Efexor Depot
Efexor Depot is a medicine used to treat depression and anxiety disorders, including panic attacks and social anxiety in adults.
Form
depotkapseli, kova
Strength
37.5 mg
Active Ingredient
Venlafaxine hydrochloride
Manufacturer
Upjohn EESV
How to Use
Dosage
The usual starting dose for depression, generalized anxiety, and social anxiety is 75 mg once a day. For panic disorder, the doctor will start with a lower dose (37.5 mg) and gradually increase it.
Method
Take the capsules whole with water, at about the same time each day (morning or evening), and with food. Do not open, crush, chew, or dissolve the capsules.
Important
For depression, the maximum daily dose is 375 mg. For generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and panic disorder, the maximum daily dose is 225 mg.
Possible Side Effects
COMMON
- •Dizziness, headache, drowsiness
- •Insomnia
- •Nausea, dry mouth, constipation
- •Sweating (including night sweats)
- •Decreased appetite
- •Confusion, feeling detached from reality, lack of orgasm, decreased sex drive, agitation, nervousness, unusual dreams
- •Tremor, restlessness or inability to sit or stand still, tingling/prickling sensation, altered taste, increased muscle tension
- •Vision problems including blurred vision, dilated pupils, and trouble focusing
- •Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- •Rapid heartbeat, palpitations
- •Increased blood pressure, flushing
- •Shortness of breath, yawning
- •Vomiting, diarrhea
- •Mild rash, itching
- •Increased urge to urinate, inability to urinate, difficulty urinating
- •Menstrual problems (increased/irregular bleeding), ejaculation/orgasm problems (men), erectile dysfunction
- •Weakness, tiredness, chills
- •Weight changes (gain or loss)
- •Increased cholesterol levels
RARE
- •Swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, throat, hands or feet, and/or itchy raised rash (hives), difficulty swallowing or breathing (allergic reaction)
- •Chest tightness, wheezing, severe difficulty swallowing or breathing
- •Severe skin rash, itching, or hives (red or pale, often itchy welts on the skin)
- •Serotonin syndrome: restlessness, hallucinations, clumsiness, rapid heartbeat, high body temperature, rapid changes in blood pressure, muscle jerks, diarrhea, coma, nausea, vomiting.
- •Malignant neuroleptic syndrome (NMS): fever, rapid heart rate, sweating, severe muscle stiffness, confusion, increased muscle enzymes (blood tests).
- •Signs of infection: high fever, chills, tremor, headache, and flu-like symptoms (may indicate blood disorder).
- •Severe rash with blistering and peeling skin.
- •Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness (rhabdomyolysis).
- •Stress cardiomyopathy: chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, irregular heartbeat.
- •Overactivity, racing thoughts, and decreased need for sleep (mania).
- •Hallucinations, feeling unreal/detached, abnormal orgasm, lack of emotions, excessive excitement, teeth grinding.
- •Fainting, involuntary muscle jerks, impaired coordination and balance.
- •Dizziness (especially when standing up quickly), decreased blood pressure.
- •Vomiting blood, black or tarry stools, or blood in stools (may indicate internal bleeding).
- •Sensitivity to sunlight, bruising, unusual hair loss.
- •Inability to control urination.
- •Muscle stiffness, cramps, involuntary muscle movements.
- •Slight changes in liver enzyme levels in the blood.
- •Seizures.
- •Confusion and disorientation with hallucinations (delirium).
- •Excessive water retention (SIADH).
- •Decreased sodium levels in the blood.
- •Severe eye pain and impaired or blurred vision.
- •Abnormally fast or irregular heartbeat, which may lead to fainting.
- •Severe stomach or back pain (may indicate a serious problem with the intestines, liver, or pancreas).
- •Itching, yellow skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, or flu-like symptoms (may indicate liver inflammation/hepatitis).
- •Prolonged bleeding time (may indicate a low platelet count, increasing the risk of bruising and bleeding).
- •Unusual milk production from breasts.
- •Unexpected bleeding (e.g., bleeding gums, blood in urine or vomit, or unexpected bruises or broken superficial blood vessels).
- •Thoughts of self-harm and suicide.
- •Aggression.
- •Very heavy vaginal bleeding shortly after childbirth (postpartum hemorrhage).
Important Warnings
- Do not use if you are allergic to venlafaxine or any other ingredient in this medicine.
- Do not use if you are taking or have taken MAO inhibitors (medicines for depression or Parkinson's disease) in the last 14 days. You must wait at least 7 days after stopping Efexor Depot before taking an MAOI.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking other medicines that may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a serious condition.
- Tell your doctor if you have eye problems, such as glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye).
- Tell your doctor if you have had high blood pressure, heart problems, or an abnormal heart rhythm.
Show 9 more warnings
- Tell your doctor if you have had seizures or low sodium levels in your blood.
- Tell your doctor if you have had bleeding problems, bruise easily, take blood-thinning medicines, or are pregnant, as this medicine can increase the risk of bleeding.
- Tell your doctor if you or a family member have had mania or bipolar disorder, or if you have previously been aggressive.
- Avoid alcohol during treatment, as it can cause extreme tiredness, unconsciousness, and worsen depression or anxiety symptoms.
- If you have thoughts of self-harm or suicide, especially when starting treatment or changing doses, contact a doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital.
- This medicine can cause dry mouth, which increases the risk of tooth decay; ensure good dental hygiene.
- If you have diabetes, this medicine may affect blood sugar levels, and your diabetes medication dose might need adjustment.
- This medicine may cause sexual problems, which can sometimes continue even after treatment stops.
- Do not drive or use machines until you know how this medicine affects you, as it may impair your abilities.
Use in Elderly Patients
Category C
Suitable for older adults, with specific precautions. Serotonergic. A significant adverse effect is low serum sodium level. Increases risk of falls. Consider the numerous potential interactions, especially with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Reduce the dose already in mild renal impairment. (updated 12.2.2024)