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Overview

Venlafaxine

Prescription vs OTC : Prescription by Doctor required

About Venlafaxine

Venlafaxine belongs to the group of drugs that go by the name of selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SSNRIs). This drug acts as an anti-depressant by controlling those unbalanced chemicals in the brain that cause depression. The drug is quite effective in the treatment of mental illnesses like panic disorder, anxiety and depressive disorder.

Patients with narrow- angle glaucoma are generally not prescribed Venlafaxine. Those who are allergic to any component of the drug are also recommended not to use it. Individuals who are under the treatment of methylene blue injection are also not prescribed Venlafaxine.

If you do suffer from the following health problems, discuss the benefits and drawbacks of taking the drug with your doctor before you start using it. They are-

There are individuals, especially youngsters who have suicidal thoughts when they first begin using Venlafaxine. In this case their progress should be carefully monitored by their doctor.

Like most medicines Venlafaxine also leads to some side effects such as asthenia, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, anorexia, loss of appetite, insomnia or problems with ejaculation in case of men. Some of these side effects are quite common and will go away after some time. Other side effects like chest pain, mood swings and irregular heartbeat are more serious and should be reported to your medical adviser.

Venlafaxine should be taken exactly as it has been prescribed. Take this medicine at one particular time of the day with your meal. The tablet is not meant to be chewed or crushed. Make sure you swallow it whole. Don’t discontinue Venlafaxine very suddenly as it can result in severe complications.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

    What are the uses of Venlafaxine

    • Depression

      This medicine is used to treat depression and symptoms associated with major depressive disorder.

    • Panic Disorder

      This medicine is used for the treatment of panic disorders characterized by an attack of sudden and unexpected extreme fear under normal circumstances.

    • Anxiety

      This medicine is also used for the treatment of anxiety and excessive worrying associated with generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

    What are the contraindications of Venlafaxine ?

    • Allergy

      This medicine is not recommended for use if you have a known history of allergy to venlafaxine or any other component present in the medicine.

    • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI)

      This medicine is not recommended for use while a MAOI (Rasagiline/Selegiline/methylene blue etc.) is being consumed. This medicine should be consumed at least 14 days after stopping the use of MAOI medicines.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

    What are the side effects of Venlafaxine ?

    • Suicidal Thinking And Behaviour

    • Serotonin Syndrome (Agitation, Hallucinations, Seizures, Nausea)

    • Irregular Heart Beat

    • Shaking Of Hands Or Feet

    • Dizziness

    • Chills

    • Blurred Or Double Vision

    • Nausea Or Vomiting

    • Dry Mouth

    • Muscle And Joint Pain

    • Decreased Sexual Urge

    • Difficulty In Passing Urine

    • Rapid Weight Loss

    • Ringing Or Buzzing In The Ears

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

    Key highlights of Venlafaxine

    • How long is the duration of effect?

      The time duration for which this medicine remains effective is 20-25 days.

    • What is the onset of action?

      The effect of this medicine is cumulative and takes 4-8 weeks to show in most cases.

    • Are there any pregnancy warnings?

      This medicine should be used by pregnant women only when the potential benefits outweigh the risks involved. Consult your doctor before using this medicine.

    • Is it habit forming?

      No habit forming tendencies were reported.

    • Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

      This medicine is not recommended for use by breastfeeding women. It is advised to discontinue breastfeeding before starting the treatment with this medicine. Consult your doctor before using this medicine.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

    What are the dosage instructions?

    • Missed Dose instructions

      Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If the next scheduled dose is less than 4 hours away, then the missed dose should be skipped.

    • Are there any overdose instructions?

      Contact a doctor immediately if an overdose with this medicine is suspected. Symptoms of an overdose may include agitation, hallucinations, convulsions, and nausea.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

    Where is the Venlafaxine approved?

