Venlafaxine is the generic name for the brand medication Effexor. Typically venlafaxine is used as a sustained release venlafaxine dosage because of its short half life, as immediate release venlafaxine dosage needs to be taken three times daily. A usual daily venlafaxine dosage ranges from 75-225 mg.

Venlafaxine is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, and is used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. It works by stopping the neurotransmitters from being returning into the firing neuron, thereby prolonging the effect of the neurotransmitters. The effect of venlafaxine on the neurotransmitter noradrenalin can make people who have high blood pressure at risk for higher blood pressure due to the medication.

Venlafaxine dosage starts at 37.5 mg of the sustained release product once daily, and is increased to 75mg daily after a week to reduce the incidence of venlafaxine side effects if started more quickly. Venlafaxine can be increased to 375 mg daily as a maximum dose depending on the patient’s response. Venlafaxine dosage is different when used off- label, it is usually lower than the recommended dosages used for depression and anxiety disorders. Doctors may prescribe venlafaxine as a treatment for diabetic neuropathy and hot flashes in post menopausal women, although the efficacy in these indications is not well documented. Potential Venlafaxine side effects such as weight loss, headache and tremor are fairly common. Venlafaxine extended release products should not be chewed or crushed.

Lomotil is a brand of medication for a combination of diphenoxylate and atropine. In the U.S. it is only available by prescription, although in some European countries it is available as a pharmacist only product for diarrhea. Diphenoxylate is an opioid anti-diarrheal that slows down bowel movement during a diarrhea episode, but the anti-cholinergic of atropine makes Lomotil undesirable as a drug of abuse, so it has little recreational value.

Lomotil dosage for diarrhea is usually 2 tablets of the 2.5/0.025 mg lomotil dosage up to four times a day when needed. Some patients with a colostomy or ileostomy use this medication at a lower Lomotil dosage, typically just 2 tablets once daily. Lomotil is not recommended for pregnant women, and it is not for children. Children who have diarrhea might be suffering from a rotavirus or other conditions, using anti-diarrheal may prevent the expulsion of the virus and prolong the illness.

Medications to treat diarrhea are not recommended for children to use, children usually have acute symptoms and they generally resolve after the acute illness has resolved. Children suffer from diarrhea should be constantly rehydrated using oral electrolyte solution, and they may require medical attention if the diarrhea persist for more than a few days or if they develop signs of significant dehydration such as markedly reduced urine output, lethargy and dry mouth. Adults should rehydrate themselves when having diarrhea also, as dehydration may cause electrolyte disturbances, which may lead to problems such as acute renal dysfunction, hypotension, and even cardiac arrhythmias.

Dulcolax is a brand for bisacodyl, a stimulant laxative. Dulcolax stimulates the intestines to move, and it