Venlafaxine

Question 1

What is Venlafaxine’s brand name?

Answer 1

Effexor

Question 2

What is Venlafaxine’s therapeutic category?

Answer 2

Antidepressant (serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI))

Question 3

What are Venlafaxine’s indications?

Answer 3

Major depressive disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
Social anxiety disorder
Panic disorder

Question 4

What is Venlafaxine’s usual adult dosing range?

Answer 4

37.5-150mg daily

MAX: 225-375mg/day

Question 5

What are Venlafaxine’s side effects?

Answer 5

Weight loss, sweating, GI (nausea, constipation, xerostomia/dry mouth) somnolence/insomnia

Question 6

What are Venlafaxine’s monitoring parameters?

Answer 6

Suicidality/worsening depression, BP, HR, Lipid panel

Question 7

What are Venlafaxine’s available dosage forms?

Answer 7

Oral tablet: 25mg, 37.5mg, 50mg, 75mg, 100mg
XR tablet: 37.5mg, 75mg, 150mg, 225mg
XR capsule: 37.5mg, 75mg, 150mg

Question 8

What are Venlafaxine’s warnings?

Answer 8

BLACK BOX warning: Increased risk of suicidal thinking & behavior in children, adolescents, & young adults (18-24y/o) with major depressive disorder & other disorders. Not approved for use in children. Not approved for bipolar disorders

Question 9

What are Venlafaxine’s counseling points?

Answer 9

Avoid activities requiring mental alertness until drug effects are realized
Avoid alcohol
Take with food
When discontinuing after 1 week, taper dose; if D/C after at least 6 weeks of therapy, taper dose over 2 weeks period.
Full symptomatic improvement may not be seen for up to 8 weeks