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Venlafaxine
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About venlafaxine
| Type of medicine | Antidepressants |
| Used for | Depression |
| Also called | Efexor |
| Available as | Tablets and modified release capsules |
Venlafaxine is used to treat depression it is available in tablet form. It is also available as a modified release preparation, which means it is released slowly over the day to give a more even effect.
Before taking venlafaxine
Before taking venlafaxine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you suffer from heart, liver, kidney or prostate problems
- If you suffer from epilepsy, glaucoma, hypertension (high blood pressure) or any medical condition associated with bleeding.
- If you are under 18 years of age
How to take venlafaxine
- If you are under the age of 18 and are currently taking venlafaxine you should make an appointment to see your doctor to have your treatment reviewed. This is because the prescribing recommendations have been changed.
- Take venlafaxine exactly as directed by your doctor.
- Take venlafaxine with or immediately after food.
- If you have been supplied with the modified release form of venlafaxine, it should be swallowed whole, not crushed or chewed, with a glass of water.
- Try to take this medicine at the same times each day, to avoid missing any doses.
- Do not stop taking venlafaxine without speaking to your doctor first. Your doctor will probably want to reduce your dose gradually, as stopping suddenly can cause problems.
Getting the most from your treatment
- It may take up to four weeks for the full effect of venlafaxine to develop, although some changes are often seen earlier than this.
- Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be checked. If you are on long-term treatment your Doctor may carry out blood tests to check your cholesterol levels.
Can venlafaxine cause problems
Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Nausea (feeling sick) | Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast. |
| Headache | Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If headache continues speak with your doctor. |
| Drowsiness and dizziness | Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert. Avoid alcohol; it will increase any feelings of drowsiness |
| Dry mouth | Try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking pieces of ice or sugar-free sweets. If this becomes troublesome speak to your pharmacist or doctor. |
| Constipation | Try to eat a well balanced diet containing plenty of fibre and drink 6-8 glasses of water each day. If constipation continues to be a problem speak to your pharmacist or doctor. |
| Indigestion, tummy ache | Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable medicine. If it continues speak with your doctor. |
| Insomnia (difficulty sleeping), breathlessness, weakness, sweating, nervousness, joint pain, muscle pain, a need to urinate (pass water) more often, problems with eyesight, ringing in the ears, loss of appetite, , anxiety (worry), sexual problems, vomiting (being sick), shakiness, strange dreams, pins and needles, coldness, being more aware of your heartbeat, increase or loss of weight, agitation, tense muscles, problems with movement, difficulty urinating (passing water) or discharge from the nipples. | Speak with your doctor if any of these become a problem. |
Important: If you experience severe drowsiness, confusion, any unusual bleeding, bruising or blackened tarry motions contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once.
Important: Suicidal thoughts have been associated with medicines like venlafaxine that are used to treat depression. The risk of these thoughts is greater in young adults under 25 years old, early in the treatment, or soon after stopping treatment. Tell your doctor straight away if you are having thoughts of harming yourself.
How to store venlafaxine
- Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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