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Venlafaxine Levels

Venlafaxine Levels

Venlafaxine is a commonly prescribed medication for mental health conditions such as major depression and anxiety disorders. To ensure its effectiveness and safety, healthcare providers monitor venlafaxine and its active metabolite, O-desmethylvenlafaxine, through blood tests. These tests are crucial for optimizing drug therapy and ensuring patient adherence. The preferred specimen for testing is serum, drawn from a red-top tube without additives. Accurate results require the specimen to be collected at the trough level, just before the next dose. Advanced analytical techniques like LC-MS/MS and HPLC/UV are used for precise measurement. The therapeutic range for venlafaxine is 100-500 ng/mL, and 200-400 ng/mL for its metabolite. Monitoring these levels helps adjust dosages, assess adherence, detect toxicity, and evaluate treatment efficacy. The test results, typically available within 3 to 10 days, enable healthcare providers to make informed decisions, ensuring optimal patient care and minimizing adverse effects.

Price of test:£261

The lowest price from the last 30 days: £261

Awaiting result:

14 days

Collect material:

Blood

Prepare:

Learn more

Purpose of the test

Venlafaxine is a key medication for mental health conditions, requiring careful monitoring of its levels in the blood. This ensures effective treatment and patient safety. Key points include:

- Specimen Requirements: Serum from a red-top tube is preferred; minimum 0.4 mL.
- Collection: Draw blood pre-dose for accuracy.
- Storage: Store at room temperature, refrigerate if needed.
- Methodology: Use LC-MS/MS or HPLC/UV for precise measurement.
- Reference Ranges: Venlafaxine: 100-500 ng/mL; O-desmethylvenlafaxine: 200-400 ng/mL.
- Clinical Use: Adjust dosage, assess adherence, detect toxicity, evaluate efficacy.

Who Should Get Tested

Monitoring venlafaxine levels is crucial for patients on this medication. Key reasons for testing include:

- Adjust Dosage: Ensures the dose achieves therapeutic effects while minimizing side effects.
- Assess Adherence: Confirms if patients follow their prescribed regimen.
- Detect Toxicity: Identifies high levels indicating potential toxicity.
- Evaluate Efficacy: Assesses treatment effectiveness for timely adjustments.

Specimen collection requires serum from a red-top tube, drawn pre-dose. Advanced methods like LC-MS/MS ensure precise measurement. Regular monitoring helps optimize therapy, ensuring effective and safe treatment.

Blood Test Preparation Guidelines

Time of day

It is recommended to schedule your appointment for blood tests in the morning hours between 7:00-10:00.

Fasting

It is recommended to fast for approximately 12 hours before blood sampling. The last meal of the previous day should ideally be consumed around 6:00 p.m. On the day before the test, avoid heavy and fatty meals as well as alcohol.

Stay hydrated

Drinking water prior to testing can help with sample collection.

Other factors

Tests should not be performed after a sleepless night or intense physical activity. It is recommended to avoid exercise and stress immediately before blood collection and to not smoke. A short rest is recommended.

Medications and supplements:

Blood samples should be collected before the morning dose. Some drugs can interfere with test results. Consult with your doctor whether you can delay your dose because of lab tests.

Biotin supplements:

High doses of biotin supplements can affect test results, causing false elevation or reduction. It's recommended to avoid taking biotin for at least 72 hours before blood collection. If you are taking biotin, inform the personnel collecting the blood so that they can provide specific instructions.

Interpreting Test Results

Understanding test results for venlafaxine levels is crucial for effective patient care. Key points include:

- Specimen Requirements: Use serum from a red-top tube; avoid gel-barrier tubes. Minimum volume: 0.4 mL.
- Collection Timing: Draw blood at trough level, just before the next dose.
- Storage: Store at room temperature initially; refrigerate or freeze if testing is delayed beyond three days.
- Methodology: LC-MS/MS or HPLC/UV for precise measurement.
- Reference Ranges: Venlafaxine: 100-500 ng/mL; O-desmethylvenlafaxine: 200-400 ng/mL.
- Clinical Use: Adjust dosage, assess adherence, detect toxicity, and evaluate efficacy.

Price of test:£261

The lowest price from the last 30 days: £261

AI-Powered Insights and Expert Validation

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