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ACT VENLAFAXINE XR is a brand name for Venlafaxine, supplied as a capsule (extended release). The medicine, its uses, side effects and dosage are the same regardless of brand.
Used for: ACT VENLAFAXINE XR (venlafaxine hydrochloride extended release capsules) is indicated for the symptomatic relief of: • Major depressive disorder • Anxiety causing clinically significant distress in patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Anxiety or tension associated with the stress of everyday life usually…
Verbatim from this product's HC label. Tap a section to expand.
1 Pregnant Women). 2 Recommended Dose and Dosage Adjustment). Increased risk of self-harm, harm to others, suicidal thinking and behavior with antidepressants use. Closely monitor all antidepressant-treated patients for clinical worsening and for emergence of agitation-type and/or suicidal thoughts and behaviors (see 7 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Psychiatric, Potential Association With Behavioural And Emotional Changes, Including Self-Harm).
ACT VENLAFAXINE XR Page 6 of 88 • Long-term use of ACT VENLAFAXINE XR:
The physician who elects to use ACT VENLAFAXINE XR for extended periods in the treatment of depression, GAD, social anxiety disorder, or panic disorder should periodically re-evaluate the long-term usefulness of the drug for the individual patient.
2 Recommended Dose and Dosage Adjustment). • Switching Patients to or from a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor: ACT VENLAFAXINE XR is contraindicated in patients taking concomitant MAOIs. At least 14 days should elapse between discontinuation of an MAOI and initiation of therapy with ACT VENLAFAXINE XR.
In addition, at least 14 days should be allowed after stopping ACT VENLAFAXINE XR before starting an MAOI (see 2 CONTRAINDICATIONS). 2 Recommended Dose and Dosage Adjustment Adults Major Depressive Disorder • The recommended dose for ACT VENLAFAXINE XR is 75 mg/day, administered once daily with food, either in the morning or in the evening.
5 mg/day for 4-7 days to allow new patients to adjust to the medication before increasing to 75 mg/day. • Each capsule should be swallowed whole with water. It should not be divided, crushed, chewed, or placed in water. • While the relationship between dose and antidepressant response for venlafaxine hydrochloride extended release capsules has not been adequately explored patients not responding to the initial 75 mg may benefit from dose increases.
2 Clinical Trial Adverse Reactions Clinical trials are conducted under very specific conditions. The adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials therefore, may not reflect the rates observed in practice and should not be compared to the rates in the clinical trials of another drug.
Adverse reaction information from clinical trials may be useful in identifying and approximating rates of adverse drug reactions in real-world use. , incidence for immediate release formulation/ venlafaxine hydrochloride extended release capsules at least twice that for placebo), derived from the 2% incidence Table 4, were: Venlafaxine Immediate Release: asthenia, sweating, nausea, constipation, anorexia, vomiting, somnolence, dry mouth, dizziness, nervousness, anxiety, tremor, blurred vision, and abnormal ejaculation/orgasm and impotence in men.
Venlafaxine Hydrochloride Extended Release Capsules abnormal dreams, anorexia, dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, nervousness, somnolence, sweating, and tremor as well as abnormal ejaculation/orgasm in men. Venlafaxine Immediate Release: asthenia, sweating, nausea, constipation, anorexia, vomiting, somnolence, dry mouth, dizziness, nervousness, anxiety, tremor, blurred vision, and abnormal ejaculation/orgasm and impotence in men.
Incidence in Controlled Trials:
The table that follows (Table 4) enumerates adverse events that occurred at an incidence of 2% or more, and were more frequent than in the placebo group, among venlafaxine-treated depressed patients. Venlafaxine Hydrochloride Extended Release Capsules patients participated in 8-to 12-week placebo-controlled trials in which doses in the range of 75 to 225 mg/day were administered.
ACT VENLAFAXINE XR Page 28 of 88 Reported adverse events were classified using a standard COSTART-based Dictionary terminology. The prescriber should be aware that the cited frequencies for Venlafaxine Hydrochloride Extended Release Capsules cannot be compared with figures obtained from other clinical investigations of venlafaxine tablets which involved different treatments, uses and investigators.
, Psychiatric, Potential Association With Behavioural And Emotional Changes, Including Self-Harm). 2 Geriatrics Geriatrics (> 65 years of age): Caution should be exercised in treating geriatric patients. Evidence from clinical studies and experience suggests that use in the geriatric population is associated with no overall differences in effectiveness and safety compared to younger patients.
However, greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out. 2 CONTRAINDICATIONS ACT VENLAFAXINE XR is contraindicated in patients: • Who are hypersensitive to this drug or to any ingredient in the formulation, including any non-medicinal ingredient, or component of the container.
For a complete listing, see 6 DOSAGE FORMS, STRENGTHS, COMPOSITION AND PACKAGING. • Taking concurrent monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). 4 Drug-Drug Interactions). ACT VENLAFAXINE XR Page 5 of 88 ACT VENLAFAXINE XR should not be used within two weeks of terminating treatment with MAOIs.
Treatment with MAOIs should not be started until 2 weeks after discontinuation of ACT VENLAFAXINE XR therapy. 4 Drug-Drug Interactions). Adverse reactions, some serious, have been reported when venlafaxine hydrochloride extended release capsules therapy is initiated soon after discontinuing an MAOI and when an MAOI is initiated soon after discontinuation of venlafaxine hydrochloride extended release capsules.
These reactions have included tremor, myoclonus, diaphoresis, nausea, vomiting, flushing, dizziness, hyperthermia with features resembling neuroleptic malignant syndrome, seizures and death. In patients receiving antidepressants with pharmacological properties similar to venlafaxine in combination with an MAOI, there have also been reports of serious, sometimes fatal, reactions.
For a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, these reactions have included hyperthermia, rigidity, myoclonus, autonomic instability with possible rapid fluctuations of vital signs, and mental status changes that include extreme agitation progressing to delirium and coma.
ACT VENLAFAXINE XR is contraindicated in patients: • Who are hypersensitive to this drug or to any ingredient in the formulation, including any non-medicinal ingredient, or component of the container. For a complete listing, see 6 DOSAGE FORMS, STRENGTHS, COMPOSITION AND PACKAGING.
• Taking concurrent monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). 4 Drug-Drug Interactions). ACT VENLAFAXINE XR Page 5 of 88 ACT VENLAFAXINE XR should not be used within two weeks of terminating treatment with MAOIs. Treatment with MAOIs should not be started until 2 weeks after discontinuation of ACT VENLAFAXINE XR therapy.
4 Drug-Drug Interactions). Adverse reactions, some serious, have been reported when venlafaxine hydrochloride extended release capsules therapy is initiated soon after discontinuing an MAOI and when an MAOI is initiated soon after discontinuation of venlafaxine hydrochloride extended release capsules.
These reactions have included tremor, myoclonus, diaphoresis, nausea, vomiting, flushing, dizziness, hyperthermia with features resembling neuroleptic malignant syndrome, seizures and death. In patients receiving antidepressants with pharmacological properties similar to venlafaxine in combination with an MAOI, there have also been reports of serious, sometimes fatal, reactions.
For a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, these reactions have included hyperthermia, rigidity, myoclonus, autonomic instability with possible rapid fluctuations of vital signs, and mental status changes that include extreme agitation progressing to delirium and coma.
Some cases presented with features resembling neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Severe hypothermia and seizures, sometimes fatal, have been reported in association with the combined use of tricyclic antidepressants and MAOIs. These reactions have also been reported in patients who have recently discontinued these drugs and have been started on an MAOI.
Not medical advice. Always read the patient information leaflet and follow your prescriber or pharmacist.
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Depending on tolerability and the need for further clinical effect, the dose should be increased by up to 75 mg/day up to a maximum of 225 mg/day as a single dose for moderately depressed outpatients. • Dose increments should be made at intervals of approximately 2 weeks or more, but not less than 4 days.
• There is very limited experience with venlafaxine hydrochloride extended release capsules at doses higher than 225 mg/day, or in severely depressed inpatients. 5 mg/day administered as a single dose, taken with food, for 4-7 days.
• The usual dose is 75 mg/day administered as a single dose. • Subsequent dosage increments of up to 75 mg/day may be considered, if clinically ACT VENLAFAXINE XR Page 7 of 88 warranted. • Dose increments should be made as needed at intervals of not less than 4 days.
• The maximum recommended daily dose is 225 mg/day as a single dose. Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia) • For most patients, the recommended dose for ACT VENLAFAXINE XR is 75 mg/day, administered in a single dose. 5 mg/day for 4 to 7 days, to allow new patients to adjust to the medication before increasing to 75 mg/day.
• Depending on tolerability and if clinically warranted, dose increases should be in increments of up to 75 mg/day, as needed, up to a maximum of 225 mg/day. • Dose increments should be made at intervals of not less than 4 days. 5 mg/day of ACT VENLAFAXINE XR be used for 7 days.
• The recommended treatment dose is 75 mg/day, administered in a single dose. • Although a dose response relationship for effectiveness in patients with panic disorder was not clearly established in fixed-dose studies, certain patients not responding to 75 mg/day may benefit from dose increases to a maximum of 225 mg/day.
• Dose increases should be in increments of up to 75 mg/day, as needed, and should be made at intervals of at least 7 days.
Special Populations Geriatrics (> 65 years of age):
No dose adjustment is required for geriatric patients solely on the basis of their age. As with any antidepressant or anxiolytic, drug for treatment of social anxiety disorder, or panic disorder, however, caution should be exercised in treating the elderly.
When individualizing the dosage, extra care should be taken when increasing the dose.
Pediatrics (< 18 years of age):
Health Canada has not authorized an indication for pediatric use (see 7 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Psychiatric, POTENTIAL ASSOCIATION WITH BEHAVIOURAL AND EMOTIONAL CHANGES, INCLUDING SELF-HARM).
Pregnant Women:
There are no adequate and well controlled studies with venlafaxine in pregnant women. Therefore, venlafaxine should only be used during pregnancy if clearly needed. 1 Pregnant Women). 3 Pharmacokinetics, Special Populations and Conditions), the total daily ACT VENLAFAXINE XR Page 8 of 88 dose should be reduced by about 50% in patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment.
5 mg/day. Because of individual variability in clearance in these patients, individualization of dosage may be desirable. Since there was much individual […]
The cited figures for venlafaxine hydrochloride extended release capsules, however, do provide the prescribing physician with some basis for estimating the relative contribution of drug and non-drug factors to the side effect incidence rate in the population studied.
Table 4:
Treatment-Emergent Adverse Experience Incidence in Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trials (Percentage)1 in Depressed Patients Body System / Preferred Term Venlafaxine Immediate Release (n = 1033) Placebo (n = 609) Venlafaxine Hydrochloride Extended Release Capsules (n = 357) Placebo (n = 285) Body as a whole Headache 25 24 26 # 33 Asthenia 12 6 8 7 Infection 6 5 6 # 9 Chills 3 <1 < 1 1 Cardiovascular Vasodilatation 4 3 4 2 Increased blood pressure/hypertension 2 <1 4 1 Tachycardia 2 <1 < 1 < 1 Dermatological Sweating 12 3 14 3 Rash 3 2 1 1 Gastrointestinal Nausea 37 11 31 12 Constipation 15 7 8 5 Anorexia 11 2 8 4 Diarrhoea 8 7 8 # 9 Vomiting 6 2 4 2 Dyspepsia 5 4 7 # 9 Flatulence 3 2 4 3 Metabolic Weight loss 1 <1 3 0 ACT VENLAFAXINE XR Page 29 of 88 Nervous Somnolence 23 9 17 8 Dry mouth 22 11 12 6 Dizziness 19 7 20 9 Insomnia 18 10 17 11 Nervousness 13 6 10 5 Anxiety 6 3 2 # 5 Tremor 5 1 5 2 Abnormal Dreams 4 3 7 2 Hypertonia 3 2 1 0 Paraesthesia 3 2 3 1 Libido decreased 2 <1 3 < 1 Agitation 2 <1 3 1 Depression 1 1 3 < 1 Thinking abnormal 2 <1 < 1 1 Respiration Pharyngitis 4 4 7 6 Yawn 3 0 3 0 Special Senses Abnormal vision 6 2 4 < 1 Taste perversion 2 <1 1 < 1 Urogenital system Abnormal ejaculation/orgasm 122 <12 162 < 1 2 Impotence 62 <12 42 < 1 2 Anorgasmia <13 <13 33 < 1 3 Urinary frequency 3 2 1 1 Urination impaired 2 <1 < 1 0 1 Events reported by at least 2% of patients treated with venlafaxine immediate release/ Venlafaxine Hydrochloride Extended Release Capsules are included, and are rounded to the nearest %.
Events for which the venlafaxine immediate release/ Venlafaxine Hydrochloride Extended Release Capsules incidence was equal to or less than placebo included the following: abdominal pain, accidental injury, anxiety, back pain, bronchitis, diarrhea, dysmenorrhoea, dyspepsia, flu syndrome, headache, infection, pain, palpitation, rhinitis and sinusitis.
# Incidence greater than 2%, but active drug incidence less than incidence for placebo. 2 Incidence based on number of male patients (For venlafaxine immediate release: n = 439, Placebo: n = 245; For Venlafaxine Hydrochloride Extended Release Capsules n = 126, Placebo: n = 108) 3 Incidence based on number of female patients (For venlafaxine immediate release: n = 594, Placebo: n = 364; For Venlafaxine Hydrochloride Extended Release Capsules n = 231, Placebo: n = 177) ACT VENLAFAXINE XR Page 30 of 88 Dose Dependency of Adverse Events: A comparison of adverse event rates in a fixed-dose study comparing venlafaxine immediate release tablets 75, 225, and 375 mg/day with placebo in depressed patients revealed a dose dependency for some of the more common adverse events associated with venlafaxine use, as shown in the table that follows (Table 5).
The rule for including events was to enumerate those that occurred at an incidence of 5% or more for at least one of the venlafaxine groups and for which the incidence was at least twice the placebo incidence for at least one venlafaxine group.
05) suggested a dose-dependency for several adverse events in this list, including chills, hypertension, anorexia, nausea, agitation, dizziness, somnolence, tremor, yawning, sweating, and […]
Some cases presented with features resembling neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Severe hypothermia and seizures, sometimes fatal, have been reported in association with the combined use of tricyclic antidepressants and MAOIs. These reactions have also been reported in patients who have recently discontinued these drugs and have been started on an MAOI.
1 Pregnant Women). 2 Recommended Dose and Dosage Adjustment). Increased risk of self-harm, harm to others, suicidal thinking and behavior with antidepressants use. Closely monitor all antidepressant-treated patients for clinical worsening and for emergence of agitation-type and/or suicidal thoughts and behaviors (see 7 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS, Psychiatric, Potential Association With Behavioural And Emotional Changes, Including Self-Harm).
ACT VENLAFAXINE XR Page 6 of 88 • Long-term use of ACT VENLAFAXINE XR:
The physician who elects to use ACT VENLAFAXINE XR for extended periods in the treatment of depression, GAD, social anxiety disorder, or panic disorder should periodically re-evaluate the long-term usefulness of the drug for the individual patient.
2 Recommended Dose and Dosage Adjustment). • Switching Patients to or from a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor: ACT VENLAFAXINE XR is contraindicated in patients taking concomitant MAOIs. At least 14 days should elapse between discontinuation of an MAOI and initiation of therapy with ACT VENLAFAXINE XR.
In addition, at least 14 days should be allowed after stopping ACT VENLAFAXINE XR before starting an MAOI (see 2 CONTRAINDICATIONS). 2 Recommended Dose and Dosage Adjustment Adults Major Depressive Disorder • The recommended dose for ACT VENLAFAXINE XR is 75 mg/day, administered once daily with food, either in the morning or in the evening.
5 mg/day for 4-7 days to allow new patients to adjust to the medication before increasing to 75 mg/day. • Each capsule should be swallowed whole with water. It should not be divided, crushed, chewed, or placed in water. • While the relationship between dose and antidepressant response for venlafaxine hydrochloride extended release capsules has not been adequately explored patients not responding to the initial 75 mg may benefit from dose increases.
Depending on tolerability and the need for further clinical effect, the dose should be increased by up to 75 mg/day up to a maximum of 225 mg/day as a single dose for moderately depressed outpatients. • Dose increments should be made at intervals of approximately 2 weeks or more, but not less than 4 days.
• There is very limited experience with venlafaxine hydrochloride extended release capsules at doses higher than 225 mg/day, or in severely depressed inpatients. 5 mg/day administered as a single dose, taken with food, for 4-7 days.
• The usual dose is 75 mg/day administered as a single dose. • Subsequent dosage increments of up to 75 mg/day may be considered, if clinically ACT VENLAFAXINE XR Page 7 of 88 warranted. • Dose increments should be made as needed at intervals of not less than 4 days.
• The maximum recommended daily dose is 225 mg/day as […]