About venlafaxine
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI)
Used for
- Depression
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
Usual adult dose
Usually 75 mg once daily; may increase gradually, up to 225 mg daily depending on condition and response.
Common side effects
- Nausea, dry mouth, constipation
- Dizziness, sleepiness, or insomnia
- Increased sweating
- Sexual problems
Important warnings
- May increase blood pressure; monitoring is recommended.
- Stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms; doses are usually reduced gradually.
- May increase suicidal thoughts, especially early in treatment or after dose changes.
- Risk of serotonin syndrome, particularly with other medicines that increase serotonin.
Pregnancy
Use during pregnancy requires individualized assessment; late-pregnancy exposure may cause newborn complications. Do not stop suddenly without medical guidance.
Breastfeeding
Venlafaxine passes into breast milk. Infant effects are possible, so monitor for unusual sleepiness, feeding problems, or poor weight gain.
Interactions
- MAO inhibitors: risk of severe serotonin syndrome.
- Other serotonergic medicines, including tramadol and some migraine medicines: serotonin syndrome risk.
- Blood thinners and NSAIDs: increased bleeding risk.
- Some medicines can raise blood pressure or alter venlafaxine levels.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.