Venlafaxine: uses, side effects and precautions

This psychopharmaceutical is widely used in the treatment of major depression.

There are almost as many types and subtypes of Antidepressant drugs as there are disorders and conditions with depressive or anxious symptomatology. This is due to the fact that each one of them presents singularities that can be effective for each of the disorders.

One such drug is venlafaxine, an antidepressant first introduced in which was first introduced in 1993 and has since become one of the most prescribed medications for depression.

What is venlafaxine?

Venlafaxine is an antidepressant that falls into the category of selective the category of selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), being the most common and most commonly administered antidepressant.being the most common and widely administered of the whole range. It is mainly prescribed in cases of major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and in specific cases of anxiety disorders with depression.

Selective Serotonin and Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors have an effect on these two neurotransmitters, which play an important role in people's mood.

At a functional level, the action of venlafaxine is related to that of tricyclic antidepressants. However, since it does not interfere with muscarinic, histaminergic or alpha-adrenergic receptors, it does not exert the undesirable side effects of these, which include sedative and hypnotic reactions or side effects affecting the cardiovascular system.

Finally, venlafaxine, when administered in very high doses, also exerts a subtle dopamine reuptake inhibitory effect.Recent studies have shown that the norepinephrine conductor also transports dopamine in small amounts.

If, in addition, we take into account that serotonin reuptake in the frontal cortex will also activate dopamine and that this brain region has hardly any dopamine receptors, venlafaxine will promote dopamine neurotransmission in the frontal cortex as well.

In what disorders is it used?

As mentioned above, venlafaxine is an antidepressant. Therefore, this is a psychopharmaceutical administered both in cases of depressive disorders and in some disorders with anxious symptomatology.

Venlafaxine is mainly used in patients with major depressive disorder.. This condition is characterized by the person experiencing persistent and pervasive low mood. In addition, it is often associated with low self-esteem and lack of interest or enjoyment in activities that were previously considered pleasurable.

However, it is sometimes administered in time-release capsules for certain anxiety-related disorders. These include:

• Generalized anxiety disorder.Generalized anxiety disorder: the person experiences exaggerated and uncontrollable worry.
• Social anxiety disorder: exacerbated fear of interaction with other people.
• Panic disordersudden, unexpected attacks of intense fear and feelings of worry associated with these attacks.

Finally, venlafaxine is also administered in some cases of narcolepsy sleep disorder. The reason is that, thanks to its effects on the serotonergic and adrenergic systems, it can help to moderate the episodes of muscular fragility or cataplexy associated with this condition.

How is it administered?

Venlafaxine is marketed in two different formats depending on the type of action: the usual tablets or extended-release capsules. In any case, as it is a drug, its use must always be indicated by a physician.

In general, the tablets should be taken between two and three times a day, while in the extended-release capsules, one dose a day is sufficient, which can be administered in the morning or at night. Due to the effects of this antidepressant, a gradual start of treatment is recommendedstarting at a small daily dose of venlafaxine which will be progressively increased once every 4 to 7 days.

However, regardless of the patient's case or condition, he/she should always follow the instructions given by his/her physician, who will adjust the dosage to the patient's condition.

In no way can the patient modify the doses of venlafaxine, nor stop taking it or take it in more than the recommended amount, since this can have serious consequences on the patient's health. serious health consequences, such as withdrawal syndrome..

In the event that you feel that the medication is not working or is harming you, you should contact your doctor to adjust it before changing anything on your own.

Side effects of this drug

Like all antidepressant drugs, venlafaxine can exert a number of side effects on the person. on the person. These can be distinguished into serious or non-serious side effects.

If the patient experiences some of the non-serious side effects in a severe or recurrent manner, it is recommended that he/she inform his/her physician so that he/she can adjust the dose. In the case of serious side effects, the patient should contact the physician immediately.

Mild side effects

These are the mild side effects of venlafaxine.

• Drowsiness.
• Feeling of tiredness.
• Dizziness.
• Headaches.
• Nightmares.
• Nausea and/or vomiting.
• Gastrointestinal problems..
• Loss of appetite and/or weight loss.
• Tremors.
• Tension and/or muscle spasms.
• Sweating.
• Problems in urination.
• Throat infections.
• Alterations in sexual desire.

Serious side effects

Among the most serious side effects of venlafaxine are the following.

• Skin problems such as rash, hives or itching.
• Breathing and swallowing problems.
• Chest pain.
• Arrhythmias.
• Convulsions.
• Cardinals without apparent cause.
• Vision problems.
• Fevers.
• Alteration in the coordination.
• Hallucinations.
• Temporary coma.

Finally, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), following a recent study linking the use of antidepressants (specifically venlafaxine) to an increased risk of suicide, requires that all antidepressants include a warning about this possible contingency.

What precautions should be taken?

As well as side effects, venlafaxine also has a number of contraindications or contraindications. has a number of contraindications or conditions to be taken into account before starting treatment. It will be necessary for the patient to inform his physician of any special health condition he may have, of whatever nature.

Allergies should be reported, as well as all drugs, vitamin supplements and natural complexes that the patient is taking, in order to avoid possible interferences with the treatment. Likewise, the patient should also inform about his or her alcohol intake and eating habits, among other things because venlafaxine usually causes significant weight loss.

The patient should also bear in mind that due to the effects of the drowsiness caused by the medication, his ability to drive or operate heavy machinery may be impaired, the patient's ability to drive or operate heavy machinery may be impaired.

Finally, in cases of pregnancy, although there is no controlled research, some studies suggest that venlafaxine may double the risk of spontaneous abortion, as well as significant malformations in the fetus. Therefore, it should only be administered in strictly justified and necessary cases.