VENLAFAXINE EXTENDED RELEASE 150MG TABLET
VENLAFAXINE EXTENDED RELEASE 150MG TABLET is prescribed for adults to address major depressive disorder. Additionally, extended-release capsules of VENLAFAXINE EXTENDED RELEASE 150MG TABLET are utilized in the treatment of conditions including generalized anxiety disorder (characterized by uncontrollable excessive worrying), social anxiety disorder (involving intense fear of interactions and performance), and panic disorder (marked by sudden, alarming fear attacks). These applications aim to alleviate the associated disturbances in regular daily functioning.
VENLAFAXINE EXTENDED RELEASE 150MG TABLET is categorized as a member of medications referred to as selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). This medication operates by enhancing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine, which are natural substances within the brain responsible for regulating mental equilibrium.
You should not take VENLAFAXINE EXTENDED RELEASE 150MG TABLET if you have uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma.
Avoid taking VENLAFAXINE EXTENDED RELEASE 150MG TABLET for at least 7 days before or 14 days after using an MAO inhibitor. MAO inhibitors include drugs like isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine.
Be vigilant for any shifts in your mood or symptoms when you begin taking an antidepressant, especially among young individuals. It's important to communicate any emerging or deteriorating symptoms to your medical provider. These might include alterations in mood or behavior, heightened anxiety, occurrences of panic attacks, sleep disturbances, impulsiveness, irritability, restlessness, increased aggression, or a surge in feelings of depression. If you experience thoughts of suicide or self-harm, it's crucial to seek help and inform your doctor promptly.
Do not stop using VENLAFAXINE EXTENDED RELEASE 150MG TABLET without first talking to your doctor.
Do not administer this medication to individuals under 18 years of age without consulting a physician. The use of VENLAFAXINE EXTENDED RELEASE 150MG TABLET is not authorized by the FDA for pediatric patients.
Usual Adult Dose for Depression:
Immediate release:
-Initial dose: 37.5 mg orally twice a day OR 25 mg orally 3 times a day
-Maintenance dose: 75 to 150 mg orally per day, given in divided doses
Maximum dose:
---Moderately depressed outpatients: 225 mg/day
---Severely depressed inpatients: 375 mg/day
Drug-drug interactions - These represent the most prevalent form of drug interactions. The likelihood of your medication interacting with another substance rises with the number of medications you are on. These interactions can impede the effectiveness of your drugs, escalate mild or severe unforeseen reactions, and potentially elevate the concentration of a specific medication in your bloodstream, leading to toxicity. As an illustration, the concurrent consumption of a pain reliever like Vicodin and a sedative antihistamine like Benadryl results in a cumulative drowsy effect, as both drugs contribute to this particular side effect.
Drug-food/beverage interactions - You may have come across the stickers on your prescription medicine bottle advising you to avoid consuming grapefruit juice. This might appear unusual, but specific medications can indeed have interactions with certain foods or drinks. One example is the potential interaction between grapefruit juice and certain medications, where the juice can reduce the activity of liver enzymes responsible for breaking down these drugs. This can lead to higher levels of the medication in the bloodstream, potentially causing harmful effects. Such interactions are particularly relevant for widely used cholesterol-lowering medications like atorvastatin, lovastatin, and simvastatin, which fall under the class of statins. The outcome of this interaction can manifest as muscle discomfort or, in severe cases, as rhabdomyolysis—a condition involving serious muscle injury.
