Welcome to Vee Excel Drugs

Antidepressant, NSAIDS

Venlafaxine

INFORMATION FOR USE OF A MEDICAL PRACTITIONER, HOSPITAL OR LABORATORY

VENLAFAXINE

                                    AvailableComposition

VEN XL

Each tablet contains Venlafaxine Hydrochloride 150 mg

PHARMACOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION
Anti-Depressant (Serotonin and Noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor-SNRI)
The mechanism of the antidepressant action of VEN XL in humans is believed to be associated with its potentiation of neurotransmitter activity in the CNS. Preclinical studies have shown that venlafaxine and its active metabolite, O-desmethylvenlafaxine (ODV), are potent inhibitors of neuronal serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake and weak inhibitors of dopamine reuptake. Venlafaxine and ODV have no significant affinity for muscarinic, histaminergic, or α-1 adrenergic receptors in vitro. Pharmacologic activity at these receptors is hypothesized to be associated with the various anticholinergic, sedative, and cardiovascular effects seen with other psychotropic drugs. Venlafaxine and ODV do not possess monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitory activity.

PHARMACOKINETICS

VEN XL is readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Following oral administration it undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism in the liver mainly to the active metabolite O-desmethylvenlafaxine; formation of O-desmethylvenlafaxine is mediated by the cytochrome P450 isoenzyme CYP2D6. Other metabolites include N-desmethylvenlafaxine and N,O-didesmethylvenlafaxine. Peak plasma concentrations of venlafaxine and O-desmethylvenlafaxine appear about 2 and 4 hours after administration, respectively. Protein binding of venlafaxine and O-desmethylvenlafaxine is low. The mean elimination half-life of venlafaxine and O-desmethylvenlafaxine is about 5 and 11 hours, respectively. Venlafaxine is excreted pre-dominately in the urine,mainly in the form of its metabolites, either free or in conjugated form; about 2% is excreted in the faeces.

INDICATIONS

VEN XL is prescribed for the treatment of depression, depression with associated symptoms of:

· Anxiety,

· Generalized anxiety disorder, and

· Social anxiety disorder.

PATIENT INFORMATION:

BEFORE YOU TAKE VEN XL

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to venlafaxine, or if you are also using a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate). You must wait at least 14 days after stopping an MAOI before you can take venlafaxine. After you stop taking venlafaxine, you must wait at least 7 days before you start taking an MAOI.

VEN XL, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any medications, or if you have:

bipolar disorder (manic depression);
cirrhosis or other liver disease;
kidney disease;
high blood pressure;
glaucoma;
seizures or epilepsy;
a bleeding or blood clotting disorder; or
high cholesterol

IF YOU MISS A DOSETake the missed dose as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, and then go back to taking your doses as you would normally. If you are not sure whether to skip the dose, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose that you missed. HOW TO TAKE VEN XLYou must take your medicine as the doctor tells you. It is important to take VEN XL Tablets at the right time. Your doctor will decide which is the best dose for you, depending on your illness. You are under the age of 18 and are currently taking venlafaxine you should make an appointment to see your doctor to have your treatment reviewed. This is because the prescribing recommendations have been changed. Do not stop taking venlafaxine without speaking to your doctor first. Your doctor will probably want to reduce your dose gradually, as stopping suddenly can cause problems. Take venlafaxine with or immediately after food.

WHAT TO DO IF AN OVERDOSE IS TAKEN
In that case do not delay, ask your doctor immediately what to do or contact your nearest hospital emergency department. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.

TAKING OTHER MEDICINE Please tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without prescription, your doctor may wish to alter your dose of VEN XL if you are taking any of the following:

· NSAIDs

· Aspirin,

Warfarin,

· Imipramine

SIDE EFFECTS Like all medicines VEN XL, can sometimes cause unwanted side effects

· Nausea (feeling sick)

· Headache

· Drowsiness and dizziness

· Dry mouth

· Constipation

· Indigestion, tummy ache

· Insomnia (difficulty sleeping),

· Breathlessness, weakness, sweating

· Nervousness, joint pain, muscle pain

STORING

· Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Disclaimer: Strictly meant for information purpose only. The above information should not be used at one’s own discretion nor should substitute your physician’s advice.