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March 18, 2010
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Medications and Drugs

GENERIC NAME: venlafaxine

BRAND NAME: Effexor, Effexor XR

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Venlafaxine is in a new class of anti-depressant medications that affects chemical messengers within the brain. These chemical messengers are called neurotransmitters, and some examples are serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Neurotransmitters are manufactured by nerve cells and are released by the cells. The neurotransmitters travel to nearby nerve cells and cause the cells to become more or less active. Many experts believe that an imbalance in these neurotransmitters is the cause of depression and also may play a role in anxiety. Venlafaxine is believed to work by inhibiting the release or affecting the action of these neurotransmitters.  Venlafaxine is available in an extended release formulation (Effexor XR).

PRESCRIPTION: Yes

GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes

PREPARATIONS: Effexor is available in tablets of 25, 37.5, 50, 75, and 100 mg. Effexor XR is available in capsules of 37.5, 75, and 150 mg.

STORAGE: Store in a dry place at 20-25°C (68-77°F).

PRESCRIBED FOR: Venlafaxine is prescribed for the treatment of depression, depression with associated symptoms of anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, and social anxiety disorder. Effexor XR is approved for the treatment of adults with panic disorder.

DOSING: Venlafaxine should be taken with food at doses specifically directed by a physician. Individual doses vary greatly among individuals. The anti-depressant effects are not maximal for 1-2 weeks. If discontinued, the dose of venlafaxine should gradually be reduced under the direction of a physician. For patients with difficulty swallowing tablets or capsules, capsules of Effexor XR can be opened and the contents sprinkled on a spoonful of applesauce.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Life-threatening interactions can occur in combination with MAO inhibitors such as Nardil and Parnate. MAO inhibitors and venlafaxine should not be taken together, and a waiting period of 14 days between taking these two classes of medications is strongly advised.

Most medications affecting the brain such as venlafaxine have the potential to slow reflexes or impair judgment. Therefore, caution is advised especially early in the course of treatment.

Safety has not been established in children below the age of 18 years.

PREGNANCY: The effects of venlafaxine on the fetus are unknown.

NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known if venlafaxine is secreted in milk and, therefore, if it may have an effect on nursing infants.

SIDE EFFECTS: Venlafaxine, like most anti-depressants, can cause nausea, headaches, anxiety, insomnia, drowsiness, and loss of appetite. Increased blood pressure can occur, and blood pressure should be monitored. Seizures have been reported.

"If anti-depressants are discontinued abruptly, symptoms may occur such as dizziness, headache, nausea, changes in mood, or changes in the sense of smell, taste, etc. (Such symptoms even may occur when even a few doses of anti-depressant are missed.) Therefore, it is recommended that the dose of anti-depressant be reduced gradually when therapy is discontinued."

Reference: FDA Prescribing Information


Last Editorial Review: 1/10/2006




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  • Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
  • Anxiety - Read about anxiety (generalized anxiety disorder, GAD) causes, physical symptoms and signs, medications and treatment. Learn about symptoms (worry, fear) and other types of anxiety disorders.
  • Drugs: What You Should Know About Your Drugs - Find out what you should know about your drugs such as side effects, warnings and precautions, storage information, and if a generic version is as good as the brand name.

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Depressive disorders have been with mankind since the beginning of recorded history. In the Bible, King David, as well as Job, suffered from this affliction. Hippocrates referred to depression as melancholia, which literally means black bile. Black bile, along with blood, phlegm, and yellow bile were the four humors (fluids) that described the basic medical physiology theory of that time. Depression, also referred to as clinical depression, has been portrayed in literature and the arts for hundreds of years, but what do we mean today when we refer to a depressive disorder? In the 19th century, depression was seen as an inherited weakness of temperament. In the first half of the 20th century, Freud linked the development of depression to guilt and conflict. John Cheever, the author and a modern sufferer of depressive disorder, wrote of conflict and experiences with his parents as influencing his development of depression.

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