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 quite effective. The reviews of specialists 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 clinic of neurosis requires appropriate measures. So what is part of the drug and how does it affect the body? Is there any information about an overdose? How to take pills? This information is sought by many readers.
Description of the composition of the drug. Release form
This drug is available in the form of oblong yellow tablets. What is the main active ingredient of Velafax? Venlafaxine hydrochloride in an amount of 37.5 or 75 mg per tablet (in pharmacies you can buy a drug with different dosages). 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 , yellow iron oxide (dye), sodium carboxymethyl starch, corn starch and microcrystalline cellulose.
What pharmacological properties does the drug have?
This drug belongs to the group of antidepressants. The active substance is able to act on the central nervous system, potentiating the transmission of nerve impulses. The drug is a fairly powerful inhibitor of reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin. However, it reduces beta-adrenergic reactivity, and this effect can be seen both after a single dose, and during prolonged therapy. The active components of the drug do not affect the release of norepinephrine from the brain tissue.
Pharmacodynamics Information
This drug is quite well absorbed by the walls of the gastric tract. The maximum concentration of the active substance in the blood ranges from 25 to 150 mg. These values are observed 2 hours after administration. By the way, if you take a pill during or before meals, then 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 elimination half-life ranges from 5 to 11 hours. Metabolites, like venlafaxine, are invariably excreted by the kidneys. The gender and age of the patient does not affect the pharmacokinetics.
Indications for use
Naturally, first of all, patients are interested in the question of in which cases it is advisable to take the Velafax medicine. Reviews of doctors, as well as the results of scientific studies, suggest that this drug is effective in the presence of depressive conditions, especially if they are associated with increased anxiety.
The drug "Velafax": instructions for use
In no case should you use this medicine yourself. Only the doctor has the right to determine the dosage, the schedule of admission, the duration of treatment. And here many factors are important: the clinic of neurosis, the age and general condition of the patient, the medications he is taking, the presence of contraindications, etc.
The tablet is best taken before or during meals. It can not be chewed, you need to swallow it completely with a large amount of water. It is advisable to take the drug at the same time of the day. As a rule, the initial dose is 37.5 mg twice daily. If the desired therapeutic effect could not be achieved, the amount of a single dose of the 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 therapy?
Many today are interested in how to get rid of anxiety and depression. Of course, this drug helps to cope with problems, but there are some limitations to its use:
- hypersensitivity to constituent components;
- the medicine has age restrictions, it can not be taken by patients under the age of 18;
- period of pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- this medicine should not be taken with MAO inhibitors.
In addition, there are relative contraindications in which treatment is possible, but under vigilant control. In particular, the drug is prescribed with caution to patients suffering from tachycardia, hypertension, angle-closure glaucoma, hyponatremia. In addition, the relative contraindications include reduced body weight, a predisposition to bleeding, manic states in the diagnosis of the patient, the presence of suicidal tendencies, increased intraocular pressure.
Are adverse reactions possible?
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 disturbances in the digestive system, in particular nausea and loss of appetite, abdominal pain, dry mouth, constipation, dyspepsia. It is extremely rare that pancreatitis and hepatitis develop during therapy.
- Symptoms of the cardiovascular system are also possible, including a decrease or increase in blood pressure, arrhythmia, tachycardia, and hyperemia of the skin. Ventricular fibrillation and tachycardia occasionally develop.
- There may be a metabolic disorder, for example, a decrease or a sharp increase in body weight, an increase in cholesterol. Rarely , while taking pills, there is a decrease in the secretion of antidiuretic hormone, an increase in prolactin levels.
- Common side effects include weakness, dizziness, severe yawning, drowsiness, nightmares, muscle hypertonicity, and increased nervous irritability. Disorders of the nervous system also include asthenia, tremors, apathy, fainting, hallucinations. Occasionally, therapy leads to the development of mania, impaired coordination, convulsions, delirium, and psychomotor anxiety.
- Changes in the lymphatic system and hemopoiesis are possible, including hemorrhagic syndrome, small hemorrhages in the skin and mucous membranes, thrombocytopenia, less commonly aplastic anepia, pancytopenia and agranulocytosis.
- Some patients complain of problems with urination.
- There is a likelihood of disturbance of the sensory organs, which is expressed by the appearance of tinnitus, changes in taste, problems with accommodation, decreased vision.
- Therapy can affect the quality of sexual life, causing a decrease in libido, erectile dysfunction, problems with ejaculation, changes in the menstrual cycle, and the inability to achieve orgasm.
- Tablets can provoke an allergic reaction, which is accompanied by the appearance of skin rash, redness, urticaria, edema. Less common are erythema, anaphylactic shock.
- There are some other adverse reactions that may occur during treatment. Sometimes patients complain of excessive sweating, hair loss (extremely rare), severe shortness of breath, pulmonary eosinophilia. Sometimes muscle cramps, myalgia, arthralgia are observed.
It is worth noting that the occurrence of side effects is sometimes associated with the fact that the daily dose is too high. However, in other cases, a full withdrawal of the drug may be required. If you notice any deterioration, then you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.
Overdose and its symptoms
What happens if you take too much a dose of Velafax? An overdose is possible and is accompanied by characteristic symptoms. First, dizziness occurs, a decrease in blood pressure is observed. As active components enter the blood, ventricular and sinus tachycardia develops. Convulsive seizures are also possible. Some patients experience various disorders of consciousness, ranging from drowsiness and fatigue to coma. If timely assistance is not provided to the patient, then an overdose can be fatal. By the way, such symptoms occur not only with an increase in the dose of the drug, but also with the joint use of tablets with ethanol (alcohol).
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 withdrawal of an antidepressant. That is why the daily dose is reduced gradually. Only after the amount of drug used has been minimized, therapy can be stopped.
Withdrawal syndrome may be accompanied by various symptoms. Some patients report increased fatigue and drowsiness. Possible asthenia, headaches, insomnia, a constant feeling of anxiety, the appearance of anxiety, increased irritability, sometimes apathy, disorientation, confusion. Sometimes a patient develops depression after withdrawal, and suicidal tendencies appear.
How much is the drug?
Of course, for many patients, not only characteristics are important, but also the cost of the drug. So how much will 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 the active substance, of course, are more expensive - the numbers in this case range from 680 to 750 rubles. Of course, it is worthwhile to understand that sometimes it takes several packages to complete the full course of treatment.
The drug "Velafax": analogues and quality substitutes
For one reason or another, far from every patient is this drug. And do in such cases? Is it possible to replace Velafax tablets with something? Reviews of doctors indicate that, if necessary, the drug can be replaced. For example, instead of it, patients sometimes take medications such as Venlaxor or Dupfix. Velaksin is also referred to analogues. Naturally, the modern pharmaceutical market offers a huge number of antidepressants of various 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 opinions of doctors and patients who have already managed to undergo a course of treatment. So what do they say about Velafax? Reviews are for the most part positive. Experts note that the effect of this antidepressant is almost instantaneous. Naturally, the beginning of treatment may be associated with some complications, but because the initial dose, as a rule, is much lower. Patients 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 include a relatively affordable cost, since many antidepressants are many times more expensive. Yes, and you can find the drug almost everywhere.
Unfortunately, patient reviews also indicate that it is very difficult to cancel taking this drug. The withdrawal process should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist, and it is worthwhile to prepare for the fact that refusing pills will take a lot of time.
In no case should you take the medicine without permission. Only a doctor knows how to get rid of anxiety and depression. Uncontrolled intake of such strong drugs can lead to disastrous consequences.