Enlafax XR (Venlafaxine Hydrochloride)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Enlafax XR Used For?
Enlafax XR contains venlafaxine hydrochloride and belongs to a class of medications called Serotonin-Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs). It helps restore your feeling of wellness by increasing levels of chemical messengers in your brain.
Primary Uses
Enlafax XR is used to treat and prevent relapse of depression. It’s also used for panic attacks, anxiety disorders, and social phobia (fear of being embarrassed or judged in social situations that can significantly impact your daily life).
How It Works
Serotonin and noradrenaline are chemical messengers that help certain nerves in the brain function properly. Enlafax XR increases the levels of these two important messengers, which experts believe helps restore your sense of well-being.
Good to know: There is no evidence that Enlafax XR is addictive.
How to Take Enlafax XR
Take Enlafax XR exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the capsules whole with water – never divide, crush, chew, or dissolve them as this could cause rapid release of the medication.
Dosage Instructions
For depression and anxiety: Usually start with 75mg once daily, may increase to 150mg daily after 2 weeks. For panic attacks: Start with 37.5mg once daily for 4-7 days, then increase to 75mg once daily. Take once daily with food at the same time each day (morning or evening). Your doctor may adjust your dose based on your age, condition, and other medications.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it’s less than 12 hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. Contact your doctor if you miss more than two doses in a row.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose – this increases your risk of side effects.
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite
- diarrhea, constipation
- feeling drowsy, headache
- rapid heartbeat, sweating, hot flushes
- rash, itchiness
- weight changes
- blurred vision, dry mouth
- change in behavior
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- muscle tremors, abnormal facial movements
- feeling of apathy, hallucinations
- agitation, confusion, muscle weakness
- numbness, shortness of breath
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- sensitivity to sunlight
- fits or seizures
- signs of allergic reaction
- sudden fever with sweating and muscle stiffness
- chest pain, palpitations
- dark or red urine
- yellowing of skin or eyes
- signs of infection
- black sticky bowel motions or bloody diarrhea
Important Warnings
Enlafax XR has important warnings and precautions you should know about before starting treatment.
Who Should Not Take Enlafax XR
Do not take if you’re allergic to venlafaxine or any ingredients, taking MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) or have taken them within the last 14 days, or if you’re under 18 years old. Allow at least 7 days after stopping Enlafax XR before starting a MAOI.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: seizures, bipolar disorder, aggression history, restlessness, diabetes, blood pressure problems, glaucoma, bleeding tendencies, high cholesterol, kidney or liver problems, heart conditions, or plan to have surgery.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Not recommended during pregnancy – may cause breathing difficulties, seizures, and oxygen problems in newborns. May cause pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure) and heavy bleeding after birth. Passes into breast milk, so not recommended while breastfeeding.
Suicide Risk: Watch for worsening depression, anxiety, or thoughts of suicide, especially in the first few weeks or when dose changes. Young adults (18-24) may be at increased risk.
Drug Interactions
Many medications can interact with Enlafax XR. Always tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
- MAOIs (moclobemide, linezolid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine)
- Other antidepressants and St John’s Wort
- Mental health medications (haloperidol, risperidone, lithium, clozapine)
- Strong pain medications (tramadol, fentanyl, methadone, pethidine)
- ADHD medications (amphetamines)
- Stomach medications (cimetidine)
- Migraine medications (triptans)
- Heart rhythm medications (amiodarone, quinidine)
- Blood pressure medications (metoprolol)
- Blood thinners (warfarin, platelet inhibitors)
- Antibiotics (erythromycin, linezolid)
- Antifungal medications (ketoconazole, fluconazole)
Alcohol & Driving
Enlafax XR can affect your ability to drive and may interact dangerously with alcohol.
Alcohol
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Enlafax XR. Alcohol can cause dizziness and lightheadedness and may worsen your condition.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before driving or using machines until you know how Enlafax XR affects you. The medication may make you feel drowsy. If you feel drowsy or uncoordinated, be careful not to fall over.
Storage
Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Keep capsules in their blister pack until ready to take. Store in a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground, away from children. Don’t store in bathrooms, cars, or on window sills.
Overdose Information
If you think you or someone else has taken too much Enlafax XR, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26 in Australia), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. Overdose symptoms may include sleepiness, vomiting, increased heart rate, seizures, breathing difficulties, unconsciousness, and dilated pupils.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most antidepressants take time to work, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t feel better right away. Some symptoms may improve in 1-2 weeks, but it can take up to several more weeks to feel real improvement.
Yes, you should take Enlafax XR once daily with food at approximately the same time each day, either morning or evening.
No, there is no evidence that Enlafax XR is addictive.
Don’t stop suddenly without checking with your doctor first. Stopping abruptly may worsen your condition or cause withdrawal symptoms like headache, nausea, dizziness, insomnia, nervousness, anxiety, confusion, diarrhea, sweating, tremor, and flu-like symptoms.
No, you should avoid drinking alcohol while taking Enlafax XR. Alcohol can cause dizziness and lightheadedness and may worsen your condition.
No, never divide, crush, chew, or dissolve the capsules in water. Swallow them whole with a glass of water, as crushing them could lead to rapid release and absorption of the medication.
If it’s less than 12 hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember and return to your normal schedule. Never take a double dose, and contact your doctor if you miss more than two doses in a row.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.