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Venlafaxine

Generic Name: 

Venlafaxine hydrochloride

Brand Names: 

Effexor, Effexor XR

Venlafaxine Description: 

Venlafaxine is a central nervous system agent used in the treatment of depression. Venlafaxine works by inhibiting the reuptake of certain neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. These chemicals are believed to play a large role in depression. By inhibiting their reuptake, venlafaxine alters the levels of these chemicals and helps treat the chemical imbalance believed to cause depression.

Venlafaxine Side Effects: 

Common side effects of venlafaxine include:

  • Nausea
  • Drowsiness
  • Insomnia
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Abnormal ejaculation
  • Nervousness
  • Dry mouth
  • Anxiety
  • Weakness
  • Sweating

For more information, see our venlafaxine side effects page.

Venlafaxine Uses: 

Venlafaxine is used in the treatment of major depressive disorder. Patients with major depressive disorder experience prominent and persistent episodes of depression. Depressive episodes generally include a combination of at least four of the following symptoms:

  • Change in appetite
  • Change in sleeping habits
  • Psychomotor agitation or retardation
  • Reduced interest in regular activities
  • Decreased libido
  • Fatigue
  • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
  • Sluggish thinking or reduced concentration
  • Suicide attempts or ideation

Venlafaxine is also used in the treatment of social anxiety disorder, which is a condition characterized by a strong and persistent fear of social situations.

While not specifically indicated for this purpose, venlafaxine may help treat hot flashes.

Venlafaxine Interactions: 

Venlafaxine may interact with the following medications:

  • Warfarin and other anticoagulants
  • Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors
  • Amiodarone
  • Other antidepressants
  • Cimetidine
  • Clozapine
  • Diuretics
  • Duloxetine
  • Haloperidol
  • Imipramine
  • Indinavir
  • Ketoconazole
  • Linezolid
  • Lithium
  • Aspirin
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Anti-anxiety medications
  • Pain medications
  • Seizure medications
  • Weight loss pills
  • Migraine medications
  • Methadone
  • Phentermine
  • Ritonavir
  • Sedatives or tranquilizers
  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (e.g., Lexapro, Paxil)
  • Sibutramine
  • Tramadol

Venlafaxine may interact with other medications or substances that are not listed above. Patients should talk with their doctor about the use of all other medications, vitamins or supplements before initiating treatment with venlafaxine.

Venlafaxine Dosage Information: 

Typical Dosage Recommendations

Venlafaxine dosages may vary among patients. Your doctor will establish the size and frequency of your dosage according to your individual needs. Patients should follow the dosage guidelines set by their doctor.

Venlafaxine is administered in the form of an oral tablet, an extended-release tablet and an extended-release capsule. Patients using regular tablet versions of venlafaxine generally initiate treatment by taking 75 mg per day, divided into multiple doses. This dosage may gradually be increased up to 225 mg. Patients taking extended-release tablet and capsule versions of venlafaxine usually initiate treatment with a once-daily dose of 75 mg which may be gradually increased as well.

Patients should take venlafaxine with food at approximately the same time every day.

Missing a Dose of Venlafaxine

If you forget to take a dose of venlafaxine, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal dosage schedule. Do not consume a double dose of this medication to compensate for a missed dose.

Patients taking extended-release versions of venlafaxine should not take more than one dose of venlafaxine in a 24-hour period.

Venlafaxine Overdose

An overdose of venlafaxine can result in serious complications and death. Overdoses commonly occur when venlafaxine is administered in conjunction with alcohol or other drugs. Symptoms of a venlafaxine overdose include:

  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Drowsiness
  • Dilated pupils
  • Seizures
  • Coma
  • Vomiting

Seek immediate medical attention if you have taken too much of this medication.

Venlafaxine FDA Approval: 

December 28, 1993

Venlafaxine Recall/Black Box Warning Information: 

Black Box Warning

Venlafaxine, like other antidepressant medications, carries a black box warning informing consumers and health care providers that the medication may place children, adolescents and young adults at an increased risk of suicide. Generally, depression and other mental illnesses are often already associated with an increased risk of suicide. Because of these risks, all patients taking venlafaxine should be closely monitored for abnormal changes in behavior or suicidal tendencies.

Recalls

In 2010, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Co. recalled certain lots of the venlafaxine-containing medication known as Effexor XR because the lots may have been contaminated by other products. The actions constituted a Class III recall, and the medications did not pose a significant risk to consumers.

Sources: 
  1. http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/Scripts/cder/DrugsatFDA/index.cfm?fuseaction=Search.Label_ApprovalHistory
  2. http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?id=15104
  3. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a694020.html
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