Venlafaxine: Uses, Side Effects, and Precautions

There are almost as many types and subtypes of antidepressant drugs as there are disorders and conditions with depressive or anxious symptoms. This is because each of them has singularities that can be effective for each of the disorders.

One of these drugs is venlafaxine, an antidepressant It was first introduced in 1993 and has since become one of the most widely prescribed medications for depression.

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What is venlafaxine?

Venlafaxine is an antidepressant that is included in the Selective Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) category, being the most common and managed of the entire range. It is prescribed, mainly, in cases of major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and in specific cases of anxiety disorders with depression.

Selective Serotonin and Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors have an effect on these two neurotransmitters, which play an important role in the mood of the people.

At the functional level, the action of venlafaxine is related to that of

tricyclic antidepressants. However, since they do not interfere with muscarinic, histaminergic or alpha-adrenergic receptors, they do not exert the effects as intensely. unwanted side effects of these, including sedative, hypnotic, or systemic side effects cardiovascular.

Finally, administered in very high doses, venlafaxine also exerts a subtle dopamine reuptake inhibitory effect; as recent studies have shown that the norepinephrine conductor also transports dopamine in small amounts.

If, in addition, we take into account that the recapture of serotonin on the frontal cortex it will also activate dopamine and that this brain region hardly has dopamine receptors; Venlafaxine will promote dopamine neurotransmission in the frontal cortex as well.

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In what disorders is it used?

As discussed above, venlafaxine is an antidepressant. Therefore, this is a psychotropic drug administered both in cases of depressive disorders and in some disorders with anxiety symptoms.

Venlafaxine used primarily in patients with major depressive disorder. This condition is characterized by the fact that the person experiences an invasive and persistent low mood. In addition, it is usually attached to a low self-esteem and the lack of interest or enjoyment in those activities that were previously considered pleasant.

However, it is sometimes given as extended-release capsules for certain anxiety-related disorders. Among them:

• Generalized anxiety disorder: the person experiences an exaggerated and uncontrollable worry.
• Social anxiety disorder: exacerbated fear of interaction with other people.
• Panic disorder: sudden and unexpected attacks of intense fear and feelings of worry associated with these attacks.

Lastly, venlafaxine is also administered in some cases of the sleep disorder of narcolepsy. The reason is that, thanks to its effects on the serotonergic and adrenergic systems, it can help to moderate the episodes of muscle fragility or cataplexy associated with this condition.

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How is it administered?

Venlafaxine is marketed in two different formats depending on the type of action: the usual tablets or the prolonged-release capsules. In any case, as it is a drug, its use must always be indicated by a doctor.

In general, the tablets should be ingested between two and three times a day while in the capsules The prolonged-release dose is sufficient with one dose per day, and can be administered in the morning or in the evening. night. Due to the effects of this antidepressant, a gradual start of treatment is recommended, starting with a small daily dose of venlafaxine that will be progressively increased once every 4 or 7 days.

However, regardless of the case or state in which the patient is, he should always continue the instructions given by your doctor, who will adjust the dose to the conditions in which you are this.

In no way can the patient modify the doses of venlafaxine, nor can they stop taking it or take it in more quantity than recommended; since this can lead to serious consequences on the health of the person, such as withdrawal syndrome.

In the event that you believe that the medication is not working or is harming you, you should contact your doctor to adjust it before changing anything on your own.

Side effects of this drug

Like all antidepressant drugs, venlafaxine can have a number of side effects about the person. These can be distinguished between serious or non-serious side effects.

If the patient experiences some of the non-serious side effects on a severe or recurring basis, it is recommended that they inform their doctor to adjust the dose. In the case of serious side effects, the patient should contact the doctor immediately.

Minor side effects

These are the mild side effects of venlafaxine.

• Drowsiness.
• Feeling tired.
• Dizziness
• Headaches.
• Nightmares.
• Nausea and / or vomiting.
• Gastrointestinal disorders.
• Loss of appetite and / or weight.
• Tremors.
• Muscle tension and / or spasms.
• Sweating.
• Urination problems.
• Throat infections
• Alterations in sexual desire.

Serious side effects

The most serious side effects of venlafaxine include the following.

• Skin problems such as a rash, hives, or itching.
• Breathing and swallowing problems.
• Chest pain
• Arrhythmias
• Seizures.
• Cardinals with no apparent cause.
• Vision problems.
• Fevers.
• Alteration in coordination.
• Hallucinations.
• Temporary eat.

Finally, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), after a recent study in which the consumption of antidepressants was related (specifically venlafaxine) with an increased risk of suicide, requires that all antidepressants include a warning about this possible contingency.

What precautions should be taken?

Like side effects, venlafaxine also has a number of contraindications or conditions to take into account before starting treatment. It will be necessary for the patient to inform their doctor of any special health condition they may have, whatever their nature.

All allergies, as well as all drugs, vitamin supplements, and complexes should be reported that the patient is consuming, in order to avoid possible interference with the treatment. Likewise, you should also report your drinking and eating habits, among other things because venlafaxine tends to cause significant weight loss.

The patient should also take into account that due to the effects of drowsiness caused by the medication, your ability to drive or operate heavy machinery she may be upset.

Finally, in cases of pregnancy, despite the lack of controlled investigations; some studies suggest that venlafaxine may double the risk of miscarriage, as well as significant malformations in the fetus. Therefore, it should only be administered in strictly justified and necessary cases.