Venetek ER 37.5mg, 75mg, 150mg

Venetek-ER (Venlafaxine Extended-Release) contains the SNRI salt venlafaxine in a once-daily, extended-release tablet. Depression and anxiety disorders involve reduced signaling of serotonin and, at higher doses, norepinephrine in brain circuits that regulate mood, energy, sleep and pain perception. By blocking the reuptake pumps for these transmitters, Venetek-ER increases their availability and steadily rebalances those circuits. The extended-release matrix delivers a smooth level over 24 hours, which helps tolerability and reduces peaks that can cause nausea or jitteriness. Benefits typically begin within one to two weeks, with full effect building over four to six weeks. Venetek-ER is a maintenance medicine; it is not intended for emergency relief of acute anxiety or panic.

Your clinician may prescribe Venetek-ER for major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder or panic disorder. The choice among 37.5 mg, 75 mg and 150 mg depends on diagnosis, prior treatment and tolerability.

Dosing is individualized. Many adults begin with Venetek-ER 37.5 mg once daily for a short lead-in, then move to 75 mg once daily. Some patients require 150 mg once daily for fuller symptom control; your prescriber will decide if and when to increase. Take the tablet at the same time each day, preferably with food if you are prone to nausea. Swallow whole with water do not split, crush or chew, as this disrupts the extended-release system. Do not stop suddenly; when discontinuation is appropriate, your clinician will guide a short taper to limit withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, irritability, “electric shock” sensations or sleep disturbance. Lower doses are used in significant liver or kidney impairment and in older adults.

Storage: Store Venetek-ER in a cool, dry place away from moisture and direct sunlight. Keep all strengths out of the reach of children.

Common side effects: The most frequent effects are nausea, dry mouth, sweating, constipation, loss of appetite, dizziness, headache, tremor and either sleepiness or insomnia. Sexual dysfunction can occur. Venlafaxine may raise blood pressure or heart rate, especially at higher doses; your doctor may check these periodically. Seek help urgently for symptoms of serotonin syndrome (fever, agitation, tremor, diarrhea), severe or sudden blood-pressure elevation, eye pain with halos or blurred vision, rash or swelling, severe vomiting, confusion, or any thoughts of self-harm.

Drug Warnings: Before taking Venetek-ER, inform your doctor if you have high blood pressure, heart problems or arrhythmias, thyroid issues, glaucoma (especially narrow-angle), a history of bipolar disorder or mania, seizures, low sodium or use of diuretics, liver or kidney disease, bleeding problems, or if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding. Avoid taking this medicine with other sedating medications unless advised, as it may increase drowsiness and impair alertness.

Drug–drug interactions: Do not use Venetek-ER with MAO inhibitors (including linezolid or methylene blue) or within 14 days of stopping one. Combining with other serotonergic medicines such as SSRIs/SNRIs, triptans, tramadol, lithium or St John’s wort increases the risk of serotonin syndrome and requires medical supervision. Strong CYP2D6 inhibitors (for example bupropion, fluoxetine, paroxetine, quinidine) can raise venlafaxine levels; enzyme inducers (such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampicin) may reduce effect. NSAIDs, aspirin and anticoagulants can increase bleeding risk. Decongestants and stimulants may amplify blood-pressure or heart-rate increases.

Drug–food interactions: The tablets can be taken with or without food; taking Venetek-ER with a light meal often reduces nausea. Alcohol should be limited, as it can worsen dizziness and judgment.

Drug–disease interactions: Extra caution and monitoring are advised in patients with hypertension, glaucoma, seizure disorders, a history of mania/hypomania, hyponatremia/SIADH risk, and hepatic or renal impairment. Share your full medical history and medication list so your clinician can select the most appropriate Venetek-ER strength 37.5 mg, 75 mg or 150 mg and monitor therapy safely.