Venlafaxine Hcl Er
FDA Drug Information • Also known as: Venlafaxine Hcl Er
- Brand Names
- Venlafaxine Hcl Er
- Route
- ORAL
- Dosage Form
- CAPSULE, EXTENDED RELEASE
- Product Type
- HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG
Description
Venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsule USP is an extended-release capsule for once-a-day oral administration that contains venlafaxine hydrochloride USP, a SNRI. Venlafaxine is designated (R/S)-1-[2-(dimethylamino)-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl] cyclohexanol hydrochloride or (±)-1-[α-[(dimethylamino)methyl]-p-methoxybenzyl] cyclohexanol hydrochloride and has the molecular formula of C17H27NO2HCl. Its molecular weight is 313.86. The structural formula is shown as follows: [Chemical Structure] Venlafaxine hydrochloride USP is a white or almost white crystalline powder, with a solubility of 572 mg/mL in water (adjusted to ionic strength of 0.2 M with sodium chloride). Its octanol:water (0.2 M sodium chloride) partition coefficient is 0.43. Drug release is controlled by diffusion through the coating membrane on the spheroids and is not pH-dependent. Capsules contain venlafaxine hydrochloride USP equivalent to 37.5 mg, 75 mg, or 150 mg venlafaxine. Inactive ingredients consist of ethyl cellulose, hypromellose, sugar spheres, and talc. The empty hard gelatin capsule shells contain iron oxide red, gelatin, titanium dioxide, and sodium lauryl sulphate. In addition, the 37.5 mg empty hard gelatin capsule shells contain iron oxide black. The capsules are printed with edible ink containing black iron oxide and shellac. Meets the USP Dissolution Test - 4
What Is Venlafaxine Hcl Er Used For?
1.1 Major Depressive Disorder Venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules are indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). Efficacy was established in three short-term (4, 8, and 12 weeks) and two long-term, maintenance trials. 1.2 Generalized Anxiety Disorder Venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules are indicated for the treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Efficacy was established in two 8-week and two 26-week placebo-controlled trials. 1.3 Social Anxiety Disorder Venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules are indicated for the treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), also known as social phobia. Efficacy was established in four 12-week and one 26-week, placebo-controlled trials. 1.4 Panic Disorder Venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules are indicated for the treatment of Panic Disorder (PD), with or without agoraphobia. Efficacy was established in two 12-week placebo-controlled trials.
Dosage and Administration
Venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules should be administered in a single dose with food, either in the morning or in the evening at approximately the same time each day [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (12.3)]. Each capsule should be swallowed whole with fluid and not divided, crushed, chewed, or placed in water or it may be administered by carefully opening the capsule and sprinkling the entire contents on a spoonful of applesauce. This drug/food mixture should be swallowed immediately without chewing and followed with a glass of water to ensure complete swallowing of the pellets (spheroids). 2.1 Major Depressive Disorder For most patients, the recommended starting dose for venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules are 75 mg per day, administered in a single dose. For some patients, it may be desirable to start at 37.5 mg per day for 4 to 7 days to allow new patients to adjust to the medication before increasing to 75 mg per day. Patients not responding to the initial 75 mg per day dose may benefit from dose increases to a maximum of 225 mg per day. Dose increases should be in increments of up to 75 mg per day, as needed, and should be made at intervals of not less than 4 days, since steady-state plasma levels of venlafaxine and its major metabolites are achieved in most patients by day 4 [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (12.3)]. In the clinical studies establishing efficacy, upward titration was permitted at intervals of 2 weeks or more. It should be noted that, while the maximum recommended dose for moderately depressed outpatients is also 225 mg per day for venlafaxine hydrochloride (immediate-release), more severely depressed inpatients in one study of the development program for that product responded to a mean dose of 350 mg per day (range of 150 to 375 mg per day). Whether or not higher doses of venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules are needed for more severely depressed patients is unknown; however, the experience with venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules doses higher than 225 mg per day is very limited. 2.2 Generalized Anxiety Disorder For most patients, the recommended starting dose for venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules is 75 mg per day, administered in a single dose. For some patients, it may be desirable to start at 37.5 mg per day for 4 to 7 days to allow new patients to adjust to the medication before increasing to 75 mg per day. Patients not responding to the initial 75 mg per day dose may benefit from dose increases to a maximum of 225 mg per day. Dose increases should be in increments of up to 75 mg per day, as needed, and should be made at intervals of not less than 4 days, since steady-state plasma levels of venlafaxine and its major metabolites are achieved in most patients by day 4 [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (12.3)]. 2.3 Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia) The recommended dose is 75 mg per day, administered in a single dose. There was no evidence that higher...
Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)
The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label: Hypersensitivity [see CONTRAINDICATIONS (4.1)] Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Children, Adolescents, and Adults [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.1)] Serotonin Syndrome [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.2)] Elevations in Blood Pressure [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.3)] Abnormal Bleeding [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.4)] Angle Closure Glaucoma [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.5)] Activation of Mania/Hypomania [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.6)] Discontinuation Syndrome [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.7)] Seizure [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.8)] Hyponatremia [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.9)] Weight and Height changes in Pediatric Patients [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.10)] Appetite Changes in Pediatric Patients [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.11)] Interstitial Lung Disease and Eosinophilic Pneumonia [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.12)] Sexual Dysfunction [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.13)] 6.1 Clinical Studies Experience Because clinical studies are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical studies of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical studies of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Most Common Adverse Reactions The most commonly observed adverse reactions in the clinical study database in venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules treated patients in MDD, GAD, SAD, and PD (incidence ≥ 5% and at least twice the rate of placebo) were: nausea (30%), somnolence (15.3%), dry mouth (14.8%), sweating (11.4%), abnormal ejaculation (9.9%), anorexia (9.8%), constipation (9.3%), impotence (5.3%) and decreased libido (5.1%). Adverse Reactions Reported as Reasons for Discontinuation of Treatment Combined across short-term, placebo-controlled premarketing studies for all indications, 12% of the 3,558 patients who received venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules (37.5 to 225 mg) discontinued treatment due to an adverse experience, compared with 4% of the 2,197 placebo-treated patients in those studies. The most common adverse reactions leading to discontinuation in ≥ 1% of the venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules treated patients in the short-term studies (up to 12 weeks) across indications are shown in Table 7. Table 7: Incidence (%) of Patients Reporting Adverse Reactions Leading to Discontinuation in Placebo-controlled Clinical Studies (up to 12 Weeks Duration) Body System Adverse Reaction Venlafaxine Hydrochloride Extended-Release Capsules n = 3,558 Placebo n = 2,197 Body as a whole Asthenia 1.7 0.5 Headache 1.5 0.8 Digestive system Nausea 4.3 0.4 Nervous system Dizziness 2.2 0.8 Insomnia 2.1 0.6 Somnolence 1.7 0.3 Skin and appendages 1.5 0.6 Sweating 1 0.2 Common Adverse Reactions in Placebo-controlled Studies The number of patients receiving multiple doses of venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules during the premarketing assessment for each approved indication is shown in Table 8. The conditions and duration of exposure to venlafaxine in all development programs varied greatly, and included (in overlapping categories) open and double-blind studies, uncontrolled and controlled studies, inpatient (venlafaxine hydrochloride only) and outpatient studies, fixed-dose, and titration studies. Table 8: Patients Receiving Venlafaxine Hydrochloride Extended-Release Capsules in Premarketing Clinical Studies a In addition, in the premarketing assessment of venlafaxine hydrochloride, multiple doses were administered to 2,897 patients in studies for MDD. Indication Venlafaxine Hydrochloride Extended-Release Capsules MDD 705a GAD 1,381 SAD 819 PD 1,314 The incidences of common adverse reactions (those that occurred in ≥ 2% of venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules treated patients [357 MDD patients, 1,381 GAD patients, 819 SAD patients, and 1,001 PD patients] and more...
Drug Interactions
7.1 Central Nervous System (CNS)-Active Drugs The risk of using venlafaxine in combination with other CNS-active drugs has not been systematically evaluated. Consequently, caution is advised when venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules are taken in combination with other CNS-active drugs. 7.2 Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors Adverse reactions, some of which were serious, have been reported in patients who have recently been discontinued from an MAOI and started on antidepressants with pharmacological properties similar to venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules (SNRIs or SSRIs), or who have recently had SNRI or SSRI therapy discontinued prior to initiation of an MAOI [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION (2.9), CONTRAINDICATIONS (4.2) and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.2)]. 7.3 Serotonergic Drugs Based on the mechanism of action of venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules and the potential for serotonin syndrome, caution is advised when venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules are coadministered with other drugs that may affect the serotonergic neurotransmitter systems, such as triptans, SSRIs, other SNRIs, linezolid (an antibiotic which is a reversible non-selective MAOI), lithium, tramadol, or St. John’s wort. If concomitant treatment with venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules and these drugs is clinically warranted, careful observation of the patient is advised, particularly during treatment initiation and dose increases. The concomitant use of venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules with tryptophan supplements are not recommended [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION (2.9), CONTRAINDICATIONS (4.2), and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.2)]. 7.4 Drugs that Interfere with Hemostasis (e.g., NSAIDs, Aspirin, and Warfarin) Serotonin release by platelets plays an important role in hemostasis. The use of psychotropic drugs that interfere with serotonin reuptake is associated with the occurrence of upper gastrointestinal bleeding and concurrent use of an NSAID or aspirin may potentiate this risk of bleeding [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.4)]. Altered anticoagulant effects, including increased bleeding, have been reported when SSRIs and SNRIs are coadministered with warfarin. Patients receiving warfarin therapy should be carefully monitored when venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules are initiated or discontinued. 7.5 Weight Loss Agents The safety and efficacy of venlafaxine therapy in combination with weight loss agents, including phentermine, have not been established. Coadministration of venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules and weight loss agents are not recommended. Venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules are not indicated for weight loss alone or in combination with other products. 7.6 Effects of Other Drugs on Venlafaxine Hydrochloride Extended-Release Capsules Figure 1: Effect of interacting drugs on the pharmacokinetics of venlafaxine and active metabolite...
Contraindications
4.1 Hypersensitivity Hypersensitivity to venlafaxine hydrochloride, desvenlafaxine succinate or to any excipients in the formulation 4.2 Concomitant Use with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) The use of MAOIs (intended to treat psychiatric disorders) concomitantly with venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules or within 7 days of discontinuing treatment with venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules are contraindicated because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome. The use of venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules within 14 days of discontinuing treatment with an MAOI (intended to treat psychiatric disorders) is also contraindicated [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION (2.9), WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.2), and DRUG INTERACTIONS (7.2)]. Starting venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules in a patient who is being treated with an MAOI such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue is also contraindicated, because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION (2.9), WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.2), and DRUG INTERACTIONS (7.3)].
Overdosage
10.1 Human Experience During the premarketing evaluations of venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules (for MDD, GAD, SAD, and PD) and venlafaxine hydrochloride (for MDD), there were twenty reports of acute overdosage with venlafaxine hydrochloride (6 and 14 reports in venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules and venlafaxine hydrochloride patients, respectively), either alone or in combination with other drugs and/or alcohol. Somnolence was the most commonly reported symptom. Among the other reported symptoms were paresthesia of all four limbs, moderate dizziness, nausea, numb hands and feet, and hot-cold spells 5 days after the overdose. In most cases, no signs or symptoms were associated with overdose. The majority of the reports involved ingestion in which the total dose of venlafaxine taken was estimated to be no more than several-fold higher than the usual therapeutic dose. One patient who ingested 2.75 g of venlafaxine was observed to have two generalized convulsions and a prolongation of QTc to 500 msec, compared with 405 msec at baseline. Mild sinus tachycardia was reported in two of the other patients. Actions taken to treat the overdose included no treatment, hospitalization and symptomatic treatment, and hospitalization plus treatment with activated charcoal. All patients recovered. In postmarketing experience, overdose with venlafaxine has occurred predominantly in combination with alcohol and/or other drugs. The most commonly reported events in overdosage include tachycardia, changes in level of consciousness (ranging from somnolence to coma), mydriasis, seizures, and vomiting. Electrocardiogram changes (e.g., prolongation of QT interval, bundle branch block, QRS prolongation), ventricular tachycardia, bradycardia, hypotension, rhabdomyolysis, vertigo, liver necrosis, serotonin syndrome, and death have been reported. Published retrospective studies report that venlafaxine overdosage may be associated with an increased risk of fatal...
How Supplied
Venlafaxine Hydrochloride Extended-Release Capsules USP, 37.5 mg are white to off white spherical to oval pellets filled in empty hard gelatin capsule shell (size ‘3’) of opaque grey color cap and opaque peach color body imprinted with “E” on cap and “73” on the body with edible black ink. Bottles of 15 NDC 65862-527-47 Bottles of 30 NDC 65862-527-30 Bottles of 90 NDC 65862-527-90 Bottles of 100 NDC 65862-527-01 Bottles of 1,000 NDC 65862-527-99 Bottles of 5,000 NDC 65862-527-59 10 x 10 Unit-dose Capsules NDC 65862-527-10 Venlafaxine Hydrochloride Extended-Release Capsules USP, 75 mg are white to off white spherical to oval pellets filled in empty hard gelatin capsule shell (size ‘1’) of opaque peach color cap and opaque peach color body imprinted with “E” on cap and “74” on the body with edible black ink. Bottles of 15 NDC 65862-528-47 Bottles of 30 NDC 65862-528-30 Bottles of 90 NDC 65862-528-90 Bottles of 100 NDC 65862-528-01 Bottles of 1,000 NDC 65862-528-99 Bottles of 3,500 NDC 65862-528-35 10 x 10 Unit-dose Capsules NDC 65862-528-10 Venlafaxine Hydrochloride Extended-Release Capsules USP, 150 mg are white to off white spherical to oval pellets filled in empty hard gelatin capsule shell (size ‘0’) of opaque dark orange color cap and opaque dark orange color body imprinted with “E” on cap and “89” on the body with edible black ink. Bottles of 15 NDC 65862-697-47 Bottles of 30 NDC 65862-697-30 Bottles of 90 NDC 65862-697-90 Bottles of 100 NDC 65862-697-01 Bottles of 500 NDC 65862-697-05 Bottles of 2,500 NDC 65862-697-26 10 x 10 Unit-dose Capsules NDC 65862-697-10 Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.]
About This Information
This drug information is sourced from FDA-approved labeling via the openFDA database. It is intended for educational and reference purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making decisions about medication. Drug information may be updated by the FDA; check with your pharmacist for the most current information.
What are side effects?
Side effects are unwanted reactions that can occur when taking a medication. They range from mild (headache, nausea) to severe (allergic reactions, organ damage). Not everyone experiences side effects, and severity varies. Report any concerning side effects to your doctor.
What are drug interactions?
Drug interactions occur when a medication is affected by another drug, food, or supplement. Interactions can make medications less effective or cause dangerous side effects. Always tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take.