Venlafaxine Hydrochloride

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 (venlafaxine hydrochloride) 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 )] .

Venlafaxine Extended Release Tablets are available as: – 37.5 mg tablets (round, biconvex, white coated tablets with OS301 printed on one side) – 75 mg tablets (round, biconvex, white coated tablets with OS302 printed on one side) – 150 mg tablets (round, biconvex, white coated tablets with OS303 printed on one side) – 225 mg tablets (round, biconvex, white coated tablets with OS304 printed on one side) 37.5 mg, 75mg, 150 mg, and 225 mg tablets ( 3 )

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 is 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 Administration ( 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 Administration ( 2.7 ) and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] .

Serotonin Syndrome: Sertotonin 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 18-24) 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 4400 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) are provided in Table 1. Table 1 Age Range Drug-Placebo Difference in Number of Cases of Suicidality per 1,000 Patients Treated Increases Compared to Placebo <18 14 additional cases 18-24 5 additional cases Decreases Compared to Placebo 25-64 1 fewer case ≥65 6 fewer cases No suicides occurred in any of the pediatric trials. There were suicides in the adult trials, but the number was not sufficient to reach any conclusion about drug effect on suicide. It is unknown whether the suicidality risk extends to longer-term use, i.e., beyond several months. However, there is substantial evidence from placebo-controlled maintenance trials in adults with depression that the use of antidepressants can delay the recurrence of depression. All patients being treated with antidepressants for any indication should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, and unusual changes in behavior, especially during the initial few months of a course of drug therapy, or at times of dose changes, either increases or decreases. The following symptoms, anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, insomnia, irritability, hostility, aggressiveness, impulsivity, akathisia (psychomotor restlessness), hypomania, and mania, have been reported in adult and pediatric patients being treated with antidepressants for major depressive disorder as well as for other indications, both psychiatric and nonpsychiatric. Although a causal link between the emergence of such symptoms and either the worsening of depression and/or the emergence of suicidal impulses has not been established, there is concern that such symptoms may represent precursors to emerging suicidality. Consideration should be given to changing the therapeutic regimen, including possibly discontinuing the medication, in patients whose depression is persistently worse, or who are experiencing emergent suicidality or symptoms that might be precursors to worsening depression or suicidality, especially if these symptoms are severe, abrupt in onset, or were not part of the patient's presenting symptoms. If the decision has been made to discontinue treatment, medication should be tapered, as rapidly as is feasible, but with recognition that abrupt discontinuation can be associated with certain symptoms [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 ) and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] . F a milies and caregivers of patients being treated with antidepressants for major depressive disorder or other indications, both psychiatric and nonpsychiatric, should be alerted about the need to monitor patients for the emergence of agitation, irritability, unusual changes in behavior, and the other symptoms described above, as well as the emergence of suicidality, and to report such symptoms immediately to health care providers. Such monitoring should include daily observation by families and caregivers. 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. A major depressive episode may be the initial presentation of bipolar disorder. It is generally believed (though not established in controlled trials) that treating such an episode with an antidepressant alone may increase the likelihood of precipitation of a mixed/manic episode in patients at risk for bipolar disorder. Whether any of the symptoms described above represent such a conversion is unknown. However, prior to initiating treatment with an antidepressant, patients with depressive symptoms should be adequately screened to determine if they are at risk for bipolar disorder; such screening should include a detailed psychiatric history, including a family history of suicide, bipolar disorder, and depression. It should be noted that Venlafaxine Extended Release Tablets are not approved for use in treating bipolar depression. […]

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. ( 6.1 ) 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. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Trigen Laboratories, LLC at 1-800-444-5164 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. ( 6 )

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 at 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 at 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 two U.S. placebo-controlled trials, the following additional reactions occurred in at least 5% of patients treated with venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules (n=192) and at a rate at least twice that of the placebo group: Abnormalities of sexual function (impotence in men, anorgasmia in women, and libido decreased), gastrointestinal complaints (constipation and flatulence), CNS complaints (insomnia, nervousness, and tremor), problems of special senses (abnormal vision), cardiovascular effects (hypertension and vasodilatation), and yawning. Social Anxiety 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 the 2 placebo-controlled trials for the Social Anxiety Disorder indication (see Table 7): Asthenia, gastrointestinal complaints (anorexia, constipation, dry mouth, nausea), CNS complaints (dizziness, insomnia, libido decreased, nervousness, somnolence), abnormalities of sexual function (abnormal ejaculation, impotence, libido decreased, orgasmic dysfunction), yawn, sweating, and abnormal vision. Adverse Reactions Occurring at an Incidence of 2% or More Among Patients Treated with Venlafaxine Hydrochloride Extended-Release Capsules Tables 6 and 7 enumerate the incidence, rounded to the nearest percent, of adverse reactions that occurred during acute therapy of major depressive disorder (up to 12 weeks; dose range of 75 to 225 mg/day) and of Social Anxiety Disorder (up to 12 weeks; dose range of 75 to 225 mg/day), respectively, in 2% or more of patients treated with venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules where the incidence in patients treated with venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules was greater than the incidence for the respective placebo-treated patients. The table shows the percentage of patients in each group who had at least one episode of a reaction at some time during their treatment. Reported adverse reactions were classified using a standard COSTART-based Dictionary terminology. The prescriber should be aware that these figures cannot be used to predict the incidence of adverse reactions in the course of usual medical practice where patient characteristics and other factors differ from those which prevailed in the clinical trials. Similarly, the cited frequencies cannot be compared with figures obtained from other clinical investigations involving different treatments, uses and investigators. The cited figures, however, do provide the prescribing physician with some basis for estimating the relative contribution of drug and nondrug factors to the adverse reaction incidence rate in the population studied. Table 6 Treatment-Emergent Adverse Reaction Incidence in Short-Term Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trials with Venlafaxine Hydrochloride Extended-Release Capsules in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder 1,2 % Reporting Reaction Body System Preferred Term Venlafaxine Hydrochloride Extended-Release Capsules (n = 357) Placebo (n = 285) Body as a Whole Asthenia 8% 7% Cardiovascular System Vasodilatation 3 4% 2% Hypertension 4% 1% Digestive System Nausea 31% 12% Constipation 8% 5% Anorexia 8% 4% Vomiting 4% 2% Flatulence 4% 3% Metabolic/Nutritional Weight Loss 3% 0% Nervous System Dizziness 20% 9% Somnolence 17% 8% Insomnia 17% 11% Dry Mouth 12% 6% Nervousness 10% 5% Abnormal Dreams 4 7% 2% Tremor 5% 2% Depression 3% <1% Paresthesia 3% 1% Libido Decreased 3% <1% Agitation 3% 1% Re spiratory System Pharyngitis 7% 6% Yawn 3% 0% Skin Sweating 14% 3% Special Senses Abnormal Vision 5 4% <1% Urogenital System Abnormal Ejaculation (male) 6,7 16% <1% Impotence 7 4% <1% Anorgasmia (female) 8,9 3% <1% 1 Incidence, rounded to the nearest %, for reactions reported by at least 2% of patients treated with venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules, except for reactions which had an incidence equal to or less than placebo. […]