    • India

    • United States

    • Japan

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

    Medicines containing Venlafaxine

    Below is the list of medicines, which contains Venlafaxine as ingredient

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

    How does this medication work?

    As per drug classification, this medication belongs to the class of an anabolic as well as an androgenic steroid. It promotes the growth of tissues and promotes the production of proteins and red blood cells.

      Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

      What are the interactions of Venlafaxine ?

      Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

        test
      • Interaction with Alcohol

        Ethanol

        Avoid or limit the uptake of alcohol while using this medicine. It is advised to refrain from driving vehicles and operating heavy machinery while using this medicine.
      • Interaction with Lab Test

        Test for Phencyclidine (PCP) and amphetamine

        Report the use of this medicine to the doctor if you are taking a screening test for Phencyclidine (PCP) or amphetamine. Use of this medicine may interfere with the test results.
      • Interaction with Medicine

        Linezolid

        Report the use of either of the medicines to the doctor. There must be a sufficient time gap between the use of these medicines. Your doctor may determine the best course of treatment after assessing the condition.

        Lithium

        Report the use of either of the medicines to the doctor. The risk of adverse effects is significantly high when these medicines are used together. Your doctor may determine the best course of treatment after assessing the condition.

        Sertraline

        Report the use of either of the medicines to the doctor. The risk of adverse effects is significantly high when these medicines are used together. Your doctor may determine the best course of treatment after assessing the condition.

        Warfarin

        Report the use of Warfarin or other anticoagulants to the doctor before receiving venlafaxine. The risk of adverse effects is significantly high in the elderly and patients with kidney or liver diseases. Your doctor may determine the best course of treatment after assessing the condition.

        Aspirin

        Report the use of Aspirin or other NSAIDs to the doctor before receiving venlafaxine. The risk of adverse effects is significantly high in the elderly and patients with kidney or liver diseases. Your doctor may determine the best course of treatment after assessing the condition.

        Methylene blue

        Report the use of either of the medicines to the doctor. There must be a sufficient time gap between the use of these medicines. Your doctor may determine the best course of treatment after assessing the condition.

        Indinavir

        Report the use of either of the medicine to the doctor. You may need a dose adjustment and more frequent clinical monitoring to safely use them together.

        Sumatriptan

        Report the use of either of the medicines to the doctor. The risk of adverse effects is significantly high when these medicines are used together. Your doctor may determine the best course of treatment after accessing the condition.
      • Interaction with Disease

        Kidney Disease

        This medicine should be used with caution in patients with an impaired kidney functions. Suitable dose adjustments should be made based on the serum creatinine levels for moderate to severe impairment.

        Glaucoma

        This medicine should be used with caution in patients having narrow-angle glaucoma. The symptoms of the disease might worsen if this medicine is used in such patients.

        Hypertension

        This medicine may cause an increase in the blood pressure levels and hence should be used with caution in patients with hypertension. The blood pressure level should be constantly monitored before and during the course of treatment.
      • Interaction with Food

        Food

        Information not available.

      References

      • Venlafaxine-Drug Information Portal [Internet].druginfo.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 7 June 2022].Available from:

        https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/venlafaxine

      • Venlafaxine-DrugBank Online [Internet].go.drugbank.com 2022 [Cited 7 June 2022].Available from:

        https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00285

      • VENLAFAXINE tablet,solution-DailyMed [Internet].dailymed.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 7 June 2022].Available from:

        https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=VENLAFAXINE

      Disclaimer : The information produced here is best of our knowledge and experience and we have tried our best to make it as accurate and up-to-date as possible, but we would like to request that it should not be treated as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

      Lybrate is a medium to provide our audience with the common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. Even if there is no mention of a warning for any drug or combination, it never means that we are claiming that the drug or combination is safe for consumption without any proper consultation with an expert.

      Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
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      Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
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      Reviewed ByDr. Garima SharmaMBBS, Master in Healthcare Administration, Diploma in Occupational HealthGeneral Physician
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