Venlafaxine Hydrochloride
Generic Details
Generic Name
Venlafaxine Hydrochloride
Other Names
- Effexor
Drug Class
- Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI)
Chemical Formula
C17H27NO2
Molecular Weight
277.4 g/mol
Mechanism of Action
- Inhibits the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine in the central nervous system
Indications
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Panic Disorder
- Social Anxiety Disorder
Common Dosage Forms
- Immediate-release tablets
- Extended-release capsules
Typical Dosage
- 75-225mg per day for most indications
Pediatric Dosage
- Safety and efficacy not established
Geriatric Dosage
- Lower initial doses recommended due to potential for increased sensitivity
Side Effects
- Nausea
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Decreased libido
- Sweating
- Constipation
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to venlafaxine
- Concomitant use with MAO inhibitors
- Uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma
Pregnancy Category
- Category C - Risk cannot be ruled out
Lactation Safety
- Use caution; excreted in breast milk
Drug Interactions
- MAO inhibitors
- SSRIs
- TCAs
- St. John's Wort
Overdose Symptoms
- Seizures
- Severe dizziness
- Irregular heartbeats
Antidote for Overdose
- No specific antidote; symptomatic and supportive treatment
Storage Conditions
- Store at room temperature (20-25°C)
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption: Well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract
- Distribution: Protein binding is approximately 27%
- Metabolism: Primarily metabolized in the liver via CYP2D6
- Excretion: Mainly excreted in urine
Precautions
- Monitor for worsening of symptoms during initial treatment
- Caution in patients with cardiovascular disease
- Gradual tapering off required to discontinue
Warnings
- Increased risk of suicidal thoughts in children, adolescents, and young adults with major depressive disorder
Others
- Regular monitoring of blood pressure advised during treatment