Effexor Drug Information

• Effexor XR is indicated in adults for the treatment of:
• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
• Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
• Panic Disorder (PD) Effexor XR is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) indicated for the treatment of adults with:
• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
• Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
• Panic Disorder (PD)

General Administration Information Administer Effexor

XR as a single dose with food, either in the morning or in the evening at approximately the same time each day. Swallow capsules whole with fluid. Do not divide, crush, chew, or place in water.

The capsule may also be administered by carefully opening the capsule and sprinkling the entire contents on a spoonful of applesauce. This drug/food mixture should be swallowed immediately without chewing and followed with a glass of water to ensure complete swallowing of the pellets (spheroids).

Major Depressive Disorder

For most patients, the recommended starting dose for Effexor XR is 75 mg per day, administered in a single dose. For some patients, it may be desirable to start at 37.5 mg per day for 4 to 7 days to allow new patients to adjust to the medication before increasing to 75 mg per day. Patients not responding to the initial 75 mg per day dose may benefit from dose increases to a maximum of 225 mg per day.

Dose increases should be in increments of up to 75 mg per day, as needed, and should be made at intervals of not less than 4 days. In the clinical studies establishing efficacy, upward titration was permitted at intervals of 2 weeks or more.

Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)

There was no evidence that higher doses confer any additional benefit.

Screen for Bipolar Disorder Prior to Starting Effexor XR Prior to initiating treatment with Effexor XR, screen patients for a personal or family history of bipolar disorder, mania, or hypomania.

Switching Patients from Effexor Tablets Patients with depression who are currently being treated with Effexor may be switched to Effexor XR at the nearest equivalent dose (mg per day), e.g., 37.5 mg venlafaxine twice a day to 75 mg Effexor XR once daily. However, individual dosage adjustments may be necessary.

Dosage Recommendations for Patients with Hepatic Impairment Reduce the Effexor XR total daily dose by 50% in patients with mild (Child-Pugh Class A) to moderate (Child-Pugh Class B) hepatic impairment. Reduce the total daily dose by 50% or more in patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class C) or hepatic cirrhosis.

Dosage Recommendations for Patients with Renal Impairment Reduce the Effexor XR total daily dose by 25% to 50% in patients with mild (CLcr 60-89 mL/min) or moderate (CLcr 30-59 mL/min) renal impairment. Reduce the total daily dose by 50% or more in patients undergoing hemodialysis or with severe renal impairment (CLcr <30 mL/min). Because there was much individual variability in clearance between patients with renal impairment, individualization of dosage is recommended in some patients.

Discontinuing Treatment with Effexor XR

A gradual reduction in the dose, rather than abrupt cessation, is recommended when discontinuing therapy with Effexor XR. In clinical studies with Effexor XR, tapering was achieved by reducing the daily dose by 75 mg at one-week intervals. Individualization of tapering may be necessary.

In some patients, discontinuation may need to occur over a period of several months.

Switching Patients to or from a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) Antidepressant At least 14 days must elapse between discontinuation of an MAOI antidepressant and initiation of Effexor XR. In addition, at least 7 days must elapse after stopping Effexor XR before starting an MAOI antidepressant.

Clinical Studies Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical studies of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. Most Common Adverse Reactions The most commonly observed adverse reactions in the clinical study database in Effexor XR treated patients in MDD, GAD, SAD, and PD (incidence ≥5% and at least twice the rate of placebo) were: nausea ( %). Adverse Reactions Reported as Reasons for Discontinuation of Treatment Combined across short-term, placebo-controlled premarketing studies for all indications, 12% of the 3,558 patients who received Effexor XR (37.5-225 mg) discontinued treatment due to an adverse experience, compared with 4% of the 2,197 placebo-treated patients in those studies.

The most common adverse reactions leading to discontinuation in ≥1% of the Effexor XR treated patients in the short-term studies (up to 12 weeks) across indications are shown in Table 7. Table 7: Incidence (%) of Patients Reporting Adverse Reactions Leading to Discontinuation in Placebo-controlled Clinical Studies (up to 12 Weeks Duration) -controlled Studies The number of patients receiving multiple doses of Effexor XR during the premarketing assessment for each approved indication is shown in Table 8. The conditions and duration of exposure to venlafaxine in all development programs varied greatly, and included (in overlapping categories) open and double-blind studies, uncontrolled and controlled studies, inpatient (Effexor only) and outpatient studies, fixed-dose, and titration studies.

