Venish (venlafaxine) is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) used to treat, or help other medications treat, a variety of mental disorders, predominantly major depression disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. While it is seldom the preferred treatment for other mental disorders, it may be used when preferred treatments don't work well, particularly for panic disorder and social anxiety disorder.

Less commonly, Venish is sometimes used to help treat chronic nerve pain. It can help alleviate pain as well as treat the depression that often accompanies living with chronic pain. This is an off-label use in most areas; patients interested in Venish for this purpose are advised to find a doctor or organization familiar with using it to treat pain for dosage and administration guidelines.

Dosage & Administration

Venish comes in tablets, which should be taken with food. Tablets are typically taken two or three times per day.

Dosage can vary according to a range of other factors, including the severity of the condition being treated, other medications being taken, and other medical conditions present. Age and weight may also be considered when determining dosage.

Treatment is generally very similar in all conditions Venish treats, however. Higher daily doses are often given to individuals with severe conditions, while lower daily doses are beneficial for milder conditions.

General treatment guidelines for otherwise healthy adults are:

• Patients typically start on 75 mg per day, divided into two or three doses taken throughout the day.
• Dosage may be increased, if needed, in 75 mg increments every four to fourteen days.
• Do not exceed 225 mg per day without explicit instructions from a doctor.
• Most patients find 75 to 150 mg per day to be sufficient.
• Treatment typically lasts at least 6 months.
• Daily dosage may be reduced to a longer-term maintenance dose once the condition is under control.

Note that the above will likely deviate to some extent if the patient has another major medical condition or is taking other medications.

It takes a couple of weeks for maximum benefit to be felt, so it's not unusual for a doctor to want to wait a few weeks before making dosage adjustments. Patients benefiting from Venish report:

• Improved mood
• Fewer mood swings
• Decreased anxiety
• Clear thinking
• Improved ability to focus
• Increased energy levels

Patients who have taken Venish, or any SNRI, for more than a couple of weeks should not discontinue it suddenly if at all avoidable. Dosage is best gradually reduced over the course of a few weeks to prevent withdrawal symptoms. A doctor can help develop a discontinuation plan.

Adverse Effects

Many patients taking Venish will experience some of the more common side effects. Fortunately these are nearly always mild and transient; they'll stop occurring in the first week or two treatment. Common side effects include:

• Nausea
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Appetite loss
• Constipation
• Insomnia
• Sweating

The above are not cause for concern unless they become severe or persist past the first few weeks of treatment or dosage increases.

Venish is known to interact with a number of other medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and recreational drugs. Interactions can be potentially serious. Patients are advised to make all other medications being taken known to the prescribing doctor and double-check with a doctor or pharmacist before adding any new.

SNRIs, like most antidepressant medications, are associated with a worsening of mental disorders in some patients below age 25. Though rare, this can be a dangerous situation. Symptoms include increased depression, suicidal ideation, increased aggression, and hyperactivity, among others. Young patients will ideally be monitored for such symptoms during the first few weeks of treatment.

Venish can cause harm to unborn babies, particularly if taken during the third trimester. It is best avoided if at all possible during pregnancy.