Active ingredient: Venlafaxine

Brand Name: Vensir, Vencarm, Venlalix, Efexor, Venlablue

Drug class: Antidepressant, Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)

Mechanism of Action:

Venlafaxine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). It works by blocking the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, increasing their levels and improving mood. Venlafaxine is primarily used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, and panic attacks, by restoring the balance of neurotransmitters associated with mood regulation.

Effect on fertility biomarkers

Venlafaxine may impact female fertility indirectly. By altering serotonin and norepinephrine levels, it can influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, potentially disrupting hormone regulation. This may lead to irregular menstrual cycles or ovulatory dysfunction, though the exact effects on fertility are not fully understood and vary by individual. Dry mouth (10% of patients treated with venlafaxine), sweating, headache, decreased appetite, insomnia, increased blood pressure, and sexual dysfunction.

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Ovulation, Mucus, Temperature

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References:

Casilla-Lennon MM, Meltzer-Brody S, Steiner AZ. The effect of antidepressants on fertility. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2016 Sep;215(3):314.e1-5. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2016.01.170. Epub 2016 Jan 28. PMID: 26827878; PMCID: PMC4965341. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4965341/ Uzunova V, Wrynn AS, Kinnunen A, Ceci M, Kohler C and Uzunov DP (2004). Chronic antidepressants reverse cerebrocortical allopregnanolone decline in the olfactory bulbectomized rat. Eur J Pharmacol. 486(1): 31–34 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14751405/ Timby E, Hedström H, Bäckström T, Sundström-Poromaa I, Nyberg S and Bixo M (2011). Allopregnanolone, a GABAA receptor agonist, decreases gonadotropin levels in women. A preliminary study. Gynecol Endocrinol Off J Int Soc Gynecol Endocrinol. 27(12): 1087–1093. DOI: 10.3109/09513590.2010.540603 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21190418/

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Disclaimer: The information provided may not include all possible interactions or side effects of medication. The effects on fertility biomarkers can vary and may depend on the dosage, how long the medication is used, the medical condition, or other factors. This database is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider or a qualified health professional if you have questions about medications, fertility, or medical conditions.