What is Venlafaxine?

Venlafaxine, also known as Effexor, is an antidepressant drug that belongs to the serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) class. It is used to treat severe depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social phobia. Additionally, it is used to treat chronic pain.

Venlafaxine Uses

Treats depression
Treats generalized anxiety disorder
Treats panic disorder
Treats social phobia
Potential to boost mood and energy levels
Restores interest in everyday activities

How Venlafaxine Works

Venlafaxine works by restoring the balance of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps improve mood and reduce anxiety.

How to Use Venlafaxine HCL

Reading the Medication Guide:
- Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before starting venlafaxine.
- Consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Administration:
- Take this medicine orally, 2 to 3 times a day with food, as instructed by your doctor.
- The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
- Your doctor may start you on a low dose and gradually increase it to reduce the risk of side effects.
- Take it at the same time daily for the best results.
Consistency:
- Even if you feel fine, continue taking this medication.
- Do not quit taking it without consulting your doctor to avoid withdrawal symptoms such as confusion, mood swings, headaches, tiredness, sleep shifts, and brief electric shock-like sensations.
- The dosage may need to be gradually reduced to minimize side effects.

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Venlafaxine Side Effects

Common side effects include:

Agitation
Lack or loss of strength
Severe headache
Sweating
Bloody stool or urine
Dark urine
Diarrhea
Drowsiness
Fever
General feeling of tiredness or weakness
Increased thirst
Muscle cramps, spasms, or pain
Nausea, vomiting
Nosebleeds
Overactive reflexes
Poor coordination
Red or purple spots on the skin
Restlessness
Shivering
Stomach pain
Trembling or shaking
Twitching
Unusual bruising
Unusual tiredness
Vomiting of blood
Yellow eyes or skin

Precautions

Allergies: Inform your doctor if you are allergic to venlafaxine or desvenlafaxine, or if you have other allergies.
Medical History: Discuss any history of bleeding problems, glaucoma, high blood pressure, heart problems, high cholesterol, kidney disease, liver disease, seizure disorder, or thyroid disease with your doctor.
Side Effects: Venlafaxine can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. Avoid alcohol and marijuana as they can exacerbate these effects. Do not drive or operate machinery until you are sure you can do so safely.
Older Adults: May experience more pronounced side effects, such as dizziness and salt imbalance.
Children: More prone to side effects like appetite loss and weight loss. Monitor their weight and height regularly.
Pregnancy: Use only if necessary. It can harm an unborn child, and babies born to mothers who used this medication during the last three months of pregnancy may experience withdrawal symptoms.
Breastfeeding: This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Overdose

Symptoms: Severe drowsiness, seizures, irregular heartbeat.
Action: Call a poison control center immediately if an overdose is suspected.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double the dose.

Storage

Store at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications out of reach of children. Properly discard expired or no longer needed medications.

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Venlafaxine vs Duloxetine

Venlafaxine	Duloxetine
Molecular Formula: C17H27NO2	Molecular Formula: C18H19NOS
Molecular Weight: 277.4 g/mol	Molar mass: 297.4146 g/mol
Brand name Effexor	Brand name Cymbalta
Used to treat depression, anxiety, panic disorder, and social phobia	Used to treat generalized anxiety disorder, fibromyalgia, major depressive disorder, and neuropathic pain
SNRI class antidepressant	SNRI class antidepressant

Citations

Effects of Venlafaxine on Blood Pressure: A Meta-Analysis of Original Data From 3744 Depressed Patients

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is venlafaxine used for?

Venlafaxine is a medication used to treat depression. It has the potential to boost your mood and energy level, as well as rekindle your interest in everyday activities. It is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that helps restore the brain's normal chemical balance.

2. What are the common side effects of venlafaxine?

Common side effects of venlafaxine include feeling sick, headaches, sweating, dry mouth, trouble sleeping, dizziness, feeling sleepy, and constipation.

3. Is venlafaxine good for anxiety?

Yes, venlafaxine is often used to treat anxiety, panic attacks, and social anxiety disorder. It can help reduce anxiety, fear, intrusive thoughts, and panic attacks, while also improving mood and energy levels.

4. Does venlafaxine make you sleepy?

Drowsiness is a side effect of venlafaxine. It can impair your ability to make quick decisions and think clearly. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you are sure you can perform tasks normally.

5. What are the long-term effects of taking venlafaxine?

Long-term effects may include weight changes, sexual dysfunction, and potential impact on liver function. Regular monitoring and consultation with a healthcare provider are recommended.

6. What does venlafaxine do to the brain?

Venlafaxine works by blocking transport proteins, preventing the reuptake of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine at the presynaptic terminal, thereby increasing their levels in the brain.

7. Will venlafaxine cause me to gain weight?

Weight gain is uncommon with venlafaxine, but individual responses may vary. Discuss any concerns about weight changes with your healthcare provider.

8. Is venlafaxine good for memory?

Venlafaxine may impact memory in some individuals, especially in association with other factors like depression or anxiety. Consult your doctor about any cognitive concerns.

9. Is it possible for venlafaxine to cause hallucinations?

In rare cases, venlafaxine has been associated with hallucinations. If you experience unusual symptoms, consult your healthcare provider.

10. Does venlafaxine make you angry?

Withdrawal from venlafaxine can lead to irritability and mood changes. It's important to follow your doctor's guidance when discontinuing the medication.

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.