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."
Anxiety is a feeling of apprehension and fear characterized by physical symptoms. Anxiety disorders are serious medical illnesses that affect approximately 19 million American adults.
Depression is an illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts and affects the way a person eats and sleeps, the way one feels about oneself, and the way one thinks about things. The principal types of depression are major depression, dysthymia, and bipolar disease (also called manic-depressive disease).
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a psychiatric condition, can develop after any catastrophic life event. Symptoms include nightmares, flashbacks, sweating, rapid heart rate, detachment, amnesia, sleep problems, irritability, and exaggerated startle response. Treatment may involve psychotherapy, group support, and medication.
Bipolar disorder (or manic depression) is a mental illness characterized by depression, mania, and severe mood swings. Treatment may incorporate mood stabilizer medications, antidepressants, and psychotherapy.
Hot flashes (or flushing) is the most common symptom experienced by a woman prior to and during the early stages of menopause. Hot flashes can be caused by other conditions. Diagnosis is made by taking a patient history and at times, blood tests. Treatment options include hormone therapy, bioidentical hormone therapy, and medications. There are non-FDA approved natural remedies.
Fragile X syndrome is the most common inherited form of mental retardation. It's caused by a mutation on the X chromosome. People with Fragile X syndrome suffer from physical, social, emotional, speech, language, sensory, intelligence, and learning impairments. There is no definitive treatment for Fragile X, though there are ways to minimize the symptoms.
Narcolepsy, a chronic disease of the central nervous system causes have not been fully determined. Some theories include abnormalities in hypocretin neurons in the brain or an autoimmune disorder. Symptoms of narcolepsy include excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy, hypnagogic hallucinations, sleep paralysis, disturbed nocturnal sleep, and automatic behavior. Diagnosis of narcolepsy is based on a clinical evaluation, specific questionnaires, sleep logs or diaries, and the results of sleep laboratory tests. Treatments of narcolepsy symptoms include medication and lifestyle changes.
Postpartum depression is a form of depression that occurs within a year after delivery. It is thought that rapid hormone changes after childbirth may lead to depression. Symptoms of postpartum depression include crying a lot, headaches, chest pains, eating too little or too much, sleeping too little or too much, withdrawal from friends and family, and feeling irritable, sad, hopeless, worthless, guilty, and overwhelmed. Treatment typically involves talk therapy and medication.
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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