Venlafaxine as the ‘baby ecstasy’? Literature overview and analysis of web‐based misusers′ experiences

Abstract

Physicians should carefully evaluate patients for history of drug dependence and observe them for signs of venlafaxine misuse.

New/emerging psychoactive substances and associated psychopathological consequences

“…At high/supratherapeutic doses (e.g. 400-4,000mg/day), the phenylethylamine derivative venlafaxine ('baby ecstasy') inhibits the reuptake of serotonin, noradrenalin, and dopamine, particularly at the prefrontal cortex level (Francesconi et al, 2015). If suddenly discontinued, a withdrawal syndrome characterized by nausea, depression, suicidal thoughts, disorientation, stomach cramps, panic attacks, sexual dysfunction, headache, and occasional psychotic symptoms may develop (Table 1).…”

Is There a Potential of Misuse for Quetiapine?

“…The intentional misuse of prescribing medications [1] typically involves benzodiazepines; gabapentinoids [2]; opioids; anticholinergics [3]; a range of stimulants [4]; and the selective noradrenalin receptor inhibitors/SNRIs antidepressants [5]. Furthermore, the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors/SSRIs have been reported to be associated with a risk of both an early and late onset [6] occurrence of withdrawal syndrome [7] (for a thorough review, see [8]).…”

Novel psychoactive substances: second and third international conferences

“…However, in recent years, venlafaxine has been abused for recreational purposes. When taken intensively, sometimes at 10 times the clinical dosage, it can induce feelings of euphoria and elation, with one recreational user describing venlafaxine as ‘baby ecstasy’ (Francesconi et al ., ). Other recreational users have noted its ability to increase physical power and psychomotor performance.…”

“…Francesconi et al . () described the recreational abuse of the prescription antidepressant venlafaxine. The neuropharmacology of this drug is well understood, being a mixed serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor.…”