Venlafaxine Hydrochloride

Product Type: HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG

Route: ORAL

Dosage Form:

NDC: 50090-5890

Application: ANDA212277

Effective: 20231124

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules are a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) indicated for the treatment of: • Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) • Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) • Panic Disorder (PD) 1.1 Major Depressive Disorder Venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules are indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). Efficacy was established in three short-term (4, 8, and 12 weeks) and two long-term, maintenance trials. 1.2 Generalized Anxiety Disorder Venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules are indicated for the treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Efficacy was established in two 8-week and two 26-week placebo-controlled trials. 1.3 Social Anxiety Disorder Venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules are indicated for the treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), also known as social phobia. Efficacy was established in four 12-week and one 26-week, placebo-controlled trials. 1.4 Panic Disorder Venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules are indicated for the treatment of Panic Disorder (PD), with or without agoraphobia. Efficacy was established in two 12-week placebo-controlled trials.

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules should be administered in a single dose with food, either in the morning or in the evening at approximately the same time each day [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. Each capsule should be swallowed whole with fluid and not divided, crushed, chewed, or placed in water or it may be administered by carefully opening the capsule and sprinkling the entire contents on a spoonful of applesauce. This drug/food mixture should be swallowed immediately without chewing and followed with a glass of water to ensure complete swallowing of the pellets (spheroids). Indication Starting Dose Target Dose Maximum Dose MDD (2.1) 37.5 to 75 mg/day 75 mg/day 225 mg/day GAD (2.2) 37.5 to 75 mg/day 75 mg/day 225 mg/day SAD (2.3) 75 mg/day 75 mg/day 75 mg/day PD (2.4) 37.5 mg/day 75 mg/day 225 mg/day • Take once daily with food ( 2 ). Capsules should be taken whole; do not divide, crush, chew, or dissolve ( 2 ). • When discontinuing treatment, reduce the dose gradually ( 2.8 , 5.7 ). • Renal impairment: reduce the total daily dose by 25% to 50% in patients with renal impairment. Reduce the total daily dose by 50% or more in patients undergoing dialysis or with severe renal impairment ( 2.6 ). • Hepatic impairment: reduce the daily dose by 50% in patients with mild to moderate hepatic impairment. In patients with severe hepatic impairment or hepatic cirrhosis, it may be necessary to reduce the dose by more than 50% ( 2.6 ). 2.1 Major Depressive Disorder For most patients, the recommended starting dose for venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules is 75 mg per day, administered in a single dose. For some patients, it may be desirable to start at 37.5 mg per day for 4 to 7 days to allow new patients to adjust to the medication before increasing to 75 mg per day. Patients not responding to the initial 75 mg per day dose may benefit from dose increases to a maximum of 225 mg per day. Dose increases should be in increments of up to 75 mg per day, as needed, and should be made at intervals of not less than 4 days, since steady-state plasma levels of venlafaxine and its major metabolites are achieved in most patients by day 4 [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. In the clinical studies establishing efficacy, upward titration was permitted at intervals of 2 weeks or more. It should be noted that, while the maximum recommended dose for moderately depressed outpatients is also 225 mg per day for venlafaxine hydrochloride (immediate-release), more severely depressed inpatients in one study of the development program for that product responded to a mean dose of 350 mg per day (range of 150 to 375 mg per day). Whether or not higher doses of venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules are needed for more severely depressed patients is unknown; however, the experience with venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules doses higher than 225 mg per day is very limited. 2.2 Generalized Anxiety Disorder For most patients, the recommended starting dose for venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules is 75 mg per day, administered in a single dose. For some patients, it may be desirable to start at 37.5 mg per day for 4 to 7 days to allow new patients to adjust to the medication before increasing to 75 mg per day. Patients not responding to the initial 75 mg per day dose may benefit from dose increases to a maximum of 225 mg per day. Dose increases should be in increments of up to 75 mg per day, as needed, and should be made at intervals of not less than 4 days, since steady-state plasma levels of venlafaxine and its major metabolites are achieved in most patients by day 4 [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )]. 2.3 Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia) The recommended dose is 75 mg per day, administered in a single dose. There was no evidence that higher doses confer any additional benefit. 2.4 Panic Disorder The recommended starting dose is 37.5 mg per day of venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules for 7 days. Patients not responding to 75 mg per day may benefit from dose increases to a maximum of approximately 225 mg per day. Dose increases should be in increments of up to 75 mg per day, as needed, and should be made at intervals of not less than 7 days. 2.5 Switching Patients from Venlafaxine Hydrochloride Tablets Depressed patients who are currently being treated at a therapeutic dose with venlafaxine hydrochloride (immediate release) may be switched to venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules at the nearest equivalent dose (mg per day), e.g., 37.5 mg venlafaxine twice a day to 75 mg venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules once daily. However, individual dosage adjustments may be necessary. 