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EFFEXOR - GENERIC
Generic name: Venlafaxine hydrochloride
Other brand name: Effexor XR |
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Reviews |
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Effexor |
Addiction. 2005 Mar;100 Suppl 1:12-22.
Efficacy screening trials of paroxetine, pentoxifylline,
riluzole, pramipexole and venlafaxine in cocaine dependence.
Ciraulo DA, Sarid-Segal O, Knapp CM, Ciraulo AM, Locastro
J, Bloch DA, Montgomery MA, Leiderman DB, Elkashef A.
Division of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine and VA Boston
Healthcare System Medication Development Research Unit (MDRU), Boston, MA,
USA.
ABSTRACT Aims The two studies presented here were conducted to assess the
efficacy of paroxetine, pentoxifylline, riluzole, venlafaxine and pramipexole
as medications for the treatment of cocaine dependence. Design A multi-arm,
modified blinded, placebo-controlled design was used. Setting The studies
were conducted at the Boston VA Healthcare System and the Boston University
School of Medicine Medication Development Research Unit (MDRU). Participants
Participants met criteria for cocaine dependence during a 2-week screening
period. Intervention Following random assignment to one of the treatment
groups, subjects received active medication or placebo for 8 weeks in combination
with cognitive behavioral counseling. In the first study the efficacy of
the antidepressant paroxetine (20 mg daily), the phosphodiesterase inhibitor
pentoxifylline (1200 mg daily) and the glutamate release inhibitor riluzole
(100 mg daily) was assessed. The antidepressant venlafaxine (150 mg daily)
and the dopamine agonist pramipexole (1.5 mg daily) were evaluated in the
second study. Measurements Urine benzoylecgonine (BE) concentrations, self-report
of cocaine use and global impression scores served as primary outcome measures.
Secondary measures included assessments of cocaine craving and psychiatric
functioning. Adverse events were monitored during the treatment period.
Findings None of the active medications produced greater reductions in urine
BE concentrations over the treatment period than did placebo. There were
trends for BE levels to become reduced in the pentoxifylline group during
the first 4 weeks of treatment and for Addiction Severity Index (ASI) drug
composite scores to be lower in the pentoxyfylline group at end-point compared
to the placebo group. Significant within-group reductions in reported cocaine
use and craving were found for all treatment groups, but none of the active
medications were superior to placebo on these measures. The accuracy of
self-reported cocaine use declined over the study period. Overall, the active
medications were well tolerated. Conclusions This study does not support
the use of paroxetine, pentoxifylline, riluzole, venlafaxine or pramipexole
for the treatment of cocaine dependence. However, these results need to
be interpreted with caution because of the small size and lack of homogeneity
of the experimental groups.
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Headache. 2005 Feb;45(2):144-52.
The efficacy and safety of venlafaxine in the prophylaxis
of migraine.
Ozyalcin SN, Talu GK, Kiziltan E, Yucel B, Ertas M, Disci
R.
Institute of the Chemistry of Plant Substances, Academy of Sciences of the
Republic of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Objective.-To evaluate the efficacy and safety of venlafaxine in the prophylaxis
of migraine. Background.-The efficacy of venlafaxine, which is selectively
effective on the serotonergic and noradrenergic mechanisms, on various headaches
and chronic pain syndromes has been demonstrated. To our knowledge, this
is the first placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized study of two different
doses of venlafaxine for migraine treatment. Methods.-In this prospective
study, 60 migraine patients without aura were randomly assigned to venlafaxine
XR 75 mg, venlafaxine XR 150 mg, or placebo. The frequency of headache attacks,
the severity and the duration of attacks, and analgesic use were monitored
every 2 weeks for 2 months. Adverse events and patient satisfaction were
also evaluated during these visits. At the end of the 2 months, global efficacy
and tolerance were investigated. Results.-A significant difference was observed
between the venlafaxine 150 mg and placebo groups in the number of headache
attacks (P= .006). According to patient satisfaction comparisons, the active
drug groups were significantly different when compared with placebo (P=
.001 at visit 2 and visit 6). When the global efficacy was considered, 80%
of patients in the 75-mg group and 88.2% of the patients in the 150-mg group
evaluated treatment benefits as either good or very good. Conclusions.-Venlafaxine
was more effective than placebo and is safe and well tolerated as migraine
prophylaxis. (Headache 2005;45:144-152).
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| Int J Androl. 2005
Feb;28(1):47-52.
Venlafaxine extended release for the treatment of
patients with premature ejaculation: a pilot, single-blind, placebo-controlled,
fixed-dose crossover study on short-term administration of an antidepressant
drug.
Kilic S, Ergin H, Baydinc YC.
Department of Urology, Turgut Ozal Medical Center, Inonu University School
of Medicine, Malatya, Turkey.
