(Legend)

Generic Name

• Venlafaxine
  T½ = venlafaxine: 3–5 h; O-desmethylvenlafaxine (ODV) 9–11 h
  Pregnancy category C

Trade Name

• Effexor
• Effexor XR

Dose Range/Adult Daily Dose

• Range: 75–225 mg/d; do not exceed 375 mg/d
  Start: 75 mg/d po (2–3 divided doses), up to 225 mg/d (divided doses) (do not exceed 375 mg/d).
  XR: 37.5–75 mg po once daily; increase q 4 d up to 225 mg

Use/Common Side Effects (CSE)

• Use: Major depression, generalized anxiety disorder (XR) and social anxiety disorder (XR)
  CSE: Anxiety, abnormal dreams, dizziness, insomnia, nervousness, visual disturbances, anorexia, dry mouth, weight loss, sexual dysfunction, ecchymoses (bruising), SEIZURES

Geriatric & Dose Considerations

• Use cautiously with CV disease (hypertension); reduce dose in renal/hepatic impairment

Classification

• Antidepressant [SNRI]

Assessment Cautions

• Caution with preexisting hypertension. Monitor blood pressure (risk of sustained hypertension [treatment emergent]); may be dose-related. Concurrent MAOI therapy contraindicated. Avoid alcohol/CNS depressants.