. It works by blocking the action of serotonin, a natural substance that may cause nausea and vomiting.
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Effexor
Why is this medication prescribed?
Effexor (venlafaxine) is used to treat depression. Venlafaxine extended-release (long-acting) capsules are also used to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD; excessive worrying that is difficult to control), social anxiety disorder (extreme fear of interacting with others or performing in front of others that interferes with normal life), and panic disorder (sudden, unexpected attacks of extreme fear and worry about these attacks). Venlafaxine is in a class of medications called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
It works by increasing the amounts of serotonin and norepinephrine, natural substances in the brain that help maintain mental balance.
How should this medicine be used?
Venlafaxine comes as a tablet or extended-release capsule to take by mouth. The tablet is usually taken two or three times a day with food. The extended-release capsule is usually taken once daily in the morning or evening with food. Take venlafaxine at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take venlafaxine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often or for a longer period of time than prescribed by your doctor.
Swallow the extended-release capsule whole; do not split, chew, or crush it, or place it in water. If you cannot swallow the extended-release capsule, you may carefully open the capsule and sprinkle the entire contents on a spoonful of applesauce. Swallow (without chewing) this mixture immediately after preparation and then drink a glass of water to make sure that you have swallowed all of the medication.
Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of venlafaxine and gradually increase your dose, not more often than once every 4 to 7 days. Tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment so that your doctor can adjust your dose properly.
Venlafaxine controls depression but does not cure it. It may take 6 to 8 weeks or longer for you to feel the full benefit of this medication. Continue to take venlafaxine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking venlafaxine without talking to your doctor. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually. If you suddenly stop taking venlafaxine, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as agitation; anxiety; confusion; sad mood; irritability; frenzied or abnormal excitement; lack of coordination; trouble falling asleep or staying asleep; nightmares; nausea; vomiting; loss of appetite; diarrhea; dry mouth; sweating; ringing in the ears; seizures; or burning, tingling, numbness, or electric shock-like feelings in any part of the body. Tell your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms while you are decreasing your dose of venlafaxine or soon after you stop taking venlafaxine.
Cheers!
Hector
There is another member who told me to take Zofran it was Ceneous I spelled her name wrong its supposed to be really great! Hang in there I got sick this morning because I didnt take my nausea medicine fast enough it will help you!
Thank you for doing all of this for me. The thought of having to be monitored by EKG kind of freaks me out. (hence the anxiety meds!) I wish you didn't always have to get help for one thing and exchange it for another? What to do...what to do.
I looked at interactions on Drugs.com and here is what they said:
Ribavirin
Effexor XR (venlafaxine)
Pegasys (peginterferon alfa-2a)
Zofran (ondansetron)
Interactions between your selected drugs
No results found - however, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. ALWAYS consult with your doctor or pharmacist.
http://www.drugs.com/interactions-check.php?drug_list=2009-0,2296-1523,1806-1159,1752-1120