Venlafaxine dependence in a patient with a history of alcohol and amineptine misuse

Gianluca Quaglio, Fabrizio Schifano, Fabio Lugoboni

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

17 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: Venlafaxine is an inhibitor of neuronal serotonin and noradrenaline re-uptake and a weak inhibitor of dopamine re-uptake. There was no indication of problems of abuse/dependence during the clinical trials. Case description: A 53-year-old client with a history of alcohol and amineptine misuse and a long history of recurrent depression, for which he was prescribed venlafaxine tablets. Over time, he increased the dosage to 50 tablets daily (3750 mg). Large venlafaxine dosages produced amphetamine-like effects, due possibly to the related increase in dopamine turnover. Once hospitalized for detoxification, the patient had a symptomatology which was consistent with a serotonergic discontinuation syndrome. Conclusions: Physicians should be aware that patients with a history of drug and alcohol abuse might develop venlafaxine dependence.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1572-1574
Number of pages3
JournalAddiction
Volume103
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Sept 2008

Keywords

  • Addiction
  • Antidepressants
  • Dependence
  • Substance abuse
  • Substance dependence
  • Venlafaxine
  • Withdrawal symptoms

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