Venlafaxine: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Venlafaxine is an antidepressant in the serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor class, commonly prescribed for major depressive disorder. It is also used for social anxiety disorder. Venlafaxine is a prescription medicine in the United Kingdom and has been available as a generic medicine since 2006-08-03.

Venlafaxine is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, or SNRI. Nerve cells communicate using chemical messengers, including serotonin and norepinephrine. After release, these messengers are normally taken back up by nerve cells.

Venlafaxine reduces this reuptake, increasing the availability of the messengers around nerve connections. Over time, this can influence brain signalling involved in mood, emotional responses, and anxiety. The medicine does not work as an immediate sedative, and improvement may develop gradually during continued treatment.

Changes in brain signalling can also contribute to unwanted effects, including nausea, dry mouth, dizziness, sleepiness, sweating, or sexual dysfunction. The prescribing clinician considers the balance between expected benefit and these possible effects.

Venlafaxine is indicated for major depressive disorder and social anxiety disorder, also called social phobia. Major depressive disorder involves persistent low mood or loss of interest or pleasure, alongside symptoms such as changes in appetite or weight, sleep problems, agitation or slowing, fatigue, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, difficulty concentrating, or suicidal thoughts or behaviour. Social anxiety disorder involves a marked and persistent fear of social or performance situations where unfamiliar people or possible scrutiny are involved.

These situations may provoke intense anxiety, may be avoided or endured with distress, and can interfere with everyday routines, work, education, social activities, or relationships. Lesser degrees of performance anxiety or shyness generally do not require treatment with psychiatric medicines.

The label lists immediate-release oral tablets of 25 mg, 37.5 mg, 50 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, and 225 mg. The label lists extended-release oral capsules of 37.5 mg, 75 mg, 100 mg, and 150 mg. The label lists extended-release oral tablets of 37.5 mg, 75 mg, 112.5 mg, 150 mg, and 225 mg.

The label lists coated oral tablets of 75 mg, 150 mg, and 225 mg. The usual starting dose is 75 mg/day for major depressive disorder, although 37.5 mg/day for 4 to 7 days may be used for some patients. The usual starting dose is 75 mg/day for social anxiety disorder.

The label lists a maximum dose of 225 mg/day for major depressive disorder and 75 mg/day for social anxiety disorder. The label lists gradual, individualised discontinuation. Dosing may require reduction in hepatic or renal impairment.

Store at 20°C to 25°C. Excursions are permitted between 15°C and 30°C. Protect from moisture and humidity, and keep the medicine in its original packaging as directed on the label to maintain quality.

A missed dose means that the planned dose was not taken at the usual time. Standard pharmacy advice is to follow the prescriber or pharmacist's instructions and avoid taking extra medicine to compensate.

Venlafaxine should not be stopped abruptly, because discontinuation symptoms may occur and dose reduction is recommended to be gradual. Advice should be sought promptly if several doses have been missed, symptoms worsen, or there is concern about taking too much medicine.

The label states that venlafaxine should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Exposure late in the third trimester has been associated with newborn complications requiring prolonged hospitalisation, respiratory support, and tube feeding. Exposure in mid to late pregnancy may increase the risk of pre-eclampsia, while exposure in the month before delivery may be associated with postpartum haemorrhage.

Venlafaxine and its active metabolite are reported to pass into human milk, with potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants. A decision is needed about discontinuing nursing or the medicine, considering its importance to the mother.