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Venlafaxine

Prescription ANDA TE AB Official labelling
Informational index, not medical advice. Content is reproduced from public FDA and NLM data. Always confirm against the manufacturer's current prescribing information. Report adverse events to FDA MedWatch.

Overview

Brand name
Venlafaxine
Generic name
Venlafaxine
Dosage form
Tablet, Coated
Route
Oral
Marketing category
ANDA · ANDA
Labeler
Modavar Pharmaceuticals LLC
Product type
Human Prescription Drug
DEA schedule
Not scheduled
Active ingredients
3
NDC product codes
6
Packages
18
Data completeness
82% of corroborating sources present

Active ingredients

Source: NDC Directory
Active ingredients and strengths as listed in the NDC Directory.
Ingredient Strength RxCUI Monograph
Venlafaxine Hydrochloride 150 mg/1 808744 View
Venlafaxine Hydrochloride 225 mg/1 808744 View
Venlafaxine Hydrochloride 75 mg/1 808744 View

Forms, strengths and routes

Source: NDC Directory
Dosage form
Tablet, Coated
Route of administration
Oral
Presentations
24

Pharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.

Pharmacologic class

Source: NDC Directory
Established pharmacologic classes (EPC), mechanisms of action (MoA), chemical structures (CS) and physiologic effects (PE).
Class Type Browse
Norepinephrine Uptake Inhibitors [MoA] MoA All 44 members
Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors [MoA] MoA All 73 members
Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor [EPC] EPC All 26 members

Regulatory status

Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory
Application number
211323
Application type
ANDA · Abbreviated New Drug Application
Approval date
August 29, 2019
Sponsor
CADILA PHARMS LTD
Products on application
3
Submissions recorded
3
Products approved under application 211323.
Product Trade name Form Strength Ingredient Status TE Flags
211323-001 VENLAFAXINE HYDROCHLORIDE TABLET, EXTENDED RELEASE VENLAFAXINE HYDROCHLORIDE Prescription AB
211323-002 VENLAFAXINE HYDROCHLORIDE TABLET, EXTENDED RELEASE VENLAFAXINE HYDROCHLORIDE Prescription AB
211323-003 VENLAFAXINE HYDROCHLORIDE TABLET, EXTENDED RELEASE VENLAFAXINE HYDROCHLORIDE Prescription AB

Therapeutic equivalence

Source: Orange Book
TE code
AB
Reference Listed Drug
No
Reference Standard
No

What this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated by in vivo or in vitro testing

Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.

Approval history

Source: Drugs@FDA
Most recent submissions on application 211323.
Type No. Action Status Date Review
Supplement 4 Labeling Approved February 1, 2024 Standard
Supplement 2 Labeling Approved November 21, 2022 Standard
Original application 1 Approved August 29, 2019 Standard

Prescribing information

Source: openFDA Drug Labeling

Reproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20241130). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20241130 HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20240226

Boxed Warning

openFDA Drug Labeling

BOXED WARNING WARNING: SUICIDALITY AND ANTIDEPRESSANT DRUGS Antidepressants increased the risk compared to placebo of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term studies of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of venlafaxine extended-release tablets or any other antidepressant in a child, adolescent, or young adult must balance this risk with the clinical need. Short-term studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults beyond age 24; there was a reduction in risk with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults aged 65 and older. Depression and certain other psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with increases in the risk of suicide. Patients of all ages who are started on antidepressant therapy should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior. Families and caregivers should be advised of the need for close observation and communication with the prescriber. Venlafaxine extended-release tablets are not approved for use in pediatric patients. [See Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1) and Patient Counseling Information ( 17.1 )] WARNING: Suicidality and Antidepressants See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents and young adults taking antidepressants for major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Venlafaxine Extended-Release Tablets are not approved for use in pediatric patients. ( 5.1 )

