Your doctor may have prescribed you a medication called Venlafaxine to treat depression or anxiety. It's normal to feel a little nervous, curious, and have a lot of questions when starting a new medication. You may be wondering things like, "What will this do to me?", "Is this safe?", "What should I know?" So today, let's talk about this medication in a simple, friendly way, how it works, what to watch out for, and the side effects.
What is this medicine called Venlafaxine?
Venlafaxine is a medication primarily used to treat mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety .
Simply put, this medication works by helping to maintain the levels of two natural chemicals in our brain (Serotonin and Norepinephrine) that control feelings of happiness, calmness, and focus. When these chemicals become out of balance, we experience conditions like depression. This medication is medically known as an SNRI (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor) .
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before starting Venlafaxine, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Be sure to inform your doctor if you have any of the following medical conditions or habits:
| Your condition or habit | Why should you inform? |
|---|---|
| High Blood Pressure | Venlafaxine can further increase blood pressure. |
| Heart Disease | Because it can affect heart function. |
| Glaucoma | This medicine may increase eye pressure. |
| Liver or Kidney Disease | The dosage may need to be changed because it affects the elimination of the medication from the body. |
| Mania or Bipolar Disorder | This medication carries a risk of causing mania. |
| Seizures | May increase the risk of epileptic seizures. |
| Bleeding disorders or taking medication that prevents blood clotting | Venlafaxine may increase the risk of bleeding. |
| Suicidal thoughts (for yourself or a family member) | These thoughts may increase during the initial period of starting the medication, so special attention is needed. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or are a breastfeeding mother | In these cases, medical advice should be sought specifically regarding the use of medication. |
| Other medications, supplements or allergies | Venlafaxine may interact with other medications, so be aware of all the interactions. |
How to use the medicine correctly?
- Take the dose exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the tablet with a glass of water.
- Do not break, crush, or chew this tablet. Extended-Release (ETU) tablets are designed to release the medicine slowly into the body. Therefore, it is important to swallow it whole.
- It is best to take the medicine with a meal to reduce stomach discomfort.
- Try to take your medicine at the same time every day as much as possible. This will help keep the levels of the medicine in your body consistent.
- Most importantly: Never stop taking this medication suddenly without your doctor's advice. Doing so may cause unpleasant symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, irritability, and insomnia. If you do stop taking the medication, do so as directed by your doctor, gradually reducing the dosage.
What if I overdose?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital, or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (e.g., it is only a few hours away), skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
Other medications that may interact with Venlafaxine
It is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies), as some medications can interact with Venlafaxine and cause dangerous side effects.
| Drug Interactions | |
|---|---|
| Never take Venlafaxine with this medicine. | |
| |
| If you are using these medications, be sure to tell your doctor. | |
|
Things to consider when taking medication
- Be patient: It may take several weeks (maybe 4-6 weeks) for this medication to have its full effect. Don't stop taking it too soon because you think "the medication isn't working." Continue taking the medication as your doctor tells you.
- Mood changes: Pay close attention to your mood, behavior, and thoughts, especially when you first start treatment and when your dose is changed. If you have new or worsening thoughts of suicide, agitation, irritability, or excessive restlessness, call your doctor right away. It is important to tell a family member about this.
- Blood pressure: This medicine may increase blood pressure. Therefore, check your blood pressure regularly as directed by your doctor.
- Drowsiness and dizziness: You may feel drowsy and dizzy. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.
- Alcohol: Avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking this medication. Alcohol can increase the side effects of the medication and can cause dangerous conditions.
- Dry mouth: You may experience a dry mouth. This can be controlled by chewing sugar-free gum and drinking plenty of water.
Possible side effects
Like all medications, this one can have side effects, but not everyone gets them.
| Type of side effect | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Abnormal bleeding | Vomiting blood, black stools, dark brown/red urine, red/purple spots on the skin. |
| Serotonin Syndrome (a dangerous condition) | Agitation, confusion, rapid heartbeat, muscle stiffness/tremors, high fever, sweating, vomiting, diarrhea. |
| Eye problems | Sudden eye pain, blurred vision, seeing rings around lights. |
| Tell your doctor if it persists or is bothersome. | |
| Common side effects | Nausea, dry mouth, excessive sweating, dizziness, insomnia or excessive sleepiness, changes in sexual desire or performance. |
Take-Home Message
- Venlafaxine is an important medication that balances brain chemicals to treat conditions such as depression and anxiety.
- It is imperative that you tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking and all medical conditions you have before starting the medication.
- Never stop taking this medication suddenly without medical advice.
- Call your doctor immediately if you experience any changes in your mood or behavior, especially suicidal thoughts, during the first weeks of treatment.
- Avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking this medication.
- If you have any concerns or doubts, always talk to your doctor, not just rely on information on the internet.
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