Table 8: Patients Receiving The incidences of common adverse reactions (those that occurred in ≥2% of Effexor XR treated patients and more frequently than placebo) in Effexor XR treated patients in short-term, placebo-controlled, fixed- and flexible-dose clinical studies (doses 37.5 to 225 mg per day) are shown in Table 9. The adverse reaction profile did not differ substantially between the different patient populations. Table 9: Common Adverse Reactions: Percentage of Patients Reporting Adverse Reactions (≥2% and > placebo) in Placebo-controlled Studies (up to 12 Weeks Duration) across All Other Adverse Reactions Observed in Clinical Studies Body as a Whole – Photosensitivity reaction, chills Cardiovascular System – Postural hypotension, syncope, hypotension, tachycardia Digestive System – Gastrointestinal hemorrhage, bruxism Hemic/Lymphatic System – Ecchymosis Metabolic/Nutritional – Hypercholesterolemia, weight gain, weight loss Nervous System – Seizures, manic reaction, agitation, confusion, akathisia, hallucinations, hypertonia, myoclonus, depersonalization, apathy Skin and Appendages – Urticaria, pruritus, rash, alopecia Special Senses – Mydriasis, abnormality of accommodation, tinnitus, taste perversion Urogenital System – Urinary retention, urination impaired, urinary incontinence, urinary frequency increased, menstrual disorders associated with increased bleeding or increased irregular bleeding (e.g., menorrhagia, metrorrhagia) Vital Sign Changes In placebo-controlled premarketing studies, there were increases in mean blood pressure (see Table 10).

Across most indications, a dose-related increase in mean supine systolic and diastolic blood pressure was evident in patients treated with of ≥15 mm Hg along with a blood pressure ≥105 mm Hg, compared to 0.9% of patients in the placebo groups. Similarly, 1% of patients in the Effexor XR groups experienced an increase in SSBP of ≥20 mm Hg with a blood pressure ≥180 mm Hg, compared to 0.3% of patients in the placebo groups. Table 10: Final On-therapy Mean Changes from Baseline in Supine Systolic treatment was associated with sustained hypertension defined as Supine Diastolic Blood Pressure ≥90 mm Hg and ≥10 mm Hg above baseline for three consecutive on-therapy visits (see Table 11).

An insufficient number of patients received mean doses of Effexor XR over 300 mg per day in clinical studies to fully evaluate the incidence of sustained increases in blood pressure at these higher doses. Table 11: Sustained Elevations in was associated with mean increases in pulse rate compared with placebo in premarketing placebo-controlled studies (see Table 12). Table 12: Approximate Mean Final On-therapy Increase in Pulse Rate (beats/min) in Effexor XR Premarketing Placebo-controlled Studies (up to 12 Weeks Duration) was associated with mean final increases in serum cholesterol concentrations compared with mean final decreases for placebo in premarketing MDD, GAD, SAD and PD clinical studies (Table 13).

Table 13: Mean Final On-therapy Changes in Cholesterol Concentrations (mg/dL) in (venlafaxine hydrochloride) extended-release capsules treatment for up to 12 weeks in premarketing placebo-controlled trials for major depressive disorder was associated with a mean final on-therapy increase in serum cholesterol concentration of approximately 1.5 mg/dL compared with a mean final decrease of 7.4 mg/dL for placebo. Effexor XR treatment for up to 8 weeks and up to 6 months in premarketing placebo-controlled GAD trials was associated with mean final on-therapy increases in serum cholesterol concentration of approximately 1.0 mg/dL and 2.3 mg/dL, respectively while placebo subjects experienced mean final decreases of 4.9 mg/dL and 7.7 mg/dL, respectively. Effexor XR treatment for up to 12 weeks and up to 6 months in premarketing placebo-controlled Social Anxiety Disorder trials was associated with mean final on-therapy increases in serum cholesterol concentration of approximately 7.9 mg/dL and 5.6 mg/dL, respectively, compared with mean final decreases of 2.9 and 4.2 mg/dL, respectively, for placebo.

Effexor XR treatment for up to 12 weeks in premarketing placebo-controlled panic disorder trials was associated with mean final on-therapy increases in serum cholesterol concentration of approximately 5.8 mg/dL compared with a mean final decrease of 3.7 mg/dL for placebo. Patients treated with Effexor (immediate-release) for at least 3 months in placebo-controlled 12-month extension trials had a mean final on-therapy increase in total cholesterol of 9.1 mg/dL compared with a decrease of 7.1 mg/dL among placebo-treated patients. This increase was duration dependent over the study period and tended to be greater with higher doses.