Recent Major Changes

openFDA Drug Labeling

Warning and Precautions ( 5.2 , 5.13 ) 8/2023

Indications and Usage

openFDA Drug Labeling

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Venlafaxine extended-release tablets are a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) indicated for: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) ( 1.1 ) Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) ( 1.2 ) 1.1 Major Depressive Disorder Venlafaxine extended-release tablets are indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). Efficacy of venlafaxine in MDD was shown in both short-term trials and a longer-term trial in MDD [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )] . A major depressive episode (DSM-IV) implies a prominent and relatively persistent (nearly every day for at least 2 weeks) depressed mood or the loss of interest or pleasure in nearly all activities, representing a change from previous functioning, and includes the presence of at least five of the following nine symptoms during the same two-week period: depressed mood, markedly diminished interest or pleasure in usual activities, significant change in weight and/or appetite, insomnia or hypersomnia, psychomotor agitation or retardation, increased fatigue, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, slowed thinking or impaired concentration, a suicide attempt or suicidal ideation. 1.2 Social Anxiety Disorder Venlafaxine extended-release tablets are indicated for the treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), also known as Social Phobia, as defined in DSM-IV. Social Anxiety Disorder (DSM-IV) is characterized by a marked and persistent fear of 1 or more social or performance situations in which the person is exposed to unfamiliar people or to possible scrutiny by others. Exposure to the feared situation almost invariably provokes anxiety, which may approach the intensity of a panic attack. The feared situations are avoided or endured with intense anxiety or distress. The avoidance, anxious anticipation, or distress in the feared situation(s) interferes significantly with the person's normal routine, occupational or academic functioning, or social activities or relationships, or there is a marked distress about having the phobias. Lesser degrees of performance anxiety or shyness generally do not require psychopharmacological treatment. Efficacy of venlafaxine extended release in the treatment of SAD was established in short-term SAD trials [see Clinical Studies ( 14.2 )] .

Dosage and Administration

openFDA Drug Labeling

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Venlafaxine extended-release tablets should be administered in a single dose with food either in the morning or in the evening at approximately the same time each day. Each tablet should be swallowed whole with fluid and not divided, crushed, chewed, or placed in water. Initial Treatment (2.1) Indication Starting Dose Dose Increase Maximum Dose Major Depressive Disorder 75 mg/day (in some patients, 37.5 mg/day for 4 to 7 days) 75 mg/day increments at intervals of 4 days or longer 225 mg/day Social Anxiety Disorder 75 mg/day No benefit at higher doses 75 mg/day Venlafaxine extended-release tablets should be taken as a single daily dose with food in either the morning or evening at the same time each day. ( 2 ) Discontinuation: Gradual; individualized as necessary. ( 2.4 ) 2.1 Initial Treatment Major Depressive Disorder For most patients, the recommended starting dose for venlafaxine extended-release tablets is 75 mg/day, administered in a single dose. In the clinical trials establishing the efficacy of venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules in moderately depressed outpatients, the initial dose of venlafaxine was 75 mg/day. For some patients, it may be desirable to start at 37.5 mg/day for 4 to 7 days to allow new patients to adjust to the medication before increasing to 75 mg/day. While the relationship between dose and antidepressant response for venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules has not been adequately explored, patients not responding to the initial 75 mg/day dose may benefit from dose increases to a maximum of approximately 225 mg/day. Dose increases should be in increments of up to 75 mg/day, as needed, and should be made at intervals of not less than 4 days, since steady state plasma levels of venlafaxine and its major metabolites are achieved in most patients by day 4. In the clinical trials establishing efficacy, upward titration was permitted at intervals of 2 weeks or more; the average doses were about 140 to 180 mg/day [see Clinical Studies ( 14) ] . It should be noted that, while the maximum recommended dose for moderately depressed outpatients is also 225 mg/day for venlafaxine hydrochloride immediate-release tablets, more severely depressed inpatients in one study of the development program for that product responded to a mean dose of 350 mg/day (range of 150 to 375 mg/day). Whether or not higher doses of venlafaxine extended-release tablets are needed for more severely depressed patients is unknown; however, the experience with venlafaxine hydrochloride extended- release capsule doses higher than 225 mg/day is very limited . Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia) The recommended dose is 75 mg/day, administered in a single dose. There was no evidence that higher doses confer any additional benefit. 2.2 Maintenance Treatment There is no body of evidence available from controlled trials to indicate how long patients with major depressive disorder should be treated with venlafaxine extended-release tablets. It is generally agreed that acute episodes of major depressive disorder require several months or longer of sustained pharmacological therapy beyond response to the acute episode. In one study, in which patients responding during 8 weeks of acute treatment with venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules were assigned randomly to placebo or to the same dose of venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules (75, 150, or 225 mg per day, qAM) during 26 weeks of maintenance treatment as they had received during the acute stabilization phase, longer-term efficacy was demonstrated. A second longer-term study has demonstrated the efficacy of venlafaxine hydrochloride immediate-release tablets in maintaining a response in patients with recurrent major depressive disorder who had responded and continued to be improved during an initial 26 weeks of treatment and were then randomly assigned to placebo or venlafaxine immediate-release tablets for periods …

