Venlafaxine
Indications
- Venlafaxine is used for treating depression.
- It works as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI).
- The medication aims to improve mood, energy levels, and restore interest in daily living.
- Its mechanism involves restoring the balance of natural substances, namely serotonin and norepinephrine, in the brain.
Dosage and administration
- Read the Medication Guide before using venlafaxine, and consult your doctor or pharmacist with any questions.
- Take the medication orally, usually 2 to 3 times daily with food.
- Dosage is determined by your medical condition and response to treatment.
- Your doctor may recommend starting with a low dose and gradually increasing it to minimize side effects.
- Take the medication regularly at the same times each day for optimal benefits.
- Continue taking it even if you feel well, and do not stop suddenly without consulting your doctor.
- Abrupt discontinuation may lead to symptoms such as confusion, mood swings, blurred vision, headache, tiredness, sleep changes, and electric shock-like sensations.
- Report any new or worsening symptoms promptly.
- It may take several weeks to experience the full benefits of the medication.
- Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Side effects
- Common side effects of the medication may include nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, loss of appetite, blurred vision, nervousness, trouble sleeping, unusual sweating, or yawning.
- Report any persistent or worsening side effects to your doctor.
- The medication may raise blood pressure; monitor regularly and inform your doctor of high results.
- Notify your doctor promptly of serious side effects like easy bleeding/bruising, decreased interest in sex, changes in sexual ability, muscle cramps/weakness, and shaking (tremor).
- Seek immediate medical attention for severe side effects such as a cough that doesn’t go away, shortness of breath, chest pain, severe/pounding headache, black stools, vomit resembling coffee grounds, eye pain/swelling/redness, widened pupils, vision changes, or seizures.
- Serotonin syndrome/toxicity is a rare but serious condition that may occur, especially when taking other drugs that increase serotonin. Get medical help for symptoms like fast heartbeat, hallucinations, loss of coordination, severe dizziness, severe nausea/vomiting/diarrhea, twitching muscles, unexplained fever, or unusual agitation/restlessness.
- In case of a very serious allergic reaction, seek immediate medical help for symptoms such as rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
- This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects; contact your doctor or pharmacist if you notice other effects not mentioned.
Precautions
- Before taking venlafaxine, inform your doctor of any allergies to this drug, desvenlafaxine, or other substances.
- Share your medical history, especially bleeding problems, glaucoma, high blood pressure, heart issues, high cholesterol, kidney disease, liver disease, seizure disorder, and thyroid disease, with your doctor before using this medication.
- Be aware that the drug may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. Avoid activities requiring alertness or clear vision, and limit alcohol or marijuana use, which can intensify these effects.
- Before undergoing surgery, disclose all products you use, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products, to your doctor or dentist.
- Older adults may be more sensitive to side effects, particularly bleeding and dizziness. They may also be prone to salt imbalance, especially if taking diuretics, increasing the risk of falling.
- Children may be more sensitive to certain side effects, like loss of appetite and weight loss. Monitor their weight and height during medication use.
- During pregnancy, use venlafaxine only if necessary, as it may harm an unborn baby. Babies born to mothers using this drug late in pregnancy may develop withdrawal symptoms.
- Do not stop taking the medication without consulting your doctor, especially if planning pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits of using the drug during pregnancy.
- The drug passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
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