2.6 Specific Populations Patients with Hepatic Impairment The total daily dose should be reduced by 50% in patients with mild (Child-Pugh=5 to 6) to moderate (Child-Pugh=7 to 9) hepatic impairment. In patients with severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh=10 to 15) or hepatic cirrhosis, it may be necessary to reduce the dose by 50% or more [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.7 )]. Patients with Renal Impairment The total daily dose should be reduced by 25% to 50% in patients with mild (CLcr= 60 to 89 mL/min) or moderate (CLcr= 30 to 59 mL/min) renal impairment. In patients undergoing hemodialysis or with severe renal impairment (CLcr < 30 mL/min), the total daily dose should be reduced by 50% or more. Because there was much individual variability in clearance between patients with renal impairment, individualization of dosage may be desirable in some patients [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.7 )]. 2.7 Maintenance Treatment There is no body of evidence available from controlled studies to indicate how long patients with MDD, GAD, SAD, or PD should be treated with venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules. It is generally agreed that acute episodes of MDD require several months or longer of sustained pharmacological therapy beyond response to the acute episode. Venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules/venlafaxine hydrochloride have demonstrated continuation of response in clinical studies up to 52 weeks, at the same dose at which patients responded during the initial treatment [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )]. It is not known whether or not the dose of venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules needed for maintenance treatment is identical to the dose needed to achieve an initial response. Patients should be periodically reassessed to determine the need for maintenance treatment and the appropriate dose for such treatment. In patients with GAD and SAD, venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules have been shown to be effective in 6-month clinical studies. The need for continuing medication in patients with GAD and SAD who improve with venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules treatment should be periodically reassessed. In a clinical study for PD, patients continuing venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules at the same dose at which they responded during the initial 12 weeks of treatment experienced a statistically significantly longer time to relapse than patients randomized to placebo [see Clinical Studies ( 14.4 )]. The need for continuing medication in patients with PD who improve with venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules treatment should be periodically reassessed. 2.8 Discontinuing Venlafaxine Hydrochloride Extended-Release Capsules A gradual reduction in the dose, rather than abrupt cessation, is recommended whenever possible. In clinical studies with venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules, tapering was achieved by reducing the daily dose by 75 mg at one-week intervals. Individualization of tapering may be necessary [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )]. 2.9 Switching Patients to or from a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) Intended to Treat Psychiatric Disorders At least 14 days should elapse between discontinuation of an MAOI (intended to treat psychiatric disorders) and initiation of therapy with venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules. In addition, at least 7 days should be allowed after stopping venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules before starting an MAOI intended to treat psychiatric disorders [see Contraindications ( 4.2 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ), and Drug Interactions ( 7.2 )]. Use of Venlafaxine Hydrochloride Extended-Release Capsules with other MAOIs such as Linezolid or Intravenous Methylene Blue Do not start venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules in a patient who is being treated with linezolid or intravenous methylene blue, because there is an increased risk of serotonin syndrome. In a patient who requires more urgent treatment of a psychiatric condition, other interventions, including hospitalization should be considered [see Contraindications 4.2 )]. In some cases, a patient already receiving venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules therapy may require urgent treatment with linezolid or intravenous methylene blue. If acceptable alternatives to linezolid or intravenous methylene blue are not available and the potential benefits of linezolid or intravenous methylene blue treatment are judged to outweigh the risks of serotonin syndrome in a particular patient, venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules should be stopped promptly, and linezolid or intravenous methylene blue can be administered. Monitor the patient for symptoms of serotonin syndrome for 7 days or until 24 hours after the last dose of linezolid or intravenous methylene blue, whichever comes first. Therapy with venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules can be resumed 24 hours after the last dose of linezolid or intravenous methylene blue [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. The risk of administering methylene blue by non-intravenous routes (such as oral tablets or by local injection) or in intravenous doses much lower than 1 mg/kg concomitantly with venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules is unclear. The clinician should, nevertheless, be aware of the possibility of emergent symptoms of serotonin syndrome with such use [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )].

