Venlafaxine

VENLAFAXINE

Manufacturer: NuCare Pharmaceuticals,Inc.

Score: 144.0

Quick Summary

Venlafaxine is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) used for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) and social anxiety disorder (SAD). The recommended dose is 75 mg/day for both conditions, with a maximum dose of 225 mg/day for MDD. The drug should be taken with food, either in the morning or evening, and should not be divided, crushed, chewed, or placed in water. Venlafaxine has several important safety considerations, including a boxed warning for suicidality and antidepressant drugs, and contraindications for use with MAOIs and in patients with uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma. Adverse reactions include nausea, dizziness, somnolence, and sweating. Special population considerations include use during pregnancy, nursing mothers, pediatric use, and geriatric use.

Key Clinical Findings and Indications

Major depressive disorder (MDD)
Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
Selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI)

Important Safety Information

Warning

Suicidality and antidepressant drugs

Contraindications

Use with MAOIs
Uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma

Adverse Reactions

Nausea
Dizziness
Somnolence
Sweating

Dosing Recommendations

General Guidance

Dose adjustments may be necessary in patients with hepatic or renal impairment

MDD

Adult Dose

75 mg/day, with a maximum dose of 225 mg/day

Pediatric Dose

SAD

Adult Dose

75 mg/day

Pediatric Dose

Special Population Considerations

Pregnancy

Use during pregnancy only if clearly needed
May increase risk of postpartum hemorrhage

Nursing Mothers

Venlafaxine and ODV are excreted in human milk
Decision should be made to discontinue nursing or the drug

Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness not established in pediatric patients
May affect weight and height in pediatric patients

Geriatric Use

No overall differences in effectiveness or safety
Greater sensitivity in some older individuals cannot be ruled out

Similar Drugs

Venlafaxine Hydrochloride

VENLAFAXINE HYDROCHLORIDE

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