Venlafaxine
Molecule Description
Venlafaxine is a medicine used to treat depression. It is also used to treat ge
neral anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder and panic disorder. This medicine belongs to a group of Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors.This medicine works by increasing the action of a chemical called Serotonin in the brain. Venlafaxine affects the neurotransmitters which is a chemical that is present in the nerves of the brain. It helps in the communication of one nerve cell to another.
Uses of Venlafaxine
- Depression
- Anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Attention deficit disorder
- Neuropathic pain
- Hot flashes due to hormonal chemotherapy
Contraindications of Venlafaxine
When should one not use Venlafaxine
- If you are allergic to the medication or any excipients
- Any medical history of bleeding problems, glaucoma, high blood pressure, heart problems, high cholesterol, kidney disease, liver disease, seizure disorder and thyroid disease
Side effects of Venlafaxine
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Common side effects:
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Dryness of mouth
- Poor appetite
- Weight loss
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Impotence
- Serious side effects:
- Attempts to commit suicide
- Aggressive and violent behavior
- Agitation
- Restlessness
- Seizures
Precautions and Warnings of Venlafaxine
Pregnancy
Q:
Can I take Venlafaxine during pregnancy?
A:
Avoid this medicine if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy. Your doctor will prescribe the Venlafaxine medicine to you during pregnancy only if the benefit to you exceeds the potential risk to the fetus.
Breast Feeding
Q:
Can I take Venlafaxine while breastfeeding?
A:
The medicine passes through the breast milk and can cause serious effects in a breastfeeding child. Hence it must not be taken during breastfeeding.
Driving
Q:
Can I drive if I have consumed Venlafaxine?
A:
Change in eyesight (blurred vision), confusion, dizziness are the possible side effects after taking Venlafaxine. If you experience these, do not drive.
Alcohol
Q:
Can I consume alcohol with Venlafaxine?
A:
Venlafaxine increases the risk of sleepiness with alcohol.
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- Before taking Venlafaxine, consult with the doctor and tell him/ her if you have had:
- Heart problems
- Diabetes
- History of eye problems any eye surgery
- Other psychotic problems like aggressive behavior, seizures or fits
Mode of Action of Venlafaxine
How Does It Work?
Venlafaxine acts by increasing the levels of Serotonin and Norepinephrine in the brain. These are the chemicals used for communication by the brain. Venlafaxine inhibits the reuptake of these two chemicals. Thus, this medicine affects chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with depression....
Interactions of Venlafaxine
Interactions with other medicines
- Venlafaxine can react with other medications like nutritional supplements, vitamins, herbs
- Tell your doctor if you are taking other medicines for cough, fever, and cold, diabetes, high blood pressure, weight loss or antipsychotics medicine
Interactions with food items
If you have any food allergy, consult with the doctor.
Dosage of Venlafaxine
Overdose
The most commonly reported symptoms of overdosage include rapid heartbeat, changes in level of consciousness (ranging from excessive sleep to coma), dilated pupils of eyes, seizures, and vomiting. Seek emergency medical attention immediately if you suspect overdose....
Missed a Dose
If you missed any dose, take it as soon as you remember. Don’t take the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take more medicine to compensate for the missed dose.
Content Details
WRITTEN BY
Dr. Arpit Verma
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
REVIEWED BY
Dr. Ritu Budania
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: When and how to consume the medicine?
A: The medicine is to be taken orally. The dosage of Venlafaxine must be as prescribed by the doctor. Follow all directions on the prescription label without altering the prescribed dose.
Q: Can we use this medicine in children?
A: The medicine should not be used in children and adolescents under 18 years of age.
Q: How long this medicine works in the body?
A: Half-life of this medicine is 5-11 hours so that it can work up to 10-22 hours in body.
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