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS • Hypersensitivity to venlafaxine hydrochloride, desvenlafaxine succinate, or any excipients in the venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules formulation ( 4.1 ). • Do not use with an MAOI or within 14 days of stopping an MAOI. Allow 7 days after stopping venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules before starting an MAOI, because of the risk of serotonin syndrome ( 4.2 , 5.2 , 7.3 ). 4.1 Hypersensitivity Hypersensitivity to venlafaxine hydrochloride, desvenlafaxine succinate or to any excipients in the formulation 4.2 Concomitant Use with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) The use of MAOIs (intended to treat psychiatric disorders) concomitantly with venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules or within 7 days of discontinuing treatment with venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules is contraindicated because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome. The use of venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules within 14 days of discontinuing treatment with an MAOI (intended to treat psychiatric disorders) is also contraindicated [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.9 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ), and Drug Interactions ( 7.2 )]. Starting venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules in a patient who is being treated with an MAOI such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue is also contraindicated, because of an increased risk of serotonin syndrome [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.9 ), Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ), and Drug Interactions ( 7.3 )].

Not available.

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the label: • Hypersensitivity [see Contraindications ( 4.1 )] • Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Children, Adolescents, and Adults [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] • Serotonin Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] • Elevations in Blood Pressure [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] • Abnormal Bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] • Angle Closure Glaucoma [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] • Activation of Mania/Hypomania [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] • Discontinuation Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] • Seizure [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] • Hyponatremia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] • Weight and Height changes in Pediatric Patients [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 )] • Appetite Changes in Pediatric Patients [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.11 )] • Interstitial Lung Disease and Eosinophilic Pneumonia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.12 )] • Sexual Dysfunction [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.13 )] Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 5% and at least twice the rate of placebo): nausea, somnolence, dry mouth, sweating, abnormal ejaculation, anorexia, constipation, erectile dysfunction, and libido decreased ( 6.1). To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Annora Pharma Private Limited at 1-866-495-1995 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Studies Experience Because clinical studies are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical studies of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical studies of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Most Common Adverse Reactions The most commonly observed adverse reactions in the clinical study database in venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules treated patients in MDD, GAD, SAD, and PD (incidence ≥ 5% and at least twice the rate of placebo) were: nausea (30%), somnolence (15.3%), dry mouth (14.8%), sweating (11.4%), abnormal ejaculation (9.9%), anorexia (9.8%), constipation (9.3%), impotence (5.3%) and decreased libido (5.1%). Adverse Reactions Reported as Reasons for Discontinuation of Treatment Combined across short-term, placebo-controlled premarketing studies for all indications, 12% of the 3,558 patients who received venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules (37.5 to 225 mg) discontinued treatment