What is the recommended dose of Venlafaxine?

From the Guidelines

The recommended dose of Venlafaxine is 150-225 mg/day.

Dosage Information

• The dosage of Venlafaxine can be started at a lower dose, such as 37.5 mg once or twice daily, and increased by 75 mg each week, as tolerated 1.
• The maximum dosage of Venlafaxine is 225 mg/day, and an adequate trial of treatment can require 4-6 weeks 1.
• Other studies also support the use of Venlafaxine at a dose of 150-225 mg/day for the management of neuropathic pain 1.

Important Considerations

• It is essential to consider lower starting dosages and slower titration in geriatric patients, as they may be more susceptible to adverse effects 1.
• The efficacy and tolerability of Venlafaxine can vary depending on the individual patient, and dose adjustments may be necessary to achieve optimal pain relief while minimizing adverse effects 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

The recommended starting dose for venlafaxine tablets, USP is 75 mg/day, administered in two or three divided doses, taken with food. Depending on tolerability and the need for further clinical effect, the dose may be increased to 150 mg/day. If needed, the dose should be further increased up to 225 mg/day When increasing the dose, increments of up to 75 mg/day should be made at intervals of no less than 4 days. Certain patients, including more severely depressed patients, may therefore respond more to higher doses, up to a maximum of 375 mg/day, generally in three divided doses

The recommended dose of Venlafaxine is:

• Starting dose: 75 mg/day
• Target dose: 150 mg/day to 225 mg/day
• Maximum dose: 375 mg/day for certain patients, including more severely depressed patients 2

From the Research

Recommended Dose of Venlafaxine

The recommended dose of Venlafaxine varies depending on the patient's condition and response to treatment.

• The effective dose range for Venlafaxine is between 75 to 375 mg/day, as shown in a study published in 1995 3.
• A study from 2004 found that high doses of Venlafaxine, up to 600 mg/day, are tolerated by patients, although with increased frequency and severity of side effects 4.
• Another study from 2003 suggested a stepwise dosage regimen, starting with 75 mg/day and increasing to higher doses if necessary, especially for severely ill patients 5.
• A dose-response study from 1993 found that Venlafaxine was effective and well-tolerated at doses of 25,50-75, and 150-200 mg/day 6.
• A retrospective naturalistic study from 2008 found that higher doses of Venlafaxine (> 375 mg/day) may be cost-saving in relation to selected hospital resources, although further research is needed to confirm this finding 7.

Dosage Considerations

When determining the recommended dose of Venlafaxine, the following factors should be considered:

• Severity of illness: Higher doses may be necessary for severely ill patients 5.
• Treatment history: Patients with a history of previous treatment with major antidepressives may require higher doses 5.
• Patient response: The dose may need to be adjusted based on the patient's response to treatment 5.
• Side effects: The dose may need to be adjusted to minimize side effects, such as nausea, dry mouth, and somnolence 4, 6.