VENEXOR XR-75 (Venlafaxine Tablets )
DESCRIPTION
VENEXOR is an antidepressant of the serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) class. It increases the concentrations of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine in the body as well as the brain. Venlafaxine affects the chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people due to depression. It is commonly used for the treatment of major depressive disorder, social phobia, anxiety and panic disorder. It has been observed to be effective for depression not responding to SSRIs. Venlafaxine was the sixth most widely used antidepressant based on the amount of retail prescriptions in the US for the year 2006.
DOSAGE
The initial dose of Venlafaxine extended release is 75mg orally once a day ranging to 225mg daily in divided doses in adult patients for moderate depression and can go further up to 375mg daily for patients with severe and chronic depression. It is not recommended for children below the age of 18 but in rare cases, a doctor may decided that Venlafaxine is the best medication to treat a child’s condition. It may take about 4 weeks for Venlafaxine to effect the patient and reveal its action.
STORAGE
Keep this medication in the packaging it came in, and out of the reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
Venlafaxine potentiates the neurotransmitter activity in the central nervous system. Further, venlafaxine and its metabolite, O-desmethylvenlafaxine (ODV) potently inhibit the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine and weakly inhibit dopamine reuptake. Both molecules do not bind to muscarinic, histaminergic, or alpha-1 adrenergic receptors. Pharmacologic activity at these receptors is hypothesized to be associated with the various anticholinergic, sedative, and cardiovascular effects seen with other psychotropic drugs. Both also do not have any monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitory activity.
MECHANISM OF ACTION
The exact mechanism of action of venlafaxine appears to be associated with the its potentiation of neurotransmitter activity in the CNS. Venlafaxine and its active metabolite, O-desmethylvenlafaxine (ODV), inhibit the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine with a potency greater for the 5-HT than for the NE reuptake process. Both venlafaxine and the ODV metabolite have weak inhibitory effects on the reuptake of dopamine but, unlike the tricyclics and similar to SSRIs, they are not active at histaminergic, muscarinic, or alpha(1)-adrenergic receptors.
INDICATIONS
VENEXOR is indicated for the management of major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (social phobia), panic disorder with or without agoraphobia, vasomotor symptoms in women with breast cancer and in postmenopausal women, and neuropathic pain.
CONTRA INDICATIONS
Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of Venlafaxine. It may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Venlafaxine is not recommended in patients hypersensitive to it.
SIDE EFFECTS
Commonly reported side effects of Venlafaxine include constipation, anorgasmia, nausea, nervousness, insomnia, dizziness, weakness, drowsiness, headache, delayed ejaculation, decreased appetite,etc.
AVAILABILITY
VENEXOR is available in strips of fifteen extended release tablets containing Venlafaxine 75mg.