Serum Triglycerides Effexor XR was associated with mean final on-therapy increases in fasting serum triglycerides compared with placebo in premarketing clinical studies of SAD and PD up to 12 weeks (pooled data) and 6 months duration (Table 14). Table 14: Mean Final On-therapy Increases in Triglyceride Concentrations (mg/dL) in

Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of Effexor XR. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Body as a Whole – Anaphylaxis, angioedema Cardiovascular System – QT prolongation, ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia (including torsade de pointes), takotsubo cardiomyopathy Digestive System – Pancreatitis Hemic/Lymphatic System – Mucous membrane bleeding, blood dyscrasias (including agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, neutropenia and pancytopenia), prolonged bleeding time, thrombocytopenia Metabolic/Nutritional – Hyponatremia, Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH) secretion, abnormal liver function tests, hepatitis, prolactin increased Musculoskeletal – Rhabdomyolysis Nervous System – Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), serotonergic syndrome, delirium, extrapyramidal reactions (including dystonia and dyskinesia), impaired coordination and balance, tardive dyskinesia Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal Disorders – Anosmia, dyspnea, hyposmia, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary eosinophilia Skin and Appendages – Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, erythema multiforme Special Senses – Angle-closure glaucoma

Drugs Having Clinically Important Interactions with Effexor XR Table 15: Clinically Important Drug Interactions with Effexor XR Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI) Clinical Impact The concomitant use of SNRIs, including Effexor XR, with MAOIs increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. Intervention Concomitant use of Effexor XR is contraindicated in patients taking MAOIs, including MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue. Other Serotonergic Drugs Clinical Impact Concomitant use of Effexor XR with other serotonergic drugs including other SNRIs, SSRIs, triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, opioids, lithium, buspirone, amphetamines, tryptophan, and St.

Intervention Monitor for symptoms of serotonin syndrome when Effexor XR is used concomitantly with other drugs that may affect the serotonergic neurotransmitter systems. If serotonin syndrome occurs, consider discontinuation of Effexor XR and/or concomitant serotonergic drugs. Drugs that Interfere with Hemostasis Clinical Impact Concomitant use of Effexor XR with an antiplatelet or anticoagulant drug may potentiate the risk of bleeding.

Intervention Closely monitor for bleeding for patients receiving an antiplatelet or anticoagulant drug when Effexor XR is initiated or discontinued. Effect of CYP3A Inhibitors Clinical Impact Concomitant use of a CYP3A inhibitor increases the C max and AUC of venlafaxine and O-desmethylvenlafaxine (ODV), which may increase the risk of toxicity of Effexor XR. Intervention Consider reducing the dose of Effexor XR.

CYP2D6 Substrates Clinical Impact Concomitant use of Effexor XR increases C max and AUC of a CYP2D6 substrate, which may increase the risk of toxicity of the CYP2D6 substrate. Intervention Consider reduction in dose of concomitant CYP2D6 substrates.

Other Drug Interactions with Effexor XR Central Nervous System (CNS)-Active Drugs The risk of using venlafaxine concomitantly with other CNS-active drugs (including alcohol) has not been systematically evaluated. Consequently, caution is advised when Effexor XR is taken concomitantly in combination with other CNS-active drugs. Weight Loss Agents Concomitant use of Effexor XR and weight loss agents is not recommended.

The safety and efficacy of venlafaxine therapy in combination with weight loss agents, including phentermine, have not been established. Effexor XR is not indicated for weight loss alone or in combination with other products. Laboratory Test Interference False-positive urine immunoassay screening tests for phencyclidine (PCP) and amphetamine have been reported in patients taking venlafaxine due to lack of specificity of the screening tests.

False-positive test results may be expected for several days following discontinuation of venlafaxine therapy. Confirmatory tests, such as gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, will distinguish venlafaxine from PCP and amphetamine.

Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to antidepressants, including Effexor XR, during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients by calling the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants at 1-844-405-6185 or visiting online at https://womensmentalhealth.org/clinical-and-research-programs/pregnancyregistry/antidepressants/. Risk Summary Based on data from published observational studies, exposure to SNRIs, particularly in the month before delivery, has been associated with a less than 2-fold increase in the risk of postpartum hemorrhage.