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 Inhibitors: In vitro and in vivo studies indicate that venlafaxine is metabolized to its active metabolite, ODV, by CYP2D6, the isoenzyme that is responsible for the genetic polymorphism seen in the metabolism of many antidepressants. Therefore, the potential exists for a drug interaction between drugs that inhibit CYP2D6-mediated metabolism of venlafaxine, reducing the metabolism of venlafaxine to ODV, resulting in increased plasma concentrations of venlafaxine and decreased concentrations of the active metabolite. CYP2D6 inhibitors such as quinidine would be expected to do this, but the effect would be similar to what is seen in patients who are genetically CYP2D6 poor metabolizers [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )] . Therefore, no dosage adjustment is required when venlafaxine is coadministered with a CYP2D6 inhibitor. Ketoconazole: A pharmacokinetic study with ketoconazole 100 mg b.i.d. with a single dose of venlafaxine 50 mg in extensive metabolizers (EM; n=14) and 25 mg in poor metabolizers (PM;n=6) of CYP2D6 resulted in higher plasma concentrations of both venlafaxine and O-desmethylvenlafaxine (ODV) in most subjects following administration of ketoconazole. Venlafaxine C max increased by 26% in EM subjects and 48% in PM subjects. C max values for ODV increased by 14% and 29% in EM and PM subjects, respectively. Venlafaxine AUC increased by 21% in EM subjects and 70% in PM subjects (range in PM’s -2% to 206%), and AUC values for ODV increased by 23% and 33% in EM and PM (range in PM’s -38% to 105%) subjects, respectively. Combined AUC’s of venlafaxine and ODV increased on average by approximately 23% in EM’s and 53% in PM’s, (range in PM’s 4% to 134%). Concomitant use of CYP3A4 inhibitors and venlafaxine may increase levels of venlafaxine and ODV. Therefore, caution is advised if a patient’s therapy includes a CYP3A4 inhibitor and venlafaxine concomitantly.

7.8 Drugs Metabolized by Cytochrome P450 Isoenzymes CYP2D6 In vitro studies indicate that venlafaxine is a relatively weak inhibitor of CYP2D6. These findings have been confirmed in a clinical drug interaction study comparing the effect of venlafaxine with that of fluoxetine on the CYP2D6-mediated metabolism of dextromethorphan to dextrorphan. Imipramine – Venlafaxine did not affect the pharmacokinetics of imipramine and 2-OH-imipramine. However, desipramine AUC, C max , and C min increased by about 35% in the presence of venlafaxine. The 2-OH-desipramine AUC's increased by at least 2.5 fold (with venlafaxine 37.5 mg q12h) and by 4.5 fold (with venlafaxine 75 mg q12h). Imipramine did not affect the pharmacokinetics of venlafaxine and ODV. The clinical significance of elevated 2-OH-desipramine levels is unknown. Metoprolol – Concomitant administration of venlafaxine (50 mg every 8 hours for 5 days) and metoprolol (100 mg every 24 hours for 5 days) to 18 healthy male subjects in a pharmacokinetic interaction study for both drugs resulted in an increase of plasma concentrations of metoprolol by approximately 30-40% without altering the plasma concentrations of its active metabolite, α-hydroxymetoprolol. Metoprolol did not alter the pharmacokinetic profile of venlafaxine or its active metabolite, O-desmethylvenlafaxine. Venlafaxine appeared to reduce the blood pressure lowering effect of metoprolol in this study. The clinical relevance of this finding for hypertensive patients is unknown. Caution should be exercised with co-administration of venlafaxine and metoprolol. Venlafaxine treatment has been associated with dose-related increases in blood pressure in some patients. It is recommended that patients receiving Venlafaxine Extended Release Tablets have regular monitoring of blood pressure [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] . […]

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 25-50% recommended. Dosing individualization may be necessary. ( 2.3 ; 8.7 ) Hemodialysis: Reduction of daily dose by 50%. ( 2.3 ; 8.7 )

8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to antidepressants, including Venlafaxine Extended Release Tablets, 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-researchprograms/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 [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 ) and Clinical Considerations] . 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 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, 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 Venlafaxine Extended Release Tablets in mid to late pregnancy may increase the risk for 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 ( 5.4 )] . 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 [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. Monitor neonates who were exposed to Venlafaxine Extended Release Tablets 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 [adj] RR 1.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] 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 [95% CI 1.69-2.97]). 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. […]

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.