Venlafaxine ( Effexor ) a bicyclic antidepressant that inhibits the reuptake of serotonin, norepinphrine, and dopamine. This drug is used in the treatment of depression but is also used to treat OCD ( obsessive-compulsive disorder ) or Fibromyalgia ( FMS. )

CLASS:  Phenethylamine Monoamine Reuptake Inhibitor.
Generic name:  Venlafaxine Hydrochloride.
Type: Antidepressant.

Strengths:

Capsules:
25mg, 37.5mg, 50mg, 75mg, 100mg.

Dosages: Actual dosage must be determined by a physician.

Oral:
Start: 75mg in three 25mg doses daily.
Increases: In four day intervals, up to 225mg daily as needed.
Maximum: 225mg in 24 hours.

Normal dosage:

For Depression:
If under 18 years of age DO NOT USE!
18 to 60 years of age, 75mg daily in two or three dose with food.
Over 60 years of age, Lower dosage increased cautiously.

For OCD:
If under 18 years of age DO NOT USE!
18 to 60 years of age, 75mg daily in two or three dose with food. ( Larger dose may be needed )
Over 60 years of age, Lower dosage increased cautiously.

Problems with:

Liver Function:  Must lower dosage ( at less 50% ), as needed with careful monitoring.
Kidney Function:  Must lower dosage ( at less 25% ), as needed with careful monitoring.

Test:

Before taking:  Blood pressure.
While taking:  Blood pressure regularly.

Take With:  With food.

Full Benefits In:  In two weeks.

Missed Dose(s):  If within one hour take, if over an hour skip and then continue on your normal schedule.
Never Take a Double Dose!

If Stop Taking:  Do not stop without consulting your physician and never abruptly.

Overdose symptoms include:  Convulsions / seizure, fatigue, nausea, or vomiting.


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Warnings

The habit-forming potential is none.

Do not take this drug if you are pregnant, try some non-drug alternatives.

Do not take this drug if planning to become pregnant. Do not take if you are breast-feeding.

Do not drink alcohol when taking this drug.

Do not give this drug to children under eighteen. If over sixty only use drug in small doses and with close monitoring of it's side effects.

Do not use if: You had negative reactions to this drug or any drug in this class in the past. If you have taken any MAO inhibitors in the last 14 days. If you have any type of seizures. ( Epilepsy or convulsions )

Inform your Doctor if: You had negative reactions to this drug or any drug in this class in the past. If you have taken any MAO inhibitors in the last 14 days. If you have a history of liver or kidney problems. If you have a history of seizures, hyperlipdemia, hypomania, or mania. If you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription drug.  If you plan to be under anesthesia or having any surgery in the next few months, also if you will be undergoing any medical tests.


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Venlafaxine ( Symptoms or Effects )

Common:  Anxiety, constipation, delayed orgasm, depression, difficulty breathing, dizziness, dry mouth, itching, loss of appetite, loss of strength, nausea, nervousness, problem urinating, sedation, skin rash, sleepiness / sleeplessness, sweating, tingling hands / feet, tremors, vomiting, unusual dreams, weight loss, or weakness.

Rare:  Abnormal speech, bleeding / irritated gums, chest pain, dry skin, ear pain, hair loss, excessive salivation, migraines, seizures, sensitivity to sun, soft stools, stomach irritation, suicide attempts, taste disorders, tongue discoloring, thyroid changes, or problems with vision.

See physician always:  Abnormal speech, bleeding / irritated gums, chest pain, depression, difficulty breathing, dry skin, ear pain, hair loss, excessive salivation, loss of strength, migraines, problem urinating, seizures, sensitivity to sun, soft stools, stomach irritation, suicide attempts, taste disorders, tongue discoloring, thyroid changes, tremors, problems with vision, or vomiting

See physician if severe:  Anxiety, constipation, delayed orgasm, dizziness, dry mouth, itching, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness, sedation, sleepiness / sleeplessness, sweating, tingling hands / feet, unusual dreams, weight loss, or weakness.

See physician NOW:  Skin rash or vomiting.

Stop taking and see physician NOW:
DESCRIPTION
Effexor (venlafaxine hydrochloride) is a structurally novel antidepressant for oral administration.
It is chemically unrelated to tricyclic, tetracyclic, or other available antidepressant agents. It is
designated (R/S)-1-[2-(dimethylamino)-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl] cyclohexanol hydrochloride
or (¡¾)-1-[¥Ã¡-[(dimethyl-amino)methyl]-p-methoxybenzyl] cyclohexanol hydrochloride and has
the empirical formula of C17H27NO2 HCl. Its molecular weight is 313.87. The structural formula
is shown below.

Venlafaxine hydrochloride is a white to off-white crystalline solid with a solubility of
572 mg/mL in water (adjusted to ionic strength of 0.2 M with sodium chloride). Its octanol:
water (0.2 M sodium chloride) partition coefficient is 0.43.
Compressed tablets contain venlafaxine hydrochloride equivalent to 25 mg, 37.5 mg, 50 mg,
75 mg, or 100 mg venlafaxine. Inactive ingredients consist of cellulose, iron oxides, lactose,
magnesium stearate, and sodium starch glycolate.


CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

WARNINGS
Potential for Interaction with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
Adverse reactions, some of which were serious, have been reported in patients who have
recently been discontinued from a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) and started on
Effexor, or who have recently had Effexor therapy discontinued prior to initiation of an
MAOI. These reactions have included tremor, myoclonus, diaphoresis, nausea, vomiting,
flushing, dizziness, hyperthermia with features resembling neuroleptic malignant
syndrome, seizures, and death. In patients receiving antidepressants with pharmacological
properties similar to venlafaxine in combination with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, there
have also been reports of serious, sometimes fatal, reactions. For a selective serotonin
reuptake inhibitor, these reactions have included hyperthermia, rigidity, myoclonus,
autonomic instability with possible rapid fluctuations of vital signs, and mental status
changes that include extreme agitation progressing to delirium and coma. Some cases
presented with features resembling neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Severe hyperthermia
and seizures, sometimes fatal, have been reported in association with the combined use of
tricyclic antidepressants and MAOIs. These reactions have also been reported in patients
who have recently discontinued these drugs and have been started on an MAOI. Therefore,
it is recommended that Effexor not be used in combination with an MAOI, or within at
least 14 days of discontinuing treatment with an MAOI. Based on the half-life of Effexor, at
least 7 days should be allowed after stopping Effexor before starting an MAOI.
Sustained Hypertension
Venlafaxine treatment is associated with sustained increases in blood pressure in some patients.