In this study, we aimed at evaluating the efficacy and safety of venlafaxine
extended release 75 mg, a serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor,
in the treatment of patients with premature ejaculation. Thirty-one patients
with intravaginal ejaculation latency of less than 2 min received venlafaxine
XR (75 mg/day) or placebo during a 2-week period for each agent with a
washout period of 1 week between agents. Efficacy was assessed for each
agent with changes in ejaculation latency measured with a stopwatch and
sexual satisfaction scores of patients and partners. Side-effects, pre-
and post-treatment levels of biochemical and spermiogram parameters, follicle-stimulating
hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin and total testosterone
were recorded for each agent. Statistical analysis was performed on 21
patients. After 2 weeks of treatment with placebo and venlafaxine, ejaculation
latency time was significantly increased from 60.1 +/- 39.1 to 126.9 +/-
98.3 sec and to 178.1 +/- 122.8 sec, respectively (p < 0.0001 for each
one). However, the difference between the two agents was insignificant
(p = 0.144). Venlafaxine and placebo increased sexual satisfaction scores
of both patients and partners similarly, no statistically significant
difference was found between them in this respect. The incidence of side-effects
with venlafaxine was indifferent than that of placebo (p > 0.1) except
nausea (p = 0.035). Both agents did not change the blood and spermiogram
parameters significantly, except FSH increases. Short-term use of venlafaxine
XR 75 mg has only a placebo effect on ejaculation latency and sexual satisfaction
scores, therefore, is not appropriate for the patients with premature
ejaculation. Further dose-time studies are required to draw final conclusions
on the inefficacy of this drug in premature ejaculation. |
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Drug information |
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| GENERIC NAME: venlafaxine
BRAND NAME: Effexor, Effexor XR
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Venlafaxine is in a new class
of anti-depressant medications that affects chemical messengers within
the brain. These chemical messengers are called neurotransmitters, and
some examples are serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Neurotransmitters
are manufactured by nerve cells and are released by the cells. The neurotransmitters
travel to nearby nerve cells and cause the cells to become more or less
active. Many experts believe that an imbalance in these neurotransmitters
is the cause of depression and also may play a role in anxiety. Venlafaxine
is believed to work by inhibiting the release or affecting the action
of these neurotransmitters.
PREPARATIONS: Effexor is available in tablets of 25,
37.5, 50, 75, and 100 mg. Effexor XR is available in capsules of 37.5,
75, and 150 mg.
STORAGE: Store in a dry place at 20-25°C (68-77°F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Venlafaxine is prescribed for the treatment
of depression, depression with associated symptoms of anxiety, generalized
anxiety disorder, and social anxiety disorder.
DOSING: Venlafaxine should be taken with food at doses
specifically directed by a physician. Individual doses vary greatly among
individuals. The anti-depressant effects are not maximal for 1-2 weeks.
If discontinued, the dose of venlafaxine should gradually be reduced under
the direction of a physician. For patients with difficulty swallowing
tablets or capsules, capsules of Effexor XR can be opened and the contents
sprinkled on a spoonful of applesauce.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Life-threatening interactions can
occur in combination with MAO inhibitors such as Nardil and Parnate. MAO
inhibitors and venlafaxine should not be taken together, and a waiting
period of 14 days between taking these two classes of medications is strongly
advised.
Most medications affecting the brain such as venlafaxine have the potential
to slow reflexes or impair judgment. Therefore, caution is advised especially
early in the course of treatment.
Safety has not been established in children below the age of 18 years.
PREGNANCY: The effects of venlafaxine on the fetus are
unknown.
NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known if venlafaxine is secreted
in milk and, therefore, if it may have an effect on nursing infants.
SIDE EFFECTS: Venlafaxine, like most anti-depressants,
can cause nausea, headaches, anxiety, insomnia, drowsiness, and loss of
appetite. Increased blood pressure can occur, and blood pressure should
be monitored. Seizures have been reported.
"If anti-depressants are discontinued abruptly, symptoms may occur
such as dizziness, headache, nausea, changes in mood, or changes in the
sense of smell, taste, etc. (Such symptoms even may occur when even a
few doses of anti-depressant are missed.) Therefore, it is recommended
that the dose of anti-depressant be reduced gradually when therapy is
discontinued."
RECOMMENDED DOSAGE:
EFFEXOR
The usual starting dose is 75 milligrams a day, divided into 2 or 3 smaller
doses, and taken with food. If needed, your doctor may gradually increase
your daily dose in steps of no more than 75 milligrams at a time up to
a maximum of 375 milligrams per day. If you have kidney or liver disease
or are taking other medications, your doctor will adjust your dosage accordingly.
EFFEXOR XR
For both depression and anxiety the usual starting dose is 75 milligrams
once daily, although some people begin with a dose of 37.5 milligrams
for the first 4 to 7 days. Your doctor may gradually increase the dose,
in steps of no more than 75 milligrams, up to a maximum of 225 milligrams
daily. As with regular Effexor, the doctor will make adjustments in your
dosage if you have kidney or liver disease.
SPECIAL WARNINGS ABOUT THIS MEDICATION: Your
doctor will prescribe Effexor with caution if you have high blood pressure,
heart, liver, or kidney disease or a history of seizures or mania (extreme
agitation or excitability). You should discuss all of your medical problems
with your doctor before taking Effexor. Effexor sometimes causes an increase
in blood pressure. If this happens, your doctor may need to reduce your
dose or discontinue the drug. Effexor also tends to increase the heart
rate, especially at higher doses. Use Effexor with caution if you've recently
had a heart attack, suffer from heart failure, or have an overactive thyroid
gland. Antidepressants such as Effexor may cause fluid retention, especially
if you are an older adult. Effexor may cause you to feel drowsy or less
alert and may affect your judgment. Therefore, avoid driving or operating
dangerous machinery or participating in any hazardous activity that requires
full mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Your doctor
will check you regularly if you have glaucoma (high pressure in the eye),
or you are at risk of developing it. If you have ever been addicted to
drugs, tell your doctor before you start taking Effexor. If you develop
a skin rash or hives while taking Effexor, notify your doctor. Effexor
may also cause bleeding or bruising of the skin. Do not stop taking the
drug without consulting your doctor. If you stop suddenly, you may have
withdrawal symptoms, even though this drug does not seem to be habit-forming.
Your doctor will have you taper off gradually. The safety and effectiveness
of Effexor have not been established in children under 18 years of age.
Caution! Before starting
to take this medicine, it is vital that you should consult your doctor!
Do not use it on your own initiative, without medical advice.
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Order now ! |
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Dosage |
Packing |
Price |
Pay now |
37.5 mg |
100 tab |
USD 59.00 |
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75 mg |
100 tab |
USD 94.00 |
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