Venlafaxine as the ‘baby ecstasy’? Literature overview and analysis of web‐based misusers′ experiences
Giulia Francesconi, Laura Orsolini, Duccio Papanti, John Corkery, Fabrizio Schifano
Human Psychopharmacology Clinical and Experimental July 1, 2015 DOI: 10.1002/hup.2476 via OpenAlex
Summary
Venlafaxine, a widely prescribed antidepressant, carries a risk of misuse, with users ingesting or snorting doses 10-15 times higher than clinically advised to obtain MDMA/amphetamine-like stimulant and psychedelic effects. Polydrug misuse is common, and the drug is readily available online. Physicians should assess patients for drug dependence history and monitor for signs of misuse.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Anxiety MDMA |
| Keywords | Venlafaxine Psychiatry Recreational drug |
| Citations | 22 |
| Key finding | Venlafaxine is misused at high doses for stimulant and psychedelic effects, often in combination with other recreational drugs, and is widely available online. |
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: 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. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians should carefully evaluate patients for history of drug dependence and observe them for signs of venlafaxine misuse.