Venlafaxine hydrochloride (
Effexor®) is a prescription medicine used to treat
depression (also known as major depression or clinical depression).
Venlafaxine is manufactured by Wyeth Pharmaceuticals. Generic venlafaxine is made by Teva Pharmaceuticals.
How Does Venlafaxine Work?
Venlafaxine is part of a class of drugs called serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, or
SNRIs for short. SNRIs act on specific chemicals within the brain known as serotonin and norepinephrine. These are two of several chemicals used to send messages from one nerve cell to another.
As a message travels down a nerve, it causes the end of the cell to release serotonin or norepinephrine. The serotonin or norepinephrine enters the gap between the first nerve cell and the one next to it. When enough reaches the second nerve cell, it activates receptors on the cell and the message continues on its way. The first cell then quickly absorbs any serotonin or norepinephrine that remains in the gap between cells. This is called "reuptake."
Normally, this process works without any problems. But when the levels of serotonin or norepinephrine become unbalanced, it can cause a variety of conditions, including depression. Venlafaxine helps to block the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine so that more remains in the space between the brain's nerve cells. This gives the chemicals a better chance of activating the receptors on the next nerve cell.
Studies have shown venlafaxine to be effective for
depression treatment in adults. In these studies, people taking the drug had more improvement in their
depression symptoms than those people who did not take it. Also, long-term studies showed that venlafaxine is effective at preventing depression relapse.
Some general considerations for when and how to take venlafaxine include the following:
-
The medication comes in tablet form. It is taken by mouth, usually two or three times a day.
- You should take venlafaxine with food.
-
Your dosages should be taken at the same times each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
- For venlafaxine to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. The medication will not work if you stop taking it.
The dose of venlafaxine your healthcare provider recommends will vary,depending on a number of factors, including:
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be taking.
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Side Effects of Venlafaxine
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with venlafaxine. However, not everyone who takes it will experience side effects. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
The most common side effects include:
(Click Venlafaxine Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report to your healthcare provider.)
You can also read about possible side effects in the following eMedTV articles:
Alternatives to Venlafaxine
Depression, even in its most severe form, is highly treatable. As with many illnesses, getting
depression treatment early is more effective and reduces the chance of recurrence.
The most common forms of treatment for depression are medication (
antidepressants) and psychotherapy ("talk" therapy). In cases of severe depression, some healthcare providers may recommend electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Some people may also try complementary or alternative treatments for depression
(see Natural Remedies for Depression).
For most people, venlafaxine is quite effective at treating depression. It is also generally well tolerated. However, bothersome side effects can occur or the medicine may not work as well as needed. In these cases, your healthcare provider may recommend an alternative. Some examples of substitute depression medications include:
- Other serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs)
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
What If I Take an Overdose?
People who take too much venlafaxine may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Increased heart rate (tachycardia)
- Seizures.
If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Venlafaxine Be Stored?
Venlafaxine should be stored at room temperature away from moisture or heat. The tablets should be kept in an airtight container.
Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your venlafaxine as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
Venlafaxine tablets are available in the following strengths:
-
Venlafaxine 25 mg
-
Venlafaxine 37.5 mg
-
Venlafaxine 50 mg
-
Venlafaxine 75 mg
-
Venlafaxine 100 mg.
Generic Venlafaxine
Both brand-name and generic venlafaxine are licensed for sale
(see Generic Effexor for more information).
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