due to an adverse experience, compared with 4% of the 2,197 placebo-treated patients in those studies. The most common adverse reactions leading to discontinuation in ≥ 1% of the venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules treated patients in the short-term studies (up to 12 weeks) across indications are shown in Table 7. Table 7: Incidence (%) of Patients Reporting Adverse Reactions Leading to Discontinuation in Placebo-controlled Clinical Studies (up to 12 Weeks Duration) Body System Adverse Reaction Venlafaxine Hydrochloride Extended-Release Capsules n = 3,558 Placebo n = 2,197 Body as a whole Asthenia 1.7 0.5 Headache 1.5 0.8 Digestive system Nausea 4.3 0.4 Nervous system Dizziness 2.2 0.8 Insomnia 2.1 0.6 Somnolence 1.7 0.3 Skin and appendages 1.5 0.6 Sweating 1 0.2 Common Adverse Reactions in Placebo-controlled Studies The number of patients receiving multiple doses of venlafaxine hydrochloride extended- release capsules during the premarketing assessment for each approved indication is shown in Table 8. The conditions and duration of exposure to venlafaxine in all development programs varied greatly, and included (in overlapping categories) open and double-blind studies, uncontrolled and controlled studies, inpatient (venlafaxine hydrochloride only) and outpatient studies, fixed-dose, and titration studies. Table 8: Patients Receiving Venlafaxine Hydrochloride Extended-Release Capsules in Premarketing Clinical Studies Indication Venlafaxine Hydrochloride Extended-Release Capsules MDD 705 a GAD 1,381 SAD 819 PD 1,314 a In addition, in the premarketing assessment of venlafaxine hydrochloride, multiple doses were administered to 2,897 patients in studies for MDD. The incidences of common adverse reactions (those that occurred in ≥ 2% of venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules treated patients [357 MDD patients, 1,381 GAD patients, 819 SAD patients, and 1,001 PD patients] and more frequently than placebo) in venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules treated patients in short-term, placebo-controlled, fixed-and flexible-dose clinical studies (doses 37.5 to 225 mg per day) are shown in Table 9. The adverse reaction profile did not differ substantially between the different patient populations. Table 9: Common Adverse Reactions: Percentage of Patients Reporting Adverse Reactions (≥ 2% and > placebo) in Placebo-controlled Studies (up to 12 Weeks Duration) across All Indications Body System Adverse Reaction Venlafaxine Hydrochloride Extended-Release Capsules n = 3,558 Placebo n = 2,197 Body as a whole Asthenia 12.6 7.8 Cardiovascular system Hypertension 3.4 2.6 Palpitation 2.2 2 Vasodilatation 3.7 1.9 Digestive system Anorexia 9.8 2.6 Constipation 9.3 3.4 Diarrhea 7.7 7.2 Dry mouth 14.8 5.3 Nausea 30 11.8 Vomiting 4.3 2.7 Nervous system Abnormal dreams 2.9 1.4 Dizziness 15.8 9.5 Insomnia 17.8 9.5 Libido decreased 5.1 1.6 Nervousness 7.1 5 Paresthesia 2.4 1.4 Somnolence 15.3 7.5 Tremor 4.7 1.6 Respiratory system Yawn 3.7 0.2 Skin and appendages Sweating (including night sweats) 11.4 2.9 Special senses Abnormal vision 4.2 1.6 Urogenital system Abnormal ejaculation/orgasm (men) a 9.9 0.5 Anorgasmia (men) a 3.6 0.1 Anorgasmia (women) b 2 0.2 Impotence (men) a 5.3 1 a Percentages based on the number of men (venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules, n = 1,440; placebo, n = 923) b Percentages based on the number of women (venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules, n = 2,118; placebo, n = 1,274) Other Adverse Reactions Observed in Clinical Studies Body as a whole – Photosensitivity reaction, chills Cardiovascular system – Postural hypotension, syncope, hypotension, tachycardia Digestive system – Gastrointestinal hemorrhage [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )], bruxism Hemic/Lymphatic system – Ecchymosis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Metabolic/Nutritional – Hypercholesterolemia, weight gain [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 )], weight loss [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 )] Nervous system – Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )], manic reaction [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )], agitation, confusion, akathisia, hallucinations, hypertonia, myoclonus, depersonalization, apathy Skin and appendages – Urticaria, pruritus, rash, alopecia Special