Venlafaxine belongs to a class of antidepressant drugs called SNRI ( Serotonin-norepinephrine re-uptake inhibitor) and is employed to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD; excessive worrying that’s difficult to control), social anxiety disorder (extreme fear of interacting with others or performing in front of others that interferes with traditional life), and panic disorder (sudden, unexpected attacks of maximum fear and worry about these attacks).
The exact mechanism of action of venlafaxine is unknown, however, seems to be related to its synergism of neurotransmitter activity in the central nervous system. Venlafaxine and its active substance, O-desmethyl venlafaxine (ODV), inhibit the re-uptake of each serotonin and norepinephrine with a potency larger for the 5-HT than for the NE re-uptake process. each venlafaxine and therefore the ODV metabolite have weak inhibitory effects on the reuptake of dopamine, however, in contrast to the tricyclics and just like SSRIs, they’re not active at histaminergic, muscarinic, or alpha(1)-adrenergic receptors.
The more common side effects of venlafaxine will include: sexual issues, constipation, dry mouth, trouble sleeping or modification in sleep habits, uncommon dreams, tremor or shaking, blurry vision, feeling anxious, nervous, or jittery, raised heart rate, loss of appetence, nausea or emesis, tiredness, yawning, dizziness, sweating, headache.While Serious side effects and their symptoms will include the following: Acting on dangerous impulses, Thoughts concerning suicide or dying, New or worsened anxiety or panic attacks, Agitation, restlessness, anger, or irritability, tries to commit suicide, Aggressive or violent behavior, lung illness or pneumonia, serotonin syndrome, Bruising easily, Frequent bleeding from your gums whereas brushing your teeth or flossing, New or worsened depression, trouble sleeping, High blood pressure, Eye issues, Frequent nosebleeds, bleeding from wounds that is hard to prevent, Dark, tar-like stool.
The Dose for the treatment of Generalized anxiety and panic disorder are treated with 37.5 mg to 225 mg once daily using the extended-release formulation. Social anxiety is treated with 75 mg daily using the extended-release formulation.The dose for treatment of depression using the immediate release formulation is 75 to 375 mg daily divided into 2 or 3 doses and given each 8 or 12 hours. The extended-release dose is 37.5 mg to 225 mg once daily. Dosing is sometimes begun with low initial concentrations and adjusted as required by the treating doctor.