Medicinsk godkendt artikel
Venlafaxine is used as a preventive treatment for tension headaches
Venlafaxine has been developed to treat depression, but has also been shown to have an effect on chronic tension headaches. Thus, you are not given the medication to achieve an antidepressant effect, but because venlafaxine can hopefully improve your headache.
Venlafaxine increases the concentration of analgesic substances in the body. Venlafaxine does not remove the headache. A realistic treatment goal is a 20% reduction in headache, however, there is a big difference from person to person how well the preparation works.
The most frequent side effects are fatigue, weight loss, dry mouth, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, decreased sex drive and disturbed night sleep.
Venlafaxine must not be taken simultaneously with MAO inhibitors (for example, Marplan).
Thorough tooth brushing and regular dental visits are important, as dry mouth increases the risk of tooth decay.
Before starting treatment, an electrocardiogram (ECG) is required.
Usually start by taking 75 mg before bed for a week. After this, the dose is increased to 150 mg before bedtime. Capsules must NOT be shared. If there is no effect after 1-2 months, it can be concluded that Venlafaxine does not work for you. You should then step down by 75 mg per week and then stop taking the medicine. If there is a good effect and not too bothersome side effects, this dose is taken for 6 to 12 months, after which the dose, in consultation with the doctor, can be escalated. However, some patients need to take venlafaxine for a longer period of time.