Available data from published epidemiologic studies on venlafaxine use in pregnant women have not identified a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or adverse fetal outcomes (see Data ). Available data from observational studies with venlafaxine have identified a potential increased risk for preeclampsia when used during mid to late pregnancy; exposure to SNRIs near delivery may increase the risk for postpartum hemorrhage (see Clinical Considerations ). There are risks associated with untreated depression in pregnancy and poor neonatal adaptation in newborns with exposure to SNRIs, including Effexor XR, during pregnancy (see Clinical Considerations ).

In animal studies, there was no evidence of malformations or fetotoxicity following administration of venlafaxine during organogenesis at doses up to 2.5 times (rat) or 4 times (rabbit) the maximum recommended human daily dose on a mg/m 2 basis. Postnatal mortality and decreased pup weights were observed following venlafaxine administration to pregnant rats during gestation and lactation at 2.5 times (mg/m 2 ) the maximum human daily dose. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations is unknown.

All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-Associated Maternal and/or Embryo/Fetal Risk Women who discontinue antidepressants during pregnancy are more likely to experience a relapse of major depression than women who continue antidepressants.

This finding is from a prospective, longitudinal study that followed 201 pregnant women with a history of major depression who were euthymic and taking antidepressants at the beginning of pregnancy. Consider the risk of untreated depression when discontinuing or changing treatment with antidepressant medication during pregnancy and postpartum. Maternal Adverse Reactions Exposure to Effexor XR in mid to late pregnancy may increase the risk for preeclampsia, and exposure to Effexor XR in the month before delivery may be associated with an increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage.

Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions Neonates exposed to SNRIs late in the third trimester have developed complications requiring prolonged hospitalization, respiratory support, and tube feeding. Such complications can arise immediately upon delivery. Reported clinical findings have included respiratory distress, cyanosis, apnea, seizures, temperature instability, feeding difficulty, vomiting, hypoglycemia, hypotonia, hypertonia, hyperreflexia, tremors, jitteriness, irritability, and constant crying.

These findings are consistent with either a direct toxic effect of SNRIs or possibly a drug discontinuation syndrome. It should be noted that, in some cases, the clinical picture is consistent with serotonin syndrome. Monitor neonates who were exposed to Effexor XR in the third trimester of pregnancy for drug discontinuation syndrome (see Data ).

Data Human Data Published epidemiological studies of pregnant women exposed to venlafaxine have not established an increased risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or other adverse developmental outcomes. Methodological limitations may both fail to identify true findings and also identify findings that are not true. Retrospective cohort studies based on claims data have shown an association between venlafaxine use and preeclampsia, compared to depressed women who did not take an antidepressant during pregnancy.

One study that assessed venlafaxine exposure in the second trimester or first half of the third trimester and preeclampsia showed an increased risk compared to unexposed depressed women (adjusted RR 1.57, 95% confidence interval 1.29-1.91). Preeclampsia was observed at venlafaxine doses equal to or greater than 75 mg per day and a duration of treatment >30 days. Another study that assessed venlafaxine exposure in gestational weeks 10-20 and preeclampsia showed an increased risk at doses equal to or greater than 150 mg per day.

Available data are limited by possible outcome misclassification and possible confounding due to depression severity and other confounders. Retrospective cohort studies based on claims data have suggested an association between venlafaxine use near the time of delivery or through delivery and postpartum hemorrhage. One study showed an increased risk for postpartum hemorrhage when venlafaxine exposure occurred through delivery, compared to unexposed depressed women (adj RR 2.24 ).

There was no increased risk in women who were exposed to venlafaxine earlier in pregnancy. Limitations of this study include possible confounding due to depression severity and other confounders. Another study showed an increased risk for postpartum hemorrhage when SNRI exposure occurred for at least 15 days in the last month of pregnancy or through delivery, compared to unexposed women (adj RR 1.64-1.76).

The results of this study may be confounded by the effects of depression. Animal Data Venlafaxine did not cause malformations in offspring of rats or rabbits given doses up to 2.5 times (rat) or 4 times (rabbit) the maximum recommended human daily dose on a mg/m 2 basis. However, in rats, there was a decrease in pup weight, an increase in stillborn pups, and an increase in pup deaths during the first 5 days of lactation, when dosing began during pregnancy and continued until weaning.

The cause of these deaths is not known. These effects occurred at 2.5 times (mg/m 2 ) the maximum human daily dose. The no effect dose for rat pup mortality was 0.25 times the human dose on a mg/m 2 basis.

When desvenlafaxine succinate, the major metabolite of venlafaxine, was administered orally to pregnant rats and rabbits during the period of organogenesis at doses up to 300 mg/kg/day and 75 mg/kg/day, respectively, no fetal malformations were observed. These doses were associated with a plasma exposure (AUC) 19 times (rats) and 0.5 times (rabbits) the AUC exposure at an adult human dose of 100 mg per day. However, fetal weights were decreased and skeletal ossification was delayed in rats in association with maternal toxicity at the highest dose, with an AUC exposure at the no-effect dose that is 4.5-times the AUC exposure at an adult human dose of 100 mg per day.

Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness of Effexor XR in pediatric patients have not been established. Two placebo-controlled trials in 766 pediatric patients with MDD and two placebo-controlled trials in 793 pediatric patients with GAD have been conducted with Effexor XR, and the data were not sufficient to support use in pediatric patients. In the studies conducted in pediatric patients ages 6 to 17 years, the occurrence of blood pressure and cholesterol increases was considered to be clinically relevant in pediatric patients and was similar to that observed in adult patients.

The following adverse reactions were also observed in pediatric patients: abdominal pain, agitation, dyspepsia, ecchymosis, epistaxis, and myalgia. Although no studies have been designed to primarily assess Effexor XR’s impact on the growth, development, and maturation of children and adolescents, the studies that have been done suggest that Effexor XR may adversely affect weight and height. Decreased appetite and weight loss were observed in placebo-controlled studies of pediatric patients 6 to 17 years.

In pediatric clinical studies, the adverse reaction, suicidal ideation, was observed. Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in pediatric patients.

• Effexor XR is contraindicated in patients:
• With known hypersensitivity to venlafaxine hydrochloride, desvenlafaxine succinate or to any excipients in the formulation.
• Taking, or within 14 days of stopping, MAOIs (including the MAOIs linezolid and intravenous methylene blue) because of the risk of serotonin syndrome.
• Hypersensitivity to venlafaxine hydrochloride, desvenlafaxine succinate, or any excipients in the Effexor XR formulation.
• Concomitant use of monoaminoxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or within 14 days of discontinuing an MAOI.

Human Experience During the premarketing evaluations of Effexor XR (for MDD, GAD, SAD, and PD) and Effexor (for MDD), there were twenty reports of acute overdosage with Effexor (6 and 14 reports in Effexor XR and Effexor patients, respectively), either alone or in combination with other drugs and/or alcohol. Somnolence was the most commonly reported symptom. Among the other reported symptoms were paresthesia of all four limbs, moderate dizziness, nausea, numb hands and feet, and hot-cold spells 5 days after the overdose.

In most cases, no signs or symptoms were associated with overdose. The majority of the reports involved ingestion in which the total dose of venlafaxine taken was estimated to be no more than several-fold higher than the usual therapeutic dose. One patient who ingested 2.75 g of venlafaxine was observed to have two generalized convulsions and a prolongation of QTc to 500 msec, compared with 405 msec at baseline.

Mild sinus tachycardia was reported in two of the other patients. Actions taken to treat the overdose included no treatment, hospitalization and symptomatic treatment, and hospitalization plus treatment with activated charcoal. All patients recovered.

In postmarketing experience, overdose with venlafaxine has occurred predominantly in combination with alcohol and/or other drugs. The most commonly reported events in overdosage include tachycardia, changes in level of consciousness (ranging from somnolence to coma), mydriasis, seizures, and vomiting. Electrocardiogram changes (e.g., prolongation of QT interval, bundle branch block, QRS prolongation), ventricular tachycardia, bradycardia, hypotension, rhabdomyolysis, vertigo, liver necrosis, serotonin syndrome, and death have been reported.

Published retrospective studies report that venlafaxine overdosage may be associated with an increased risk of fatal outcomes compared to that observed with SSRI antidepressant products, but lower than that for tricyclic antidepressants. Epidemiological studies have shown that venlafaxine-treated patients have a higher preexisting burden of suicide risk factors than SSRI-treated patients. The extent to which the finding of an increased risk of fatal outcomes can be attributed to the toxicity of venlafaxine in overdosage, as opposed to some characteristic(s) of venlafaxine-treated patients, is not clear.

Prescriptions for Effexor XR should be written for the smallest quantity of capsules consistent with good patient management, in order to reduce the risk of overdose. Management of Overdosage No specific antidotes for Effexor XR are known. In managing overdosage, consider the possibility of multiple drug involvement.

Consider contacting a Poison Center (1-800-222-1222) or a medical toxicologist for overdosage management recommendations for Effexor XR.