senses – Mydriasis, abnormality of accommodation, tinnitus, taste perversion Urogenital system – Urinary retention, urination impaired, urinary incontinence, urinary frequency increased, menstrual disorders associated with increased bleeding or increased irregular bleeding (e.g., menorrhagia, metrorrhagia) 6.2 Vital Sign Changes In placebo-controlled premarketing studies, there were increases in mean blood pressure (see Table 10). Across most indications, a dose-related increase in mean supine systolic and diastolic blood pressure was evident in patients treated with venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules. Across all clinical studies in MDD, GAD, SAD and PD, 1.4% of patients in the venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules groups experienced an increase in SDBP of ≥15 mm Hg along with a blood pressure ≥ 105 mm Hg, compared to 0.9% of patients in the placebo groups. Similarly, 1% of patients in the venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules groups experienced an increase in SSBP of ≥ 20 mm Hg with a blood pressure ≥ 180 mm Hg, compared to 0.3% of patients in the placebo groups. Table 10: Final On-therapy Mean Changes From Baseline in Supine Systolic (SSBP) and Diastolic (SDBP) Blood Pressure (mm Hg) in Placebo-controlled Studies Indication (Duration) Venlafaxine Hydrochloride Extended-Release Capsules Placebo ≤ 75 mg per day > 75 mg per day SSBP SDBP SSBP SDBP SSBP SDBP MDD (8 to 12 weeks) -0.28 0.37 2.93 3.56 -1.08 -0.10 GAD (8 weeks) -0.28 0.02 2.40 1.68 -1.26 -0.92 (6 months) 1.27 -0.69 2.06 1.28 -1.29 -0.74 SAD (12 weeks) -0.29 -1.26 1.18 1.34 -1.96 -1.22 (6 months) -0.98 -0.49 2.51 1.96 -1.84 -0.65 PD (10 to 12 weeks) -1.15 0.97 -0.36 0.16 -1.29 -0.99 Venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules treatment was associated with sustained hypertension (defined as treatment-emergent Supine Diastolic Blood Pressure [SDBP] ≥ 90 mm Hg and ≥ 10 mm Hg above baseline for three consecutive on-therapy visits (see Table 11). An insufficient number of patients received mean doses of venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules over 300 mg per day in clinical studies to fully evaluate the incidence of sustained increases in blood pressure at these higher doses. Table 11: Sustained Elevations in SDBP in Venlafaxine Hydrochloride Extended- Release Capsules Premarketing Studies Indication Dose Range (mg per day) Incidence (%) MDD 75 to 375 19/705 (3) GAD 37.5 to 225 5/1011 (0.5) SAD 75 to 225 5/771 (0.6) PD 75 to 225 9/973 (0.9) Venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules were associated with mean increases in pulse rate compared with placebo in premarketing placebo-controlled studies (see Table 12) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 , 5.4 )]. Table 12: Approximate Mean Final On-therapy Increase in Pulse Rate (beats/min) in Venlafaxine Hydrochloride Extended-Release Capsules Premarketing Placebo-controlled Studies (up to 12 Weeks Duration) Indication (Duration) Venlafaxine Hydrochloride Extended-Release Capsules Placebo MDD (12 weeks) GAD (8 weeks) SAD (12 weeks) PD (12 weeks) 2 2 3 1 1 < 1 1 < 1 6.3 Laboratory Changes Serum Cholesterol Venlafaxine hydrochloride extended release capsules was associated with mean final increases in serum cholesterol concentrations compared with mean final decreases for placebo in premarketing MDD, GAD, SAD and PD clinical studies (Table 13). Table 13: Mean Final On-therapy Changes in Cholesterol Concentrations (mg/dL) in Venlafaxine Hydrochloride Extended-Release Capsules Premarketing Studies Indication (Duration) Venlafaxine Hydrochloride Extended-Release Capsules Placebo MDD (12 weeks) GAD (8 weeks) (6 months) SAD (12 weeks) (6 months) PD (12 weeks) +1.5 +1 +2.3 +7.9 +5.6 5.8 -7.4 -4.9 -7.7 -2.9 -4.2 -3.7 Venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules treatment for up to 12 weeks in premarketing placebo-controlled trials for major depressive disorder was associated with a mean final on-therapy increase in serum cholesterol concentration of approximately 1.5 mg/dL compared with a mean final decrease of 7.4 mg/dL for placebo. Venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules treatment for up to 8 weeks and up to 6 months in premarketing placebo-controlled GAD trials was associated with mean final on-therapy increases in serum cholesterol concentration of approximately 1 mg/dL