Effexor SR capsules 37.5 mg for depression and depressed state (Venlafaxine, antidepressant)

General information on Japanese Effexor SR capsules 37.5 mg for depression and depressed state (Venlafaxine, antidepressant)

Package details: 70 capsules

Manufacturer: Viatris Pharmaceuticals Japan Inc. / Sumitomo Dainippon Pharma Co., Ltd. / Pfizer Japan Inc., Japan

Active ingredients: venlafaxine hydrochloride (chemical formula C17H27NO2)

Medical effect: Effexor capsules are effective for the treatment of depression and depressed state.

Contraindications and precautions: do not use for the following categories of patients:

• Effexor capsules cannot be used for patients on dialysis,
• pregnant, possibly pregnant or breastfeeding women,
• patients with liver dysfunction,
• patients with renal dysfunction.

As this medicine may cause sleepiness, the patient should avoid working at heights, operating dangerous machinery, or driving a car.

Refrain from taking alcohol while taking this medicine. Avoid taking any food or supplement containing St. John’s worth while taking this medicine.

If any unusual mental symptoms (irritability, aggression, suicidal thoughts etc.) are observed, consult with your doctor. The patient and the patient’s family should require full explanation from their doctor before use.

Abrupt discontinuation or reduction of the dose may cause adverse effects.

If an allergic reaction occurs, stop taking the medicine and consult with your doctor. If you’re taking any other medication or receiving any other treatment, you have to consult with your doctor before use.

Dosage and administration

For adults, start with 1 capsule (37.5 mg of venlafaxine) at a time, once a day. After a week, take 2 capsules (75 mg) at a time after meal, once a day. The doctor in charge may adjust the dosage up to 6 capsules (225 mg) per day according to the age or symptoms. The dosage should be increased gradually, adding 2 capsules (75 mg) at time, with an interval of at least one week.

Do not crush or chew these capsules, as this is a slow-release medicine.

How effective are Effexor SR capsules 37.5 mg from Japan for depression and depressed state (Venlafaxine, antidepressant)?

Effexor SR capsules contain venlafaxine, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. It works by increase the level of serotonin and noradrenaline at the synaptic cleft via inhibiting their reuptake. Also, it indirectly affects opioid receptors and increases the amount of dopamine in the brain (K. Wellington, C. M. Perry. "Venlafaxine extended-release: a review of its use in the management of major depression". CNS Drugs, 2001, 15 (8): 643–69).

Who should use Effexor SR capsules 37.5 mg from Japan?

Effexor SR capsules are effective for the treatment of major depression (moderate to severe) and depressed state. The active component is well adsorbed orally, with 92% of it going into systemic circulation. Venlafaxine is considered to be one of the most effective antidepressants, as due to its multiple action it affects even the patients who don’t respond to other serotonin reuptake inhibitors.