Effexor (Venlafaxine) Information
Effexor
Effexor capsules.
Each Effexor capsule contains 150 mg. venlafaxine
hydrochloride. Venlafaxine, brand name Vandral Retard, comes in packs of 30
capsules and is manufactured by Wyeth.
Common uses and directions for Effexor
Effexor (venlafaxine hydrochloride) is indicated for the
treatment of major depressive disorder.
A major depressive episode implies a prominent and relatively persistent
depressed or dysphoric mood that usually interferes with daily functioning.
The recommended starting dose for Effexor is 75 mg./day,
administered in two or three divided doses, taken with food. Depending on
tolerability and the need for further clinical effect, the dose may be
increased to 150 mg./day. If needed, the dose should be further increased up
to 225 mg./day. When increasing the dose, increments of up to 75 mg./day
should be made at intervals of no less than 4 days. In outpatient settings
there was no evidence of usefulness of doses greater than 225 mg./day for
moderately depressed patients, but more severely depressed inpatients
responded to a mean dose of 350 mg./day. Certain patients, including more
severely depressed patients, may therefore respond more to higher doses, up
to a maximum of 375 mg/day, generally in three divided doses.
Common side effects include somnolence, insomnia,
dizziness, nervousness, dry mouth, anxiety, gastrointestinal, nausea,
urogenital, abnormal, ejaculation, headache, astheni and sweating.
Effexor, common uses
Effexor (venlafaxine hydrochloride) is indicated for the
treatment of major depressive disorder. The mechanism of the antidepressant
action of venlafaxine in humans is believed to be associated with its
potentiation of neurotransmitter activity in the CNS.
Effexor, directions
Effexor (Venlafaxine), brand name Vandral Retard by Wyeth,
comes as a capsule, 150 mg., to take by mouth.
The recommended starting dose for Effexor is 75 mg./day, administered in two
or three divided doses, taken with food. Depending on tolerability and the
need for further clinical effect, the dose may be increased to 150 mg./day.
If needed, the dose should be further increased up to 225 mg./day. When
increasing the dose, increments of up to 75 mg./day should be made at
intervals of no less than 4 days. In outpatient settings there was no
evidence of usefulness of doses greater than 225 mg./day for moderately
depressed patients, but more severely depressed inpatients responded to a
mean dose of 350 mg./day. Certain patients, including more severely
depressed patients, may therefore respond more to higher doses, up to a
maximum of 375 mg/day, generally in three divided doses.
It is generally agreed that acute episodes of major
depressive disorder require several months or longer of sustained
pharmacological therapy beyond response to the acute episode. It is not
known, however, whether or not the dose of Effexor needed for maintenance
treatment is identical to the dose needed to achieve an initial response.
Individuals should be periodically reassessed to determine the need for
maintenance treatment and the appropriate dose for such treatment.
At least 14 days should elapse between discontinuation of
an MAOI and initiation of therapy with Effexor. In addition, at least 7 days
should be allowed after stopping Effexor before starting an MAOI.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered if it is within an hour or
so. If you do not remember until later, skip the missed dose and resume your
usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
Effexor, precautions
Adverse reactions, some of which were serious, have been
reported in patients who have recently been discontinued from a monoamine
oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) and started on Effexor, or who have recently had
Effexor therapy discontinued prior to initiation of an MAOI. These reactions
have included tremor, myoclonus, diaphoresis, nausea, vomiting, flushing,
dizziness, hyperthermia with features resembling neuroleptic malignant
syndrome, seizures, and death. In individuals receiving antidepressants with
pharmacological properties similar to venlafaxine in combination with a
monoamine oxidase inhibitor, there have also been reports of serious,
sometimes fatal, reactions. For a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor,
these reactions have included hyperthermia, rigidity, myoclonus, autonomic
instability with possible rapid fluctuations of vital signs, and mental
status changes that include extreme agitation progressing to delirium and
coma. Some cases presented with features resembling neuroleptic malignant
syndrome. Severe hyperthermia and seizures, sometimes fatal, have been
reported in association with the combined use of tricyclic antidepressants
and MAOIs. These reactions have also been reported in patients who have
recently discontinued these drugs and have been started on an MAOI.
Therefore, it is recommended that Effexor not be used in combination with an
MAOI, or within at least 14 days of discontinuing treatment with an MAOI.
