What are the opinions about Venlafaxine therapy?

Venlafaxine (Venlafaxine Teva) is a commonly used antidepressant that belongs to the group of serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It is used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, and other mood disorders. It works by increasing serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain.

Starting therapy at 37.5 mg and then increasing to 75 mg is a typical dosing regimen. The recommended starting dose of venlafaxine extended-release is 75 mg once a day, but in some cases your doctor may decide to start with a lower dose. The full therapeutic effects of venlafaxine can be seen after a few weeks of regular use. It is important to continue treatment as prescribed by your doctor, even if you do not feel any improvement at first.

Like all medicines, venlafaxine can cause side effects. The most common include nausea, headaches, insomnia, drowsiness, dry mouth, and dizziness. Most side effects tend to subside as treatment continues.

Venlafaxine may interact with other medicines, including CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g. ketoconazole, clarithromycin), so it is important to tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking.

Pharmacotherapy is an important element in the treatment of difficulties in the area of psychological functioning, but it primarily deals with symptoms. In order to get rid of the disease in the long term, psychotherapy is necessary, which focuses on the causes and leads to healthy functioning without the use of drugs. This reduces the risk of symptoms getting worse after or shortly after stopping the medication. If you have not yet undertaken psychotherapy, I encourage you to consult your situation with an appropriate specialist. If you are not able to make a face-to-face visit, I attach a link to the online teleconsultation:

https://www.gdziepolek.pl/telekonsultacja/z-psychologiem

The advice is provided in Polish.