Venlafaxine is one of the most frequently prescribed
antidepressants worldwide, despite its toxicity risk in overdose. Furthermore,
the molecule has been recently identified at the EU-wide level as one of the
novel psychoactive substances. This paper aims at investigating the potential
of misuse, taking into account both the existing literature and the analysis of
the misusers' experiences as described in venlafaxine misuse web reports.
A literature search was performed using PubMed, Embase, and
Medline. Posts/threads relating to venlafaxine misuse issues were identified
through Google® and Yahoo® English-language searches. Resulting websites' data
were then qualitatively assessed, and information was collected on a range of
issues, including dosage, drug intake modalities, untoward drug effects, and
association with other recreational drugs.
A few literature case reports focusing on venlafaxine as a
misusing drug were here identified. The molecule was here typically ingested or
snorted at dosages up to 10-15 times higher than those clinically advised,
obtaining MDMA/amphetamine-like stimulant and psychedelic effects. Polydrug
misuse was commonly reported. Venlafaxine appeared to be widely available
online for sale.
Physicians should carefully evaluate patients for history of
drug dependence and observe them for signs of venlafaxine misuse.
- 1Academic Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy.
- 2School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, Herts, UK.
- 3Medical School of Trieste, Italy.
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