VENLAFAXINE
(Effexor XR)Standard Prescription
venlafaxine__mg PO__(frequency)
Dosages
Initial Dose: 37.5-75 mg PO daily
Increment: 37.5-75 mg Q4-7 days
Usual Dose Range: 75-225 mg/day
Maximum Dose (Adolescents): 225 mg/day
Increment: 37.5-75 mg Q4-7 days
Usual Dose Range: 75-225 mg/day
Maximum Dose (Adolescents): 225 mg/day
Mechanism of Action
Serotonin/Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor
Forms Supplied
Extended-release capsules: 37.5 mg, 75 mg, 150 mg
Comments
Serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI).
Not a first-line recommendation for any pediatric indication.
Effective in the treatment of depression, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder. Also used to treat ADHD, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, neuropathic pain and hot flashes.
May take 4 weeks to see therapeutic effects.
Administer with food to decrease GI upset.
May open capsule and sprinkle granules on soft food for patients with difficulty swallowing capsules, do not chew granules.
Common adverse effects: flushing, sweating, nausea, headache, increased heart rate and blood pressure (more prominent at higher doses), anorexia/weight loss, drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, tremor and impaired sexual function (adolescents/adults).
Do not stop treatment suddenly due to risk of discontinuation syndrome (flu-like symptoms, dizziness, "electric-shock" sensations). It is recommended to taper dose by ~25%/week. See fluoxetine for more information.
Prescribers must be aware of warnings issued by Health Canada regarding use of antidepressants in pediatric patients. Refer to the Health Canada website.
Not a first-line recommendation for any pediatric indication.
Effective in the treatment of depression, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder. Also used to treat ADHD, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, neuropathic pain and hot flashes.
May take 4 weeks to see therapeutic effects.
Administer with food to decrease GI upset.
May open capsule and sprinkle granules on soft food for patients with difficulty swallowing capsules, do not chew granules.
Common adverse effects: flushing, sweating, nausea, headache, increased heart rate and blood pressure (more prominent at higher doses), anorexia/weight loss, drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, tremor and impaired sexual function (adolescents/adults).
Do not stop treatment suddenly due to risk of discontinuation syndrome (flu-like symptoms, dizziness, "electric-shock" sensations). It is recommended to taper dose by ~25%/week. See fluoxetine for more information.
Prescribers must be aware of warnings issued by Health Canada regarding use of antidepressants in pediatric patients. Refer to the Health Canada website.
References
4, 44, 83
Last Edited
2021-08-03 06:35:42