Dosage Forms and Strengths

openFDA Drug Labeling

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Venlafaxine extended-release tablets are available as: 75 mg tablets (white to off - white, round, coated tablets imprinted with black ink “C46” on one side and plain on the other side) 150 mg tablets (white to off - white, round, coated tablets imprinted with black ink “C34” on one side and plain on the other side) 225 mg tablets (white to off - white, round, coated tablets imprinted with black ink “C49” on one side and plain on the other side) 75 mg, 150 mg, and 225 mg tablets ( 3 )

Contraindications

openFDA Drug Labeling

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Serotonin Syndrome and MAOIs: Do not use MAOI’s intended to treat psychiatric disorders with venlafaxine extended-release tablets or within 7 days of stopping treatment with venlafaxine extended-release tablets. Do not use venlafaxine extended-release tablets within 14 days of stopping an MAOI intended to treat psychiatric disorders. In addition, do not start venlafaxine extended-release tablets in a patient who is being treated with linezolid or intravenous methylene blue ( 4.1 ). 4.1 Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) The use of MAOI’s intended to treat psychiatric disorders with venlafaxine extended-release tablets or within 7 days of stopping treatment with venlafaxine extended-release tablets are contraindicated because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome. The use of venlafaxine extended-release tablets within 14 days of stopping, an MAOI intended to treat psychiatric disorders is also contraindicated [see Dosage and Administrations ( 2.6 ) and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . Starting venlafaxine extended-release tablets in a patient who is being treated with MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue is also contraindicated because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome [see Dosage and Administrations ( 2.7 ) and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] .

Warnings and Cautions

openFDA Drug Labeling

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Serotonin Syndrome: Serotonin syndrome has been reported with SSRIs and SNRIs, including venlafaxine extended-release tablets, both when taken alone, but especially when co-administered with other serotonergic agents. If such symptoms occur, discontinue venlafaxine extended-release tablets and serotonergic agents and initiate supportive treatment. If concomitant use of venlafaxine extended-release tablets with other serotonergic drugs is clinically warranted, patients should be made aware of a potential increased risk for serotonin syndrome, particularly during treatment initiation and dose increases. ( 5.2 ). Suicidality: Monitor for clinical worsening and suicide risk. ( 5.1 ) Sustained hypertension may occur. Blood pressure monitoring recommended. ( 5.3 ) Angle Closure Glaucoma: Angle closure glaucoma has occurred in patients with untreated anatomically narrow angles treated with antidepressants. ( 5.4 ) Abrupt discontinuation or dose reduction: Discontinuation symptoms may occur (generally self-limiting; serious symptoms possible). Dose reduction recommended to be gradual. ( 5.5 ) Activation of Mania/Hypomania has occurred. ( 5.10 ) Symptomatic hyponatremia may occur. ( 5.11 ) Seizures have been reported. Use with caution in patients with seizure history. ( 5.12 ) Abnormal bleeding (most commonly ecchymosis) has been reported. ( 5.13 ) Serum cholesterol: Clinically relevant cholesterol increases may occur. Cholesterol measurements should be considered during long-term therapy. ( 5.14 ) Interstitial lung disease and eosinophilic pneumonia have been reported. ( 5.15 ) Sexual Dysfunction: Venlafaxine extended-release tablets may cause symptoms of sexual dysfunction. ( 5.18 ) 5.1 Clinical Worsening and Suicide Risk Patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), both adult and pediatric, may experience worsening of their depression and/or the emergence of suicidal ideation and behavior (suicidality) or unusual changes in behavior, whether or not they are taking antidepressant medications, and this risk may persist until significant remission occurs. Suicide is a known risk of depression and certain other psychiatric disorders, and these disorders themselves are the strongest predictors of suicide. There has been a long standing concern, however, that antidepressants may have a role in inducing worsening of depression and the emergence of suicidality in certain patients during the early phases of treatment. Pooled analyses of short-term placebo-controlled trials of antidepressant drugs (SSRIs and others) showed that these drugs increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults (ages 18 to 24) with major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Short-term studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults beyond age 24; there was a reduction with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults aged 65 and older. The pooled analyses of placebo-controlled trials in children and adolescents with MDD, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), or other psychiatric disorders included a total of 24 short-term trials of 9 antidepressant drugs in over 4,400 patients. The pooled analyses of placebo-controlled trials in adults with MDD or other psychiatric disorders included a total of 295 short-term trials (median duration of 2 months) of 11 antidepressant drugs in over 77,000 patients. There was considerable variation in risk of suicidality among drugs, but a tendency toward an increase in the younger patients for almost all drugs studied. There were differences in absolute risk of suicidality across the different indications, with the highest incidence in MDD. The risk differences (drug vs placebo), however, were relatively stable within age strata and across indications. These risk differences (drug-placebo difference in the number of cases of suicidality per 1,000 patients treated) …