and 2.3 mg/dL, respectively while placebo subjects experienced mean final decreases of 4.9 mg/dL and 7.7 mg/dL, respectively. Venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules treatment for up to 12 weeks and up to 6 months in premarketing placebo-controlled Social Anxiety Disorder trials was associated with mean final on-therapy increases in serum cholesterol concentration of approximately 7.9 mg/dL and 5.6 mg/dL, respectively, compared with mean final decreases of 2.9 and 4.2 mg/dL, respectively, for placebo. Venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules treatment for up to 12 weeks in premarketing placebo-controlled panic disorder trials was associated with mean final on-therapy increases in serum cholesterol concentration of approximately 5.8 mg/dL compared with a mean final decrease of 3.7 mg/dL for placebo. Patients treated with venlafaxine hydrochloride (immediate release) for at least 3 months in placebo-controlled 12-month extension trials had a mean final on-therapy increase in total cholesterol of 9.1 mg/dL compared with a decrease of 7.1 mg/dL among placebo-treated patients. This increase was duration dependent over the study period and tended to be greater with higher doses. Clinically relevant increases in serum cholesterol, defined as 1) a final on-therapy increase in serum cholesterol ≥50 mg/dL from baseline and to a value ≥261 mg/dL, or 2) an average on-therapy increase in serum cholesterol ≥50 mg/dL from baseline and to a value ≥261 mg/dL, were recorded in 5.3% of venlafaxine-treated patients and 0% of placebo-treated patients. Serum Triglycerides Venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules were associated with mean final on-therapy increases in fasting serum triglycerides compared with placebo in premarketing clinical studies of SAD and PD up to 12 weeks (pooled data) and 6 months duration (Table 14). Table 14: Mean Final On-therapy Increases in Triglyceride Concentrations (mg/dL) in Venlafaxine Hydrochloride Extended-Release Capsules Premarketing Studies Indication (Duration) Venlafaxine Hydrochloride Extended Release Capsules Placebo SAD (12 weeks) SAD (6 months) PD (12 weeks) PD (6 months) 8.2 11.8 5.9 9.3 0.4 1.8 0.9 0.3 6.4 Pediatric Patients In general, the adverse reaction profile of venlafaxine (in placebo-controlled clinical studies) in children and adolescents (ages 6 to 17) was similar to that seen for adults. As with adults, decreased appetite, weight loss, increased blood pressure, and increased serum cholesterol were observed [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 , 5.10 , 5.11 ) and Use in Specific Populations ( 8.4 )]. In pediatric clinical studies, the adverse reaction, suicidal ideation, was observed. Particularly, the following adverse reactions were observed in pediatric patients: abdominal pain, agitation, dyspepsia, ecchymosis, epistaxis, and myalgia. 6.5 Adverse Reactions Identified During Postapproval Use The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure: Body as a whole – Anaphylaxis, angioedema Cardiovascular system – QT prolongation, ventricular fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia (including torsade de pointes), takotsubo cardiomyopathy Digestive system – Pancreatitis Hemic/Lymphatic system – Mucous membrane bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )], blood dyscrasias (including agranulocytosis, aplastic anemia, neutropenia and pancytopenia), prolonged bleeding time, thrombocytopenia Metabolic/Nutritional – Hyponatremia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )], Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH) secretion [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )], abnormal liver function tests, hepatitis, prolactin increased Musculoskeletal – Rhabdomyolysis Nervous system – Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )], serotonergic syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )], delirium, extrapyramidal reactions (including dystonia and dyskinesia), impaired coordination and balance, tardive dyskinesia Respiratory system – Dyspnea, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary eosinophilia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.12 )] Skin and appendages – Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, erythema multiforme Special senses – Angle-closure glaucoma [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )]