Post by mm23 on Mar 4, 2015 4:48:01 GMT
EFFEXOR
A) Is the medication a typical/atypical antipsychotic? Is the medication an SSRI/SNRI antidepressant?
Effexor is an antidepressant drug used to treat major depression disorder, social phobia, generalised anxiety disorder and panic disorder. It is also known as venlafexine which is the generic name. Effexor belongs to the serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors groups (SNRIs). Effexor works by affecting the neuro- chemical transmitters in the brain that causes unbalanced information exchange which leads to development of depression.
B) Common brand names
Brand names: Efexor, Effexor and Trevilor
C) Common Side effects
Nausea, agitation, insomnia, diarrhoea, euphoria, increased high blood pressure, dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, sleeping difficulties, loss of appetite, drowsiness, dizziness, changes in sexual ability, tremor, muscle weakness and cramps, increased serum cholesterol, rash, vomiting, fatigue, altered concentration, tachycardia, decreased libido, nightmares.
D) Normal dose range
Available in 37.5mg capsules for extended release. Recommended starting dose is 75mg a day taken with food, then increased to 150mg a day for more clinical effects and then late if needed to 225mg a day. Dose: panic disorder 37.5mg orally daily for 4-7 days then increased to 75mg daily. Depression and generalised social anxiety disorders 75mg orally daily then increased at 2 weeks interval to 150mg then gradually to 225mg if required.
E) Contraindications
• SNRIs may increase risk of GI bleeding due to effect on platelet aggression
• glaucoma
• SNRIs may increase risk of palpitations, tachycardia, high blood pressure and hypotension
• heart failure
• heart attack
• high cholesterol
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• SNRIs can cause seizure in patients with seizure history
• thyroid disease
• MAO inhibitors may cause a serious fatal drug interactions when taking Effexor and is contraindicated due to risk of serotonin toxicity
• Late pregnancy use may contribute to symptoms withdrawal in newborns and low concentration in breast milk production
F) Special monitoring/nursing care requirements
• Monitor patient for increased risk of suicide
• Education patient regarding medication
• Inform family/ caregivers of potential risk of suicide remaining high during period of taking medication
• Monitor BP especially in patient with hypertension or cardiac disease
• Advise patient to avoid postural hypotension which can be caused by moving or standing, hot baths, shower, hot wealth, physical exercise, large meals and alcohol consumptions which needs to avoid due to increased risk of liver damage.
• Advise patient of withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, anxiety and tremors etc.
• Advised patient of adverse side effects and to inform doctor if experiencing any of the adverse effects.
• Monitor for mania or hypomania.
• Medication taken with food to reduce stomach upset
• Monitor hyponatraemia and sodium concentration levels
G) Education requirements for patients/families/carers
• To inform doctor regarding allergies or any sensitive reactions.
• Inform doctor regarding medical history, especially bleeding, glaucoma, high BP, heart failure, heart attack, high cholesterol, kidney disease, liver disease, seizure disorder and thyroid disease.
• Inform not to drink alcohol, drive or operate heavy machineries
• Provide education regarding medication to family/patient and carers
• Side effects to look out for
• Monitor any changes in patients mental state
• Medication should not be stopped suddenly but gradually
• Not to be open, crush or chew capsules and not to be placed in water
Reference
Australian Medicines Handbook 2014, Australian Medicines Handbook Pty Ltd; Adelaide. amhonline.amh.net.au/chapters/chap-18/antidepressants/snris/venlafaxine
www.webmd.com/depression/depression-medications-antidepressants
A) Is the medication a typical/atypical antipsychotic? Is the medication an SSRI/SNRI antidepressant?
Effexor is an antidepressant drug used to treat major depression disorder, social phobia, generalised anxiety disorder and panic disorder. It is also known as venlafexine which is the generic name. Effexor belongs to the serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors groups (SNRIs). Effexor works by affecting the neuro- chemical transmitters in the brain that causes unbalanced information exchange which leads to development of depression.
B) Common brand names
Brand names: Efexor, Effexor and Trevilor
C) Common Side effects
Nausea, agitation, insomnia, diarrhoea, euphoria, increased high blood pressure, dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, sleeping difficulties, loss of appetite, drowsiness, dizziness, changes in sexual ability, tremor, muscle weakness and cramps, increased serum cholesterol, rash, vomiting, fatigue, altered concentration, tachycardia, decreased libido, nightmares.
D) Normal dose range
Available in 37.5mg capsules for extended release. Recommended starting dose is 75mg a day taken with food, then increased to 150mg a day for more clinical effects and then late if needed to 225mg a day. Dose: panic disorder 37.5mg orally daily for 4-7 days then increased to 75mg daily. Depression and generalised social anxiety disorders 75mg orally daily then increased at 2 weeks interval to 150mg then gradually to 225mg if required.
E) Contraindications
• SNRIs may increase risk of GI bleeding due to effect on platelet aggression
• glaucoma
• SNRIs may increase risk of palpitations, tachycardia, high blood pressure and hypotension
• heart failure
• heart attack
• high cholesterol
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• SNRIs can cause seizure in patients with seizure history
• thyroid disease
• MAO inhibitors may cause a serious fatal drug interactions when taking Effexor and is contraindicated due to risk of serotonin toxicity
• Late pregnancy use may contribute to symptoms withdrawal in newborns and low concentration in breast milk production
F) Special monitoring/nursing care requirements
• Monitor patient for increased risk of suicide
• Education patient regarding medication
• Inform family/ caregivers of potential risk of suicide remaining high during period of taking medication
• Monitor BP especially in patient with hypertension or cardiac disease
• Advise patient to avoid postural hypotension which can be caused by moving or standing, hot baths, shower, hot wealth, physical exercise, large meals and alcohol consumptions which needs to avoid due to increased risk of liver damage.
• Advise patient of withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, anxiety and tremors etc.
• Advised patient of adverse side effects and to inform doctor if experiencing any of the adverse effects.
• Monitor for mania or hypomania.
• Medication taken with food to reduce stomach upset
• Monitor hyponatraemia and sodium concentration levels
G) Education requirements for patients/families/carers
• To inform doctor regarding allergies or any sensitive reactions.
• Inform doctor regarding medical history, especially bleeding, glaucoma, high BP, heart failure, heart attack, high cholesterol, kidney disease, liver disease, seizure disorder and thyroid disease.
• Inform not to drink alcohol, drive or operate heavy machineries
• Provide education regarding medication to family/patient and carers
• Side effects to look out for
• Monitor any changes in patients mental state
• Medication should not be stopped suddenly but gradually
• Not to be open, crush or chew capsules and not to be placed in water
Reference
Australian Medicines Handbook 2014, Australian Medicines Handbook Pty Ltd; Adelaide. amhonline.amh.net.au/chapters/chap-18/antidepressants/snris/venlafaxine
www.webmd.com/depression/depression-medications-antidepressants