Adverse Reactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS Major Depressive Disorder - Adverse events in short-term studies that occurred in at least 5% of the patients receiving venlafaxine extended-release capsules and at a rate at least twice that of the placebo group were abnormal ejaculation, gastrointestinal complaints (nausea, dry mouth, and anorexia), CNS complaints (dizziness, somnolence, and abnormal dreams), and sweating. Social Anxiety Disorder - Adverse events in short-term studies that occurred in at least 5% of the patients receiving venlafaxine extended-release capsules and at a rate at least twice that of the placebo group were asthenia, gastrointestinal complaints (anorexia, dry mouth, nausea), CNS complaints (anxiety, insomnia, libido decreased, nervousness, somnolence, dizziness), abnormalities of sexual function (abnormal ejaculation, orgasmic dysfunction, impotence), yawn, sweating, and abnormal vision. TO REPORT SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, CONTACT CADILA PHARMACEUTICALS LIMITED AT 1-202-355-9785 (FAX 1-202-355-9784) OR WWW.CADILAPHARMA.COM OR FDA AT 1-800-FDA-1088 OR WWW.FDA.GOV/MEDWATCH . 6.1 Clinical Studies Experience Data Sources The information included in subsection “Adverse Findings Observed in Short-Term, Placebo- Controlled Studies with Venlafaxine Hydrochloride Extended-Release Capsules”is based on data from a pool of three 8- and 12-week controlled clinical trials in major depressive disorder (includes two U.S. trials and one European trial), and on data up to 12 weeks from a pool of two controlled clinical trials in Social Anxiety Disorder. Information on additional adverse reactions associated with venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules in the entire development program for the formulation and with venlafaxine hydrochloride immediate-release tablets is included in the subsection “Other Adverse Reactions Observed During the Premarketing Evaluation of Venlafaxine Hydrochloride Immediate-Release Tablets and Venlafaxine Hydrochloride Extended-Release Capsules” [see also Warnings and Precautions ( 5 ) ] . 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 trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Adverse Findings Observed in Short-Term, Placebo-Controlled Studies with Venlafaxine Hydrochloride Extended-Release Capsules Adverse Reactions Associated with Discontinuation of Treatment Major Depressive Disorder : Approximately 11% of the 357 patients who received venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules in placebo-controlled clinical trials for major depressive disorder discontinued treatment due to an adverse reaction, compared with 6% of the 285 placebo-treated patients in those studies. Adverse reactions that led to treatment discontinuation in a least 2% of drug-treated patients were nausea, dizziness, and somnolence. Social Anxiety Disorder : Approximately 17% of the 277 patients who received venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules in placebo-controlled clinical trials for Social Anxiety Disorder discontinued treatment due to an adverse reaction, compared with 5% of the 274 placebo-treated patients in those studies. Adverse reactions that led to treatment discontinuation in a least 2% of drug-treated patients were nausea, insomnia, impotence, headache, dizziness, and somnolence. Adverse Reactions Occurring at an Incidence of 5% or More Major Depressive Disorder : Note in particular the following adverse reactions that occurred in at least 5% of the patients receiving venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules and at a rate at least twice that of the placebo group for all placebo-controlled trials for the major depressive disorder indication (see Table 6): Abnormal ejaculation, gastrointestinal complaints (nausea, dry mouth, and anorexia), CNS complaints (dizziness, somnolence, and abnormal dreams), and sweating. In the tw …

