Venlafaxine is a medication prescribed for major depression and anxiety disorders. In addition, it is prescribed for chronic pain syndromes such as neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia. Commonest
Indian brand names are Venlift, Venlamax, Vexor, Venla, Venjoy, Venfax, Vendep,
Sentosa, Flavix and Dallium. In US it is sold as Effexor.
Its commonest side effects are dry mouth,
reduced sleep and constipation. Venlafaxine XR is the extended release
preparation of the Venlafaxine. Therefore, Patients usually get minimal side
effects with Venlafaxine XR compared to Venlafaxine.
How Venlafaxine works?
Venlafaxine works by increasing natural neurotransmitters serotonin and noradrenalin inside
certain brain areas. However, side effects are due to increased noradrenalin
and serotonin levels in unwanted areas of the brain.
What are the
common side effects Venlafaxine ?
Constipation,
nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, gastritis, vomiting, and abdominal pain are
most common side effects. Patients can get increased blood pressure as a side
effect. Sometimes palpitations (feeling one’s own heart beat associated
with distress) can occur.
Dizziness, dry
mouth, insomnia, nervousness, and headache are other common side effects. In
addition, patients can complain abnormal dreams. Short term anxiety and
agitation is also common.
Sexual
dysfunction is another problematic side effect that can leads to poor drug compliance. Women in
reproductive age, taking Venlafaxine may complain menstrual irregularities.
Muscle pain and joint pain can occur with some patients. Some patients can have
pupillary dilatation in their eyes. This can leads to angle closure glaucoma.
However compared to other anti-depressants (SSRIs) sexual side effects such as
erectile impotence and lack of desire are uncommon.
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| Venlafaxine (Effexor) capsules |
What are the
conditions the doctor should know before prescribing Venlafaxine ?
Doctors
usually do not prescribe Venlafaxine , when the patient has serious cardiac
rhythm abnormalities, uncontrolled hypertension, severe liver diseases, severe
renal impairment and pregnancy. Before starting the drug doctor will check your
blood pressure, take an electrocardiogram, and check whether you are pregnant
(doctor may ask whether you missed a period).
Doctors will
prescribe cautiously, when the patient has certain heart diseases. Blood
pressure monitoring is essential in heart diseases. In addition the doctor must
know whether the patient has epilepsy. If the patient has a bleeding disorder,
the doctor should know that as well. Venlafaxine is present in breast milk,
so nursing mothers should consult their doctor before taking this drug.
What are rare
side effects of Venlafaxine ?
Taste
abnormalities, hallucinations, urinary retention, bleeding disorders, hair
loss, and hypersensitivity reactions like hives, angioedema, and photo
sensitivity can occur with certain patients.
What you
should know before taking this drug?
Patients
should not drive or operate machinery while on the drug, until they know how
this drug will affect them. In addition, Venlafaxine should not be stopped
abruptly. If it is stopped suddenly then the patient may get withdrawal
symptoms such as gastro intestinal disturbance, headache, tremors, sleep
disturbances, and sweating.
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