Based on the half-life of Effexor, at least 7 days should be allowed after
stopping Effexor before starting an MAOI.
Individuals with major depressive disorder, both adult and
pediatric, may experience worsening of their depression and/or the emergence
of suicidal ideation and behavior, whether or not they are taking
antidepressant medications, and this risk may persist until significant
remission occurs.
Individuals being treated with antidepressants should be
observed closely for clinical worsening and suicidality, especially at the
beginning of a course of drug therapy, or at the time of dose changes,
either increases or decreases. Consideration should be given to changing the
therapeutic regimen, including possibly discontinuing the medication, in
patients whose depression is persistently worse or whose emergent
suicidality is severe, abrupt in onset, or was not part of the individual’s
presenting symptoms.
A major depressive episode may be the initial presentation
of bipolar disorder. It is generally believed that treating such an episode
with an antidepressant alone may increase the likelihood of precipitation of
a mixed/manic episode in patients at risk for bipolar disorder. Prior to
initiating treatment with an antidepressant, individuals should be
adequately screened to determine if they are at risk for bipolar disorder.
Venlafaxine treatment is associated with sustained
increases in blood pressure in some individuals.
Abrupt discontinuation or dose reduction of venlafaxine at various doses has
been found to be associated with the appearance of new symptoms including
agitation, anorexia, anxiety, confusion, coordination impaired, diarrhea,
dizziness, dry mouth, dysphoric mood, fasciculation, fatigue, headaches,
hypomania, insomnia, nausea, nervousness, nightmares, sensory disturbances,
somnolence, sweating, tremor, vertigo, and vomiting.
Individuals should be monitored for these symptoms when
discontinuing treatment with Effexor. A gradual reduction in the dose rather
than abrupt cessation is recommended whenever possible. If intolerable
symptoms occur following a decrease in the dose or upon discontinuation of
treatment, then resuming the previously prescribed dose may be considered.
Subsequently, the physician may continue decreasing the dose but at a more
gradual rate.
The safety and efficacy of venlafaxine therapy in combination with weight
loss agents, including phentermine, have not been established.
Effexor should be used cautiously by individuals with a history of mania.
Hyponatremia and/or the syndrome of inappropriate
antidiuretic hormone secretion may occur with venlafaxine. This should be
taken into consideration in patients who are, for example, volume-depleted,
elderly, or taking diuretics.
ydriasis has been reported in association with venlafaxine.
Patients with raised intraocular pressure or at risk of acute narrow angle
glaucoma should therefore be monitored.
Effexor should be used cautiously in patients with a
history of seizures and it should be discontinued in any patient who
develops seizures.
Measurement of serum cholesterol levels should be
considered during long-term treatment of Effexor.
Effexor, like all antidepressants, should be used with caution by
individuals with renal impairment.
Notify your physician if you become pregnant or intend to become pregnant
during therapy of Effexor. Effexor should be used during pregnancy only if
clearly needed.
Notify your physician if you are breast-feeding an infant.
Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants
from Effexor, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to
discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the
mother.
The risk of using venlafaxine in combination with other
CNS-active drugs has not been systematically evaluated. Caution is therefore
advised if the concomitant administration of venlafaxine and such drugs is
required.
Based on the mechanism of action of venlafaxine and the potential for
serotonin syndrome, caution is advised when venlafaxine is co-administered
with other drugs that may affect the serotonergic neurotransmitter systems,
such as triptans, serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or lithium
Effexor, possible side effects
The most frequently observed side effects associated with
the use of Effexor are asthenia, sweating, nausea, constipation, anorexia,
vomiting, somnolence, dry mouth, dizziness, nervousness, anxiety, tremor,
and blurred vision as well as abnormal ejaculation/orgasm and impotence in
men.
Anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, insomnia, irritability, hostility,
impulsivity, akathisia, hypomania and mania, have been reported in adult and
pediatric patients being treated with antidepressants for major depressive
disorder as well as for other indications, both psychiatric and
nonpsychiatric.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.
Effexor, overdose
If overdose of Effexor is suspected, contact your local
poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Effexor, additional information
Keep Effexor in a tightly closed container and out of reach
of children. Store Effexor at room temperature and away from excess heat and
moisture (not in the bathroom).
Note
The above information is intended to supplement, not
substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, or other
healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of
Effexor is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare
professional before using Effexor.
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