There are almost as many types and subtypes of antidepressant drugs as there are disorders and conditions with depressive or anxious symptoms. This is because each of them has singularities that can be effective for each of the disorders.
One of these drugs is venlafaxine, an antidepressant which was first introduced in 1993 and has since become one of the most prescribed medications for depression.
Venlafaxine is an antidepressant that is included in the category of Selective Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), being the most common and administered of the entire range. It is prescribed mainly in cases of major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and in specific cases of anxiety disorders with depression.
Selective Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors exert 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, by not interfering with muscarinic, histaminergic or alpha-adrenergic receptors, they do not exert their unwanted side effects as intensely, which include sedative, hypnotic reactions or side effects that affect the cardiovascular system.
Finally, administered in very high doses, venlafaxine also exerts a subtle dopamine reuptake inhibitory effect ; since recent studies have shown that the norepinephrine driver also transports dopamine in small quantities.
If, in addition, we take into account that the reuptake of serotonin in the frontal cortex will also activate dopamine and that this brain region barely has dopamine receptors; Venlafaxine will promote dopamine neurotransmission also in the frontal cortex.
As discussed above, venlafaxine is an antidepressant. Therefore, this is a psychotropic drug administered both in cases of depressive disorders and in some disorders with anxious symptoms.
venlafaxine It is mainly used in patients with major depressive disorder This condition is characterized by the person experiencing an invasive and persistent low mood. Furthermore, it is usually linked to low self-esteem and a lack of interest or enjoyment in those activities that were previously considered pleasurable.
However, it is sometimes administered through extended-release capsules for certain anxiety-related disorders. Among them:
Finally, venlafaxine is also administered in some cases of the sleep disorder narcolepsy. The reason is that, thanks to its effects on the serotonergic and adrenergic systems, it can help moderate episodes of muscle fragility or cataplexy associated with this condition.
How is it administered?
Venlafaxine is marketed in two different formats depending on the type of action: regular tablets or extended-release capsules. In any case, since it is a drug, its use must always be indicated by a doctor.
Generally, the tablets must be ingested two to three times a day, while in the extended-release capsules, one dose per day is sufficient, and it can be administered in the morning or at night. Due to the effects of this antidepressant, a gradual start of treatment is recommended starting at a small daily dose of venlafaxine that will be progressively increased once every 4 or 7 days.
However, regardless of the case or state in which the patient is, they must always follow the instructions offered by their doctor, who will adjust the dose to the conditions in which they find themselves.
In no way can the patient modify the doses of venlafaxine, nor stop taking it or take it in more quantities than recommended; since this can lead serious consequences on the person’s health, such as withdrawal syndrome
In the event that you believe 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 have a series of side effects about the person. These can be distinguished between serious or non-serious side effects.
If the patient experiences any of the non-serious side effects on a severe or recurrent basis, it is recommended that he inform his doctor so that the dose can be adjusted. In the case of serious side effects, the patient should contact the doctor immediately.
Less serious side effects
These are the mild side effects of venlafaxine.
Serious side effects
Among the most serious side effects of venlafaxine, the following stand out.
Skin problems such as rash, hives or itching.
Problems with breathing and swallowing.
Chest pain.
Arrhythmias.
Seizures.
Cardinals without apparent cause.
Vision problems.
Fevers
Alteration in coordination.
hallucinations
Temporary coma.
Finally, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), following a recent study in which the consumption of antidepressants (specifically venlafaxine) was related to an increased risk of suicide, requires that all antidepressants include a warning about this possible contingency.
What precautions should be taken?
Like side effects, venlafaxine also has a series of contraindications or conditions to take into account before starting treatment. It will be necessary for the patient to inform his or her doctor of any special health condition he or she may have, whatever its nature.
Allergies, as well as all drugs, vitamin supplements and natural complexes that the patient is consuming, must be reported in order to avoid possible interference with the treatment. Likewise, you should also report your habits regarding alcohol intake and diet, among other things because venlafaxine usually causes significant weight loss.
The patient should also take into account that due to the effects of drowsiness caused by the medication, your ability to drive or operate heavy machinery may be altered.
Finally, in cases of pregnancy, despite the fact that there are no controlled investigations; 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.
