Unexpected orthostatic hypotension with venlafaxine

Abstract

We conducted a drug usage evaluation of venlafaxine for the treatment of depression. Orthostatic hypotension occurred unexpectedly in 13 of the 18 patients studied (72%) and was more severe at the initiation of treatment and when the dose was increased. All patients with a history of hypertension or ischaemic heart disease or who were taking antihypertensives or nitrate vasodilators had worsening postural variation in blood pressure during venlafaxine treatment.