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Venlafaxine

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Venlafaxine is used to treat depression.
It is available as tablets and modified release capsules, which means it is released slowly over the day to give a more even effect.
It may take up to four weeks for the full effect of venlafaxine to develop, although some changes are often seen earlier than this.

About venlafaxine

Type of medicine	Antidepressants
Used for	Depression Anxiety disorder
Also called	Efexor®, Efexor® XL, Rodomel® XL, Vaxalin® XL, Venaxx® XL, Vensir® XL, Vexarin® XL, Viepax® XL, Tardcaps® XL, Tifaxin® XL, Tixat® XL
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.

Certain chemicals in our brain control how we feel. It is thought that low levels of some of these chemicals can lead to depression and other conditions. Venlafaxine works by helping to regulate the levels of these chemicals, easing the symptoms of depression and anxiety.

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, or kidney problems.
If you have ever suffered from epilepsy.
If you suffer from glaucoma, hypertension (high blood pressure) or any medical condition associated with bleeding.
If you are under 18 years of age.
If you are taking (or have been taking within the last two weeks) any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take venlafaxine

Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
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. This form of venlafaxine is taken just once each day.
Try to take this medicine at the same times each day, to avoid missing any doses.
If you do forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose. If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses together to make up.
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.
Venlafaxine may affect your reactions when driving. 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.

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.
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, restlessness , anxiety, sexual problems, vomiting, 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, or discharge from the nipples.	Speak with your doctor if any of these become a problem.

Important: If you experience a skin rash or itching contact your doctor as soon as possible.

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

Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

Manufacturer's PIL, Efexor®, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, electronic Medicines Compendium. Revised March 2008, accessed September 2008.
Manufacturer's PIL, Efexor® XL, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, electronic Medicines Compendium. Revised March 2008, accessed September 2008.
British National Formulary; 56th Edition (September 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk

DocID: 1508

DocRef: dils3528

Last Reviewed: 6 Nov 2008

Version: 25

The authors and editors of this article are employed to create accurate and up to date content reflecting reliable research evidence, guidance and best clinical practice. They are free from any commercial conflicts of interest. Find out more about updating.

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