Venlafaxie - Benefits and Uses

Type of Drug:

Antidepressant; mood-elevating agent

How the Venlafaxie Product Works:

Venlafaxine inhibits neuronal uptake of serotonin and norepinephrine in the central nervous system, which is believed to combat depression and other behavioral disorders.

Uses of The Venlafaxie:

The treatment of depression. The extended-release form is also used to treat generalized anxiety disorder.

Pregnancy: Adequate studies have not been done in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed and potential benefits to the mother outweigh the possible hazards to the fetus.

Breastfeeding: Venlafaxine appears the breast milk. A decision should be made to either discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Children: Safety and effectiveness in children younger than 18 years of age have not been established.

Drug Interactions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or if you are planning to take any over-the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements with venlafaxine HCI. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribod. The following drugs and drug classes interact with venlafaxino HCl.

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MAOls (eg, phenelzine)

* Sibutramine (Meridia)

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many venlafaxine HCI users experience no or minor side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

Circulatory System: Increased blood pressure; increased heart rate; decreased blood pressure upon rising; flushing.

Digestive Tract: Nausea; constipation; appetite loss; diarrhea; vomiting; indigestion; stomach pain; gas; difficulty swallowing; dry mouth;belching.

Nervous System: Drowsiness; sleeplessness; dizziness; nervousness; headache; vertigo (feeling of whirling motion); migraine; anxiety; tremor; abnormal dreams; abnormal skin sensations; agitation; confusion; impaired memory; depression; abnormal thinking; unstable emotions; lockjaw; twitching; depersonalization; decreased sex drive; muscle stiffness.

Respiratory System: Yawning; bronchitis; difficulty breathing; runny nose; cough.

Senses: Blurred vision; taste changes; ringing in the ears; dilated pupils; ear pain; vision changes.

Skin: Sweating; rash; itching; flushing.

Urinary and Reproductive Tract: Abnormal ejaculation or orgasm; impotence; impaired urination; urinary frequency; menstrual disorders; blood in the urine; painful or difficult urination; irregular bleeding between periods; inflammation of the vagina with itching or abnormal discharge; urinary retention.

Other: Weakness; infection; chills; chest pain; weight gain or loss; accidental injury; general body discomfort; neck pain; muscle pain; joint pain; swelling of hands or feet; unusual bruising.

Guidelines for Use:

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Tablets - Usual adult starting dose is 75 mg/day, taken in 2 or 3 divided doses. Dosage may be gradually increased to achieve the desired effect.

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Extended-release capsules - Usual adult starting dose is 75 mg/day taken as a single dose.

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Take each dose with food.

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Do not crush, chew, or dissolve extended-release capsules in water. Swallow extended-release capsules whole, with fluid.

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If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up, unless advised to do so by your doctor. If several doses are missed or it is necessary to establish a new dosage schedule, con­tact your doctor or pharmacist. Use exactly as prescribed.

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Do not change the dose or stop taking venlafaxine unless advised to do so by your doctor.

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If venlafaxine therapy is discontinued, the dose should be gradually reduced over a 2-week period.

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Smaller doses should be used in patients with moderate liver or kidney impairment.

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Venlafaxine should not be used in combination with an MAOI, or within at least 14 days of discontinuing treatment with an MAOI. After stop­ping venlafaxine, at least 7 days should elapse before starting an MAOI.

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Because any psychoactive drug may impair judgment, thinking, or motor skills, do not operate hazardous machinery, including automobiles, until you are reasonably certain that venlafaxine does not adversely affect your ability to engage in such activities.

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Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, become pregnant, are planning to become pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding during therapy.

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Notify your doctor if rash, hives, or other allergic reactions occur.

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Blood pressure will be monitored during treatment.

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Notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, or supplements.

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Avoid alcohol use during venlafaxine therapy.

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Store at room temperature (68 to 77°F). Keep container tightly closed.