The American multinational pharmaceutical corporation Pfizer Inc. has recalled three lots of the antidepressant Effexor XR along with other generic versions of the drug, after another drug Tikosyn was allegedly found in one of the bottles.
Following are the antidepressants that were voluntarily recalled:
- One lot of 30-count Effexor XR (venlafaxine HCI) 150 mg extended-release capsules
- One lot of 90-count Greenstone LLC-branded venlafaxine HCl 150 mg extended-release capsules
- One lot of 90-count Effexor XR (venlafaxine HCl) 150 mg extended-release capsules
Pfize in its announcement said, “Although Pfizer has not received any other such reports, these three lots are being voluntarily recalled as a precaution because they were packaged on the same line.”
Tikosyn is a very serious medication that should not be mixed with the antidepressant. It has the potential side-effect to cause atrial fibrillation.
Tikosyn is an antiarrhythimic medication for highly symptomatic atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter (otherwise known as irregular heartbeats). The combination of Effexor/Venlafaxine and Tikosyn could be fatal, according to Science World Report.