Venlafaxine Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the trade name of Venlafaxine?

Effexor

Venlafaxine SR

Desvenlafaxine

Effexor XR (correct)

What classification does Venlafaxine fall under?

Antidepressant, anxiolytic

What is the FDA category for Venlafaxine?

What is the pharmacological detail about Venlafaxine?

In the liver, much of each dose is converted to desvenlafaxine, an active metabolite. Signup and view all the answers

What is Venlafaxine's mechanism of action?

Powerful blockade of NE and 5-HT reuptake and a weak blockade of dopamine reuptake. Signup and view all the answers

Dosage for immediate release (IR) is _____ mg.

25 - 100 Signup and view all the answers

Dosage for extended release (ER) is _____ mg.

37.5 - 225 Signup and view all the answers

Dosage for ER capsules is _____ mg.

37.5 - 150 Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended dose for treatment of depression?

75 mg in divided doses or a single dose of ER tablets/capsules; max 225 mg. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are side effects of Venlafaxine? (Select all that apply)

Nausea Signup and view all the answers

Venlafaxine should be used in pregnancy.

False Signup and view all the answers

What should be monitored in patients taking Venlafaxine?

Suicidal thoughts or actions Signup and view all the answers

What should patients avoid when taking Venlafaxine?

Alcohol and St. John's Wort Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Venlafaxine Overview

Generic name: Venlafaxine; Trade name: Effexor XR
Classification: Antidepressant, anxiolytic
FDA Pregnancy Category: C

Pharmacology

Metabolism: Mainly converted to desvenlafaxine in the liver, which is an active metabolite.
Absorption: Well absorbed orally, with or without food.
Half-life: 5 hours for venlafaxine, 11 hours for desvenlafaxine.

Mechanism of Action

First available serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI).
Approved for major depression, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder.
Strongly inhibits norepinephrine (NE) and serotonin (5-HT) reuptake, weakly inhibits dopamine reuptake.

Dosage Information

Immediate release (IR): 25 - 100 mg.
Extended release (ER): 37.5 - 225 mg.
ER capsule (Effexor XR): 37.5 - 150 mg.
Treatment for depression: Starting dose of 75 mg; max typically 225 mg.

Side Effects

Common: Nausea, headache, anorexia, nervousness, sweating, somnolence, weight loss, dizziness, dry mouth.
Serious: Hypertension, angle closure glaucoma, sexual dysfunction, hyponatremia, suicidal thoughts or actions.

Contraindications/Interactions

Not recommended during pregnancy.
Avoid combining with MAOIs, serotonergic drugs, St. John's Wort, trazodone, or alcohol.

Nursing Considerations

Monitor for signs of suicidal thoughts or actions, particularly in children and young adults.
MAOIs must be stopped at least 14 days before starting venlafaxine and should be discontinued 7 days prior to switching to an MAOI.
Consider dosage reduction in patients with liver or potentially kidney disease.

Patient Education

Advise against use during pregnancy.
Instruct patients to swallow ER capsules whole; do not cut, crush, or chew.
Take medication with food, avoid alcohol and St. John's Wort.
Report any rash or suicidal thoughts and do not discontinue abruptly.

Description

This quiz offers flashcards covering important definitions and classifications related to Venlafaxine, an antidepressant medication. Learn about its generic name, FDA category, and pharmacologic details to enhance your understanding of this drug.