Vendep

Vendep (Venlafaxine) tablets are an SNRI antidepressant that selectively inhibits serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake, with dose-dependent dopamine effects at higher levels. This dual neurotransmitter modulation addresses core symptoms of major depressive disorder while providing anxiolytic benefits in GAD, panic disorder, and social anxiety through enhanced synaptic availability. Extended-release formulation ensures once-daily dosing with steady-state levels achieved in 3 days, minimizing peak-trough fluctuations and improving adherence in chronic treatment.

Key Benefits:

• Effective for both depressive and anxiety spectrum disorders
• Dual serotonin/norepinephrine action for comprehensive symptom relief
• Once-daily extended-release minimizes GI side effects
• Rapid onset for panic disorder (within 1-2 weeks)
• Suitable maintenance therapy for relapse prevention

How to Use

• Administration: Take orally once daily with food; swallow whole—do not crush, chew, or split extended-release tablets.
• Timing: Morning preferred to minimize insomnia; consistent daily timing.
• Dosage:
  • MDD/GAD: Start 37.5-75mg/day, titrate to 150-225mg/day max
  • Panic/Social Anxiety: 37.5mg/day, increase to 75-225mg/day
• Duration: Minimum 6-8 weeks for efficacy; taper gradually over 2-4 weeks to avoid withdrawal.
• Monitoring: Weekly initially for suicidality; assess response at 4 weeks.

Expert Tips from CureCart Direct:

• Take with food to reduce nausea.
• Avoid abrupt discontinuation—taper to prevent “discontinuation syndrome.”
• Monitor blood pressure; SNRIs may cause sustained hypertension.
• Use pill organizer for titration phases.
• Report suicidal thoughts immediately, especially in first month.

Missed Dose: Take as soon as remembered unless near next—skip and resume. Do not double; consult for multiple misses.

Overdose: Serotonin syndrome, seizures, cardiac toxicity—seek emergency care; activated charcoal, supportive measures.

Primary Uses

• Major depressive disorder (MDD) treatment and maintenance.
• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
• Panic disorder with/without agoraphobia.
• Social anxiety disorder (social phobia).

Indications

FDA-approved for adults with:

• MDD (acute and maintenance)
• GAD
• Panic disorder
• Social anxiety disorder

Off-label: PTSD, hot flashes, chronic pain. Demonstrates efficacy in STAR*D trial for treatment-resistant depression.

Side Effects

Common:

• Nausea (most frequent initial AE)
• Insomnia, somnolence
• Dry mouth, constipation
• Sexual dysfunction
• Sweating, dizziness

Less Common:

• Sustained hypertension (dose-related)
• Weight changes
• Fatigue

Serious/Rare:

• Serotonin syndrome (with SSRIs/MAOIs)
• Suicidality (young adults)
• Seizures (overdose)
• Hepatic injury, hyponatremia

Discontinuation: Flu-like symptoms, sensory disturbances, anxiety rebound.

Warnings and Precautions

• Pregnancy: Category C—neonatal withdrawal/adaptation syndrome risk.
• Lactation: Passes into milk; monitor infant.
• Driving: May impair; avoid until effects known.
• Hypertension: Monitor BP regularly, especially >225mg/day.
• Serotonin Syndrome: Risk with MAOIs, triptans, SSRIs—wait 14 days post-MAOI.
• Discontinuation: Gradual taper essential.
• Other: Screen for bipolar before starting (mania risk); glaucoma caution.

Contraindications

Do not use in:

• Hypersensitivity to Venlafaxine or desvenlafaxine.
• Concurrent MAOI use or within 14 days.
• Uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma.
• Recent MI or unstable heart disease.

Drug Interactions

• MAOIs: Serotonin syndrome—contraindicated.
• SSRIs/SNRIs/Triptans: Serotonin accumulation risk.
• Linezolid/Methylene Blue: MAOI-like effects.
• CYP2D6 Inhibitors (e.g., fluoxetine): Increased Venlafaxine levels.
• Alcohol: Enhanced CNS depression.

Storage/Disposal

Store at room temperature (20-25°C), protected from moisture/light. Keep in original container. Do not crush packaging. Dispose via take-back; do not flush. Childproof storage.

Doctor Review

Dr. Farhan Ali, MBBS, FCPS – Consultant Psychiatrist “Vendep (Venlafaxine) exemplifies SNRI pharmacology with 30% serotonin and 3% norepinephrine reuptake inhibition at therapeutic doses, transitioning to balanced dual inhibition >150mg/day, explaining anxiolytic superiority in panic/social anxiety per meta-analyses. STAR*D Level 2 remission rates of 30% in SSRI non-responders highlight augmentation potential, while extended-release minimizes nausea (25% vs 45% IR) through steady absorption (Tmax 5-9h). Dose-dependent hypertension (3-7mmHg SBP increase) necessitates monitoring, particularly in CVD patients, while CYP2D6 poor metabolizer status elevates active O-desmethylvenlafaxine, amplifying efficacy/AEs. Discontinuation syndrome (65% incidence) mandates 4-week taper, positioning Venlafaxine as second-line after SSRIs in MDD/GAD algorithms.”

FAQs

Multiple anxiety disorders? Yes: GAD, panic, social anxiety—all FDA-approved.

BP monitoring needed? Essential at higher doses; check baseline and periodically.

Withdrawal symptoms? Common—taper gradually over 2-4 weeks.

Sexual side effects? Frequent (30-50%); dose-related.

Serotonin syndrome risk? High with MAOIs/SSRI combos; 14-day washout.

Related Tests: BP, ECG (if cardiac history), LFTs, suicidality screening.

Quick Tips:

• Morning dosing minimizes insomnia.
• Food reduces nausea.
• Gradual titration.
• BP checks.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified physician before use. CureCart Direct ensures accurate details but cannot cover all interactions or precautions. Prices and availability subject to change.