The preparation "Velafax": reviews, indications, dosage

Unfortunately, depressive states and other disorders are not uncommon in the modern world. Some psychological problems can be overcome independently. On the other hand, in more severe cases, taking antidepressants is simply necessary. "Velafax" is considered to be an effective means. Feedback from experts and patients confirm that the drug really helps to solve a lot of problems. Therefore, in modern medicine it is used often.

Of course, the neurosis clinic requires appropriate measures. So what's in the medicine and how does it work on the body? Is there information about an overdose? How to take pills? This information is sought by many readers.

Description of the composition of the drug. Form of issue

This drug is available in the form of oblong yellow tablets. What substance is the main active ingredient in Velafax? Venlafaxine hydrochloride in an amount of 37.5 or 75 mg per tablet (in pharmacies you can buy a drug with a different dosage). They are placed in blisters of 14 pieces. In the package, as a rule, two blisters, which means 28 tablets.

Naturally, the preparation contains auxiliary components, in particular talc, magnesium stearate , iron oxide yellow (dye), sodium carboxymethyl starch, corn starch and microcrystalline cellulose.

What are the pharmacological properties of the drug?

This drug belongs to the group of antidepressants. The active substance is capable of affecting the central nervous system, potentiating the transmission of nerve impulses. The drug is a fairly potent inhibitor of the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin. At the same time, it reduces beta-adrenergic reactivity, and this effect can be traced both after a single dose and during prolonged therapy. The active components of the drug have no effect on the release of norepinephrine from the brain tissues.

Information about pharmacodynamics

This drug is fairly well absorbed by the walls of the gastrointestinal tract. The maximum concentration of active substance in the blood ranges from 25 to 150 mg. These values are observed after 2 hours after administration. By the way, if you drink a pill during or before meals, the maximum effect will be observed 20-30 minutes later.

The active substance binds to plasma proteins by about 27-30%. Intensive metabolism of the drug occurs in the liver cells. The half-life period ranges from 5 to 11 hours. Metabolites, as well as venlafaxine in unchanged form, are excreted from the body by the kidneys. The sex and age of the patient does not affect the pharmacokinetics.

Indications for use

Naturally, in the first place, patients are interested in the question of in which cases it is advisable to take the drug "Velafax". The opinions of doctors, as well as the results of scientific research, suggest that this drug is effective in the presence of depressive conditions, especially if they are associated with increased anxiety.

The preparation "Velafax": instructions for use

Do not use this medication yourself. The dosage, the schedule of reception, duration of treatment the doctor has the right to define only. And here, many factors are important: the clinic of neuroses, the age and general condition of the patient, the medications they take, the presence of contraindications, and so on.

The tablet is best taken before or during meals. It can not be chewed, you need to swallow it completely, with plenty of water. The drug should be taken at the same time of the day. As a rule, the initial dose is 37.5 mg twice a day. If the desired therapeutic effect could not be achieved, the amount of the once-taken drug is increased to 75 mg twice a day. The maximum daily dose is 375 mg of the active ingredient. Once the desired effect is achieved, you can begin to slowly reduce the dose.

Are there any contraindications to the therapy?

Many today are interested in questions about how to get rid of anxiety and depression. Undoubtedly, this drug helps to cope with problems, but there are some limitations to its reception:

• Increased sensitivity to constituents;
• The medicine has age limits, it can not be taken by patients under the age of 18;
• Period of pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• This drug should not be taken with MAO inhibitors.

In addition, there are relative contraindications, in which treatment is possible, but under the watchful eye. In particular, the drug is administered with caution to patients suffering from tachycardia, hypertension, angle-closure glaucoma, hyponatremia. In addition, relative contraindications include reduced body weight, a predisposition to bleeding, manic conditions in the diagnosis of the patient, the presence of suicidal tendencies, increased intraocular pressure.

Are there any side effects?

Naturally, like any other antidepressant, this drug can lead to some side effects. Complications are quite diverse, here are the most common ones:

• Quite often, there are violations in the digestive system, in particular nausea and decreased appetite, abdominal pain, dry mouth, constipation, indigestion. Very rarely on the background of therapy develop pancreatitis and hepatitis.
• Possible symptoms of the cardiovascular system, including a decrease or increase in blood pressure, arrhythmia, tachycardia, flushing of the skin. Occasionally, ventricular fibrillation and tachycardia develop.
• There may be a metabolic disorder, for example, a decrease or a sharp increase in body weight, an increase in cholesterol. Rarely on the background of taking tablets, there is a decrease in the secretion of antidiuretic hormone, an increase in the level of prolactin.
• Common side effects include weakness, dizziness, severe yawning, drowsiness, nightmarish dreams, hypertension of the muscles, increased nervous excitability. To disorders of the nervous system can also be attributed asthenia, tremor, apathy, fainting, hallucinations. Occasionally, therapy leads to the development of mania, impaired coordination, convulsions, delirium, psychomotor anxiety.
• There are changes in the lymphatic system and hematopoiesis, including hemorrhagic syndrome, minor hemorrhages in the skin and mucous membranes, thrombocytopenia, less often - aplastic anemia, pancytopenia and agranulocytosis.
• Some patients complain of problems with urination.
• There is a possibility of disruption of the sensory organs, which is expressed by the appearance of noise in the ears, changes in taste, problems with accommodation, reduced vision.
• Therapy can affect the quality of sexual life, causing a decrease in libido, erectile dysfunction, ejaculation problems, changes in the menstrual cycle, inability to achieve orgasm.
• Tablets can provoke an allergic reaction, which is accompanied by the appearance of skin rashes, redness, hives, swelling. Less common are erythema, anaphylactic shock.
• There are some other side effects that may occur in the background of treatment. Sometimes patients complain of excessive sweating, loss of hair (there is extremely rare), severe shortness of breath, pulmonary eosinophilia. Sometimes there are spasms of muscles, myalgia, arthralgia.

It is worth noting that the occurrence of side effects is sometimes due to the fact that the daily dose is too high. However, in other cases, it may be necessary to completely discontinue the medication. If you notice any worsening, then it's worth to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Overdose and its symptoms

What happens if you take too much of a dose of Velafax? Overdose is possible and accompanied by characteristic symptoms. First there is dizziness, there is a decrease in blood pressure. As the active components penetrate the blood, the ventricular and sinus tachycardia develop. Also convulsive fits are possible. In some patients, there are various disorders of consciousness, beginning with drowsiness and fatigue, ending with coma. If the patient is not given timely help, an overdose can lead to death. By the way, these symptoms occur not only with an increase in the dose of the drug, but also with the joint intake of tablets with ethanol (alcoholic beverages).

As for therapy, in this case it is symptomatic, since there is no specific antidote. Treatment is aimed at maintaining the basic functions of the human body and should be carried out in a hospital.

Drug withdrawal: what to expect?

As you know, the most difficult stage of therapy is the process of canceling the antidepressant. That's why the daily dose decreases gradually. Only after the amount of the drug used has been minimized, it is possible to stop therapy.

The withdrawal syndrome can be accompanied by various symptoms. Some patients report increased fatigue and drowsiness. Possible asthenia, headaches, insomnia, a constant sense of anxiety, the emergence of anxiety, increased irritability, sometimes apathy, disorientation, confusion. Sometimes a patient develops depression after withdrawal, suicidal tendencies appear.

How much is a medicine?

Of course, not only the characteristics, but also the cost of the drug, are important for many patients. So how much will the drug "Velafax" cost? The price will depend on several factors, including the manufacturer, the city, the financial policy of the pharmacy, etc. The cost of packing tablets with a dosage of 37.5 mg ranges from 480 to 560 rubles. Tablets containing 75 mg of active substance, naturally, are more expensive - the figures in this case range from 680 to 750 rubles. Of course, it is worthwhile to understand that sometimes for a complete course of treatment several packages will be needed.

The preparation "Velafax": analogs and qualitative substitutes

For some reason, not every patient is suitable for this drug. And to do in such cases? Can I replace Velafax tablets with something? The doctors' testimonies indicate that, if necessary, the drug can be replaced. For example, patients sometimes take medications such as Venlaxor or Daplex. Analogues also include Velaxin. Naturally, the modern pharmaceutical market offers a huge number of antidepressants of different categories, but it is worthwhile to understand that only the attending physician can prescribe this remedy.

Reviews of patients and doctors about the medicine

Naturally, many people are interested in the opinion of doctors and patients who have already completed the course of treatment. So what do they say about the drug "Velafax"? The reviews are mostly positive. Experts note that the effect of this antidepressant is almost instantaneous. Naturally, the beginning of treatment may be associated with some complications, and therefore the initial dose, as a rule, is much lower. Patients also say that the body gets used to the drug in a few days, after which it can already be taken without fear of serious complications.

The advantages of the drug can be attributed to the relatively affordable cost, as many antidepressants are several times more expensive. And you can find the drug almost everywhere.

Unfortunately, the patients' testimonies also indicate that it is very difficult to cancel the use of this medication. The cancellation process should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist, and it is worth preparing for the fact that the waiver of tablets will take a long time.

In no case should you take the medicine on your own. Only a doctor knows how to get rid of anxiety and depression. Uncontrolled intake of such strong drugs can lead to disastrous consequences.