Drug Interactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS MAOI’s: concomitant use contraindicated (4). Avoid MAOI’s 14 days before starting venlafaxine and 7 days after stopping venlafaxine ( 5.2 ). Cimetidine: Caution in patients with pre-existing hypertension, in elderly patients and patients with hepatic dysfunction. ( 7.2 ) Haloperidol: Increase in Haloperidol AUC and C max . ( 7.4 ) Ketoconazole: Increase in venlafaxine and O-desmethylvenlafaxine AUC and C max . Caution when using venlafaxine with substances that inhibit both CYP2D6 and CYP3A4. ( 7.7 ) Metoprolol: Possibly reduced blood-pressure lowering effect despite increased metoprolol plasma levels. Caution should be exercised with co-administration of venlafaxine and metoprolol. ( 7.8 ) CNS-active drugs: Caution when using venlafaxine with such drugs. ( 7.10 ) Serotonergic drugs (e.g., triptans, SSRIs, other SNRIs, linezolid, lithium, tramadol, or St. John's Wort): Potential for serotonin syndrome. Careful patient observation advised. ( 7.10 ) Tryptophan supplements: Concomitant use not recommended. ( 7.10 ) 7.1 Alcohol A single dose of ethanol (0.5 g/kg) had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of venlafaxine or O-desmethylvenlafaxine (ODV) when venlafaxine was administered at 150 mg/day in 15 healthy male subjects. Additionally, administration of venlafaxine in a stable regimen did not exaggerate the psychomotor and psychometric effects induced by ethanol in these same subjects when they were not receiving venlafaxine. 7.2 Cimetidine Concomitant administration of cimetidine and venlafaxine in a steady-state study for both drugs resulted in inhibition of first-pass metabolism of venlafaxine in 18 healthy subjects. The oral clearance of venlafaxine was reduced by about 43%, and the exposure (AUC) and maximum concentration (C max ) of the drug were increased by about 60%. However, coadministration of cimetidine had no apparent effect on the pharmacokinetics of ODV, which is present in much greater quantity in the circulation than venlafaxine. The overall pharmacological activity of venlafaxine plus ODV is expected to increase only slightly, and no dosage adjustment should be necessary for most normal adults. However, for patients with pre-existing hypertension, and for elderly patients or patients with hepatic dysfunction, the interaction associated with the concomitant use of venlafaxine and cimetidine is not known and potentially could be more pronounced. Therefore, caution is advised with such patients. 7.3 Diazepam Under steady-state conditions for venlafaxine administered at 150 mg/day, a single 10 mg dose of diazepam did not appear to affect the pharmacokinetics of either venlafaxine or ODV in 18 healthy male subjects. Venlafaxine also did not have any effect on the pharmacokinetics of diazepam or its active metabolite, desmethyldiazepam, or affect the psychomotor and psychometric effects induced by diazepam. 7.4 Haloperidol Venlafaxine administered under steady-state conditions at 150 mg/day in 24 healthy subjects decreased total oral-dose clearance (Cl/F) of a single 2 mg dose of haloperidol by 42%, which resulted in a 70% increase in haloperidol AUC. In addition, the haloperidol C max increased 88% when coadministered with venlafaxine, but the haloperidol elimination half-life (t 1/2 ) was unchanged. The mechanism explaining this finding is unknown. 7.5 Lithium The steady-state pharmacokinetics of venlafaxine administered at 150 mg/day were not affected when a single 600 mg oral dose of lithium was administered to 12 healthy male subjects. ODV also was unaffected. Venlafaxine had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of lithium (see also CNS-Active Drugs, below). 7.6 Drugs Highly Bound to Plasma Proteins Venlafaxine is not highly bound to plasma proteins; therefore, administration of venlafaxine extended-release tablets to a patient taking another drug that is highly protein bound should not cause increased free concentrations of the other drug. 7.7 Drugs that Inhibit Cytochrome P450 Isoenzymes CYP2D6 …

Use in Specific Populations

openFDA Drug Labeling

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Pregnancy: Use during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Neonates exposed to venlafaxine in the third trimester have developed complications requiring prolonged hospitalization, respiratory support, and tube feeding. Benefits and risk of venlafaxine use in the third trimester should be carefully considered. ( 2.3 ; 8.1 ) Nursing: Potential for serious adverse reactions in the infant. Discontinue nursing or drug, considering the importance of the drug to the mother. ( 8.3 ) Pediatric use: Not approved for use in pediatric patients. When considering use in a child or adolescent, balance potential risks with clinical need. ( 8.4 ) Hepatic impairment: Reduction of total daily dose by 50% recommended in patients with mild to moderate impairment. In patients with cirrhosis, further reduction may be necessary and dosing individualization may be desirable. ( 2.3 ; 8.6 ) Renal impairment: Reduction of daily dose by 25 to 50% recommended. Dosing individualization may be necessary. ( 2.3 ; 8.7 ) Hemodialysis: Reduction of daily dose by 50%. ( 2.3 ; 8.7 ) 8.1 Pregnancy 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 [see Warnings and Precautions (5.13) and Clinical Considerations]. Teratogenic Effects 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. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Non-Teratogenic Effects Neonates exposed to venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules, other SNRIs (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors), or SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors), 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, tremor, jitteriness, irritability, and constant crying. These features are consistent with either a direct toxic effect of SSRIs and SNRIs or, possibly, a drug discontinuation syndrome. It should be noted that, in some cases, the clinical picture is consistent with serotonin syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] . When treating a pregnant woman with venlafaxine extended-release tablets during the third trimester, the physician should carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of treatment. Maternal Adverse Reactions Exposure to Venlafaxine Extended Release Tablets in mid to late pregnancy may increase the risk of preeclampsia, and exposure to Venlafaxine Extended Release Tablets in the month before delivery may be associated with an increased risk of postpartum hemorrhage [see Warnings and Precautions (5.13) ]. 8.2 Labor & Delivery The effect of venlafaxine on labor and delivery in humans is unknown. 8.3 Nursing Mothers Venlafaxine and ODV have been reported to be excreted in human milk. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from venlafaxine extended-release tablets, a decision should be made whether to discon …

Mechanism of Action

openFDA Drug Labeling

12.1 Mechanism of Action The mechanism of the antidepressant action of venlafaxine in humans is believed to be associated with its potentiation of neurotransmitter activity in the CNS. Preclinical studies have shown that venlafaxine and its active metabolite, O-desmethylvenlafaxine (ODV), are potent inhibitors of neuronal serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake and weak inhibitors of dopamine reuptake.

Description

openFDA Drug Labeling

11 DESCRIPTION Venlafaxine extended-release tablets are extended-release tablets for oral administration that contain venlafaxine hydrochloride, USP a structurally novel antidepressant. Venlafaxine hydrochloride, USP is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). It is designated (R/S)-1-[2-(dimethylamino)-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl] cyclohexanol hydrochloride or (±)1-[α- [(dimethylamino)methyl]-p-methoxybenzyl] cyclohexanol hydrochloride and has the empirical formula of C 17 H 27 NO 2 HCl. Its molecular weight is 313.87. The structural formula is shown below. Venlafaxine hydrochloride Venlafaxine hydrochloride, USP is a white to off-white crystalline solid with a solubility of 572 mg/mL in water (adjusted to ionic strength of 0.2 M with sodium chloride). Its octanol:water (0.2 M sodium chloride) partition coefficient is 0.43. Venlafaxine extended- release tablets are formulated as extended-release tablet for once-a-day oral administration. Venlafaxine Extended Release Tablets use osmotic pressure to deliver venlafaxine hydrochloride at a controlled rate over approximately 24 hours. The system, which resembles a conventional tablet in appearance, comprises an osmotically active core surrounded by a semipermeable membrane. The unitary tablet core is composed of the drug and excipients (including the osmotically active components). There is a precision-laser drilled orifice in the semipermeable membrane on the side of the tablet. In an aqueous environment, such as the gastrointestinal tract, water permeates through the membrane into the tablet core, causing the drug to dissolve and the osmotic components to expand. This expansion pushes the drug out through the orifice. The semipermeable membrane controls the rate at which water permeates into the tablet core, which in turn controls the rate of drug delivery. The controlled rate of drug delivery into the gastrointestinal lumen is thus independent of pH or gastrointestinal motility. The function of Venlafaxine Extended Release Tablets depends on the existence of an osmotic gradient between the contents of the core and the fluid in the gastrointestinal tract. Since the osmotic gradient remains constant, drug delivery remains essentially constant. Tablets contain venlafaxine hydrochloride, USP equivalent to 75 mg, 150 mg and 225 mg venlafaxine. Inactive ingredients consist of colloidal silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, hypromellose and microcrystalline cellulose. Imprinting ink contains ammonium hydroxide, black iron oxide, isopropyl alcohol, N-butyl alcohol, propylene glycol and shellac. Film-coating material contains ammonium hydroxide, ethyl cellulose 20cP, hypromellose, medium chain triglycerides, oleic acid, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, talc and titanium dioxide. venlafaxine-spl-strc.

10 OVERDOSAGE 10.1 Human Experience Among the patients included in the premarketing evaluation of venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules, there were 2 reports of acute overdosage with venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules in major depressive disorder trials, either alone or in combination with other drugs. One patient took a combination of 6 g of venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules and 2.5 mg of lorazepam. This patient was hospitalized, treated symptomatically, and recovered without any untoward effects. The other patient took 2.85 g of venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules. This patient reported paresthesia of all four limbs but recovered without sequelae. There were no reports of acute overdose with venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules in Social Anxiety Disorder trials. Among the patients included in the premarketing evaluation with venlafaxine hydrochloride immediate-release tablets, there were 14 reports of acute overdose with venlafaxine, either alone or in combination with other drugs and/or alcohol. 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. The 3 patients who took the highest doses were estimated to have ingested approximately 6.75 g, 2.75 g, and 2.5 g. The resultant peak plasma levels of venlafaxine for the latter 2 patients were 6.24 μg /mL and 2.35 μg /mL, respectively, and the peak plasma levels of O-desmethylvenlafaxine were 3.37 μg /mL and 1.30 μg /mL, respectively. Plasma venlafaxine levels were not obtained for the patient who ingested 6.75 g of venlafaxine. All 14 patients recovered without sequelae. Most patients reported no symptoms. Among the remaining patients, somnolence was the most commonly reported symptom. The patient who ingested 2.75 g of venlafaxine was observed to have 2 generalized convulsions and a prolongation of QTc to 500 msec, compared with 405 msec at baseline. Mild sinus tachycardia was reported in 2 of the other patients. In postmarketing experience, overdose with venlafaxine has occurred predominantly in combination with alcohol and/or other drugs. The most commonly reported reactions 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 pre-existing 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 venlafaxine extended-release tablets should be written for the smallest quantity of tablets consistent with good patient management, in order to reduce the risk of overdose. 10.2 Management of Overdosage Treatment should consist of those general measures employed in the management of overdosage with any antidepressant. Ensure an adequate airway, oxygenation, and ventilation. Monitor cardiac rhythm and vital signs. General supportive and symptomatic measures are also recommended. Induction of emesis is not recommended. Gastric lavage with a large bore orogastric tube with appropriate airway protection, if needed, may be indicated if performed soon after ingestion or in symptomatic patients. Activated charcoal shou …

How Supplied / Storage and Handling

openFDA Drug Labeling

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Venlafaxine extended-release tablets 75 mg are white to off - white, round, coated tablets imprinted with black ink “C46” on one side and plain on the other side. They are supplied as follows: Unit of use bottles of 30 tablets NDC 72241-075-22 Unit of use bottles of 90 tablets NDC 72241-075-04 Bottles of 1000 tablets NDC 72241-075-11 Venlafaxine extended-release tablets 150 mg are white to off - white, round, coated tablets imprinted with black ink “C34” on one side and plain on the other side. They are supplied as follows: Unit of use bottles of 30 tablets NDC 72241-076-22 Unit of use bottles of 90 tablets NDC 72241-076-04 Bottles of 1000 tablets NDC 72241-076-11 Venlafaxine extended-release tablets 225 mg are white to off - white, round, coated tablets imprinted with black ink “C49” on one side and plain on the other side. They are supplied as follows: Unit of use bottles of 30 tablets NDC 72241-077-22 Unit of use bottles of 90 tablets NDC 72241-077-04 Bottles of 1000 tablets NDC 72241-077-11 Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from moisture and humidity.

Adverse event reports

Source: openFDA FAERS
131,566
FAERS reports mentioning this drug
as of 2026-09-25T03:42:24+00:00
A report count is not a risk measure. FAERS accepts voluntary and mandatory reports without establishing causation, and reporting is influenced by how widely a drug is used, how long it has been marketed, and media attention. FDA states that reports “do not prove that the drug caused the event”. Compare rates, not totals.

Attributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: VENLAFAXINE HYDROCHLORIDE. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.

Packaging and NDCs

Source: NDC Directory
Every National Drug Code package associated with this medication. The NDC is the identifier used for dispensing, billing and pharmacovigilance in the United States.
Package NDC Product NDC Labeler Description Marketing start
71209-087-01 71209-087 Cadila Pharmaceuticals Limited 30 TABLET, COATED in 1 BOTTLE (71209-087-01) August 16, 2018
71209-087-04 71209-087 Cadila Pharmaceuticals Limited 90 TABLET, COATED in 1 BOTTLE (71209-087-04) August 16, 2018
71209-087-11 71209-087 Cadila Pharmaceuticals Limited 1000 TABLET, COATED in 1 BOTTLE (71209-087-11) August 16, 2018
71209-088-01 71209-088 Cadila Pharmaceuticals Limited 30 TABLET, COATED in 1 BOTTLE (71209-088-01) August 16, 2018
71209-088-04 71209-088 Cadila Pharmaceuticals Limited 90 TABLET, COATED in 1 BOTTLE (71209-088-04) August 16, 2018
71209-088-11 71209-088 Cadila Pharmaceuticals Limited 1000 TABLET, COATED in 1 BOTTLE (71209-088-11) August 16, 2018
71209-089-01 71209-089 Cadila Pharmaceuticals Limited 30 TABLET, COATED in 1 BOTTLE (71209-089-01) August 16, 2018
71209-089-04 71209-089 Cadila Pharmaceuticals Limited 90 TABLET, COATED in 1 BOTTLE (71209-089-04) August 16, 2018
71209-089-11 71209-089 Cadila Pharmaceuticals Limited 1000 TABLET, COATED in 1 BOTTLE (71209-089-11) August 16, 2018
72241-075-04 72241-075 Modavar Pharmaceuticals LLC 90 TABLET, COATED in 1 BOTTLE (72241-075-04) August 16, 2018
72241-075-11 72241-075 Modavar Pharmaceuticals LLC 1000 TABLET, COATED in 1 BOTTLE (72241-075-11) August 16, 2018
72241-075-22 72241-075 Modavar Pharmaceuticals LLC 30 TABLET, COATED in 1 BOTTLE (72241-075-22) August 16, 2018
72241-076-04 72241-076 Modavar Pharmaceuticals LLC 90 TABLET, COATED in 1 BOTTLE (72241-076-04) August 16, 2018
72241-076-11 72241-076 Modavar Pharmaceuticals LLC 1000 TABLET, COATED in 1 BOTTLE (72241-076-11) August 16, 2018
72241-076-22 72241-076 Modavar Pharmaceuticals LLC 30 TABLET, COATED in 1 BOTTLE (72241-076-22) August 16, 2018
72241-077-04 72241-077 Modavar Pharmaceuticals LLC 90 TABLET, COATED in 1 BOTTLE (72241-077-04) August 16, 2018
72241-077-11 72241-077 Modavar Pharmaceuticals LLC 1000 TABLET, COATED in 1 BOTTLE (72241-077-11) August 16, 2018
72241-077-22 72241-077 Modavar Pharmaceuticals LLC 30 TABLET, COATED in 1 BOTTLE (72241-077-22) August 16, 2018
71209-087 71209-087 Cadila Pharmaceuticals Limited — January 5, 2018
71209-088 71209-088 Cadila Pharmaceuticals Limited — January 5, 2018
71209-089 71209-089 Cadila Pharmaceuticals Limited — January 5, 2018
72241-075 72241-075 Modavar Pharmaceuticals LLC — January 5, 2018
72241-076 72241-076 Modavar Pharmaceuticals LLC — January 5, 2018
72241-077 72241-077 Modavar Pharmaceuticals LLC — January 5, 2018

Sources for this page

Every dataset that contributed a fact to this page.
Dataset Agency Used for
NDC Directory FDA Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages
Drugs@FDA FDA Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status
Orange Book FDA Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity
Drug Labeling FDA / NLM Prescribing information reproduced above
FAERS FDA Adverse event report counts

Generated September 25, 2026 · 12 sections on this page.