I'd like to know more about Venlafaxin.?

Question

Venlafaxin is an antidepressant. Is it possible to take it for more than a year?

Answer 1

I work in a pharmacy.


GENERIC NAME: venlafaxine

BRAND NAME: Effexor, Effexor XR

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Venlafaxine is in a new class of anti-depressant medications that affects chemical messengers within the brain. These chemical messengers are called neurotransmitters, and some examples are serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Neurotransmitters are manufactured by nerve cells and are released by the cells. The neurotransmitters travel to nearby nerve cells and cause the cells to become more or less active. Many experts believe that an imbalance in these neurotransmitters is the cause of depression and also may play a role in anxiety. Venlafaxine is believed to work by inhibiting the release or affecting the action of these neurotransmitters. Venlafaxine is available in an extended release formulation (Effexor XR).

PRESCRIPTION: yes

GENERIC AVAILABLE: no

PREPARATIONS: Effexor is available in tablets of 25, 37.5, 50, 75, and 100 mg. Effexor XR is available in capsules of 37.5, 75, and 150 mg.

STORAGE: Store in a dry place at 20-25°C (68-77°F).

PRESCRIBED FOR: Venlafaxine is prescribed for the treatment of depression, depression with associated symptoms of anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, and social anxiety disorder. Effexor XR is approved for the treatment of adults with panic disorder.

DOSING: Venlafaxine should be taken with food at doses specifically directed by a physician. Individual doses vary greatly among individuals. The anti-depressant effects are not maximal for 1-2 weeks. If discontinued, the dose of venlafaxine should gradually be reduced under the direction of a physician. For patients with difficulty swallowing tablets or capsules, capsules of Effexor XR can be opened and the contents sprinkled on a spoonful of applesauce.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Life-threatening interactions can occur in combination with MAO inhibitors such as Nardil and Parnate. MAO inhibitors and venlafaxine should not be taken together, and a waiting period of 14 days between taking these two classes of medications is strongly advised.

Most medications affecting the brain such as venlafaxine have the potential to slow reflexes or impair judgment. Therefore, caution is advised especially early in the course of treatment.

Safety has not been established in children below the age of 18 years.

PREGNANCY: The effects of venlafaxine on the fetus are unknown.

NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known if venlafaxine is secreted in milk and, therefore, if it may have an effect on nursing infants.

SIDE EFFECTS: Venlafaxine, like most anti-depressants, can cause nausea, headaches, anxiety, insomnia, drowsiness, and loss of appetite. Increased blood pressure can occur, and blood pressure should be monitored. Seizures have been reported.

Answer 2

Venlafaxine is not recommended in patients hypersensitive to venlafaxine. It should never be used in conjunction with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), due to the potential to develop a potentially deadly condition known as serotonin syndrome. Caution should also be used in those with a seizure disorder. Venlafaxine is not approved for use in children or adolescents. However, Wyeth does provide information on precautions if venlafaxine is prescribed to this age group for the treatment of non-approved conditions. Studies in these age groups have not established its efficacy or safety

Another risk is Serotonin syndrome. This is a rare, however serious side effect that can be caused by interactions with other Central Nervous System depressant drugs and is potentially fatal.This risk necessitates clear information to patients and proper medical history. For example, the drug abuse by at risk patients of certain non-prescription drugs can cause this serious effect and emphasizes the importance of good medical history sharing between General Practitioners and Psychiatrists as both may prescribe Venlafaxine. Involvement of family in awareness of risk factors is highlighted in Wyeth information sheets on Effexor.

Advice
using antidepressant is not really a good idea
just and temporary effect is created and ones nervous system may depend on the chemicals taken in by these pills (and the brain no longer makes them naturally) in other words it may develope into an addiction
are potentially fatal
give yourself time to recover from the condition you are in naturally, and you will be fine.

Answer 3

Here is all the presribing information:
http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/venlafax.htm

Get your medical and psychiatric advice from a physician, not from a QA forum on the internet!