Venlax
Cheaper & Alternative Brands
Same generic (Venlafaxine Hydrochloride), same form (Tablet)
Clinical Prescribing Information
Medical monograph and safety information for healthcare professionals & patients.Indications & Clinical Uses
Veniz XR is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) indicated for the treatment of:
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
Panic Disorder (PD)
Dosage & Administration
Depression
: Initially 75 mg daily in 2 divided doses. Can be increased if necessary after several weeks to 150 mgdaily in 2 divided doses.
Severely depressed or hospitalized patients
: Initially 150 mg daily in 2 divided doses. Can be increased if necessary in steps of up to 75 mg every 2-3 days to max. 376 mg daily then gradually reduced.
Generalised anxiety disorder
: 75 mg daily as a single dose.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to venlafaxine hydrochloride or to any excipients in the formulation. Severe hepatic or renal impairment; pregnancy and breast-feeding.
Side Effects & Adverse Reactions
Side effects that have been most frequently reported withe Veniz XR include nausea, headache, insomnia, dry mouth, dizziness, constipation, sweating, nervousness, asthenia. Orthostatic has been seen occasionally. Other side effects reported include anorexia, dyspepsia, abdominal pain, anxiety sexual dysfunction, visual disturbaces, vasodilatation, vomiting, tremor, chills palpitations, agitation, rashes, convulsion, hypertension.
Warnings & Precautions
History of MI or unstable cardiac disease, seizure; hypomania or mania, increased intraocular pressure or at risk of acute narrow-angle galaucoma, at risk of bleeding. Renal and hepatic impairment. Gradual dose reduction is recommended rather than abrupt withdrawal. Pregnancy and lactation. Patient Counselling May impair ability to drive or operate machinery.
Pharmacology & Mechanism of Action
The mechanism of the antidepressant action of venlafaxine in humans is believed to be associated with its potentiation of neurotransmitter activity in the CNS. Preclinical studies have shown that venlafaxine and its active metabolite, O-desmethylvenlafaxine (ODV), are potent inhibitors of neuronal serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake and weak inhibitors of dopamine reuptake. Venlafaxine and ODV have no significant affinity for muscarinic, histaminergic, or α-1 adrenergic receptors in vitro. Pharmacologic activity at these receptors is hypothesized to be associated with the various anticholinergic, sedative, and cardiovascular effects seen with other psychotropic drugs. Venlafaxine and ODV do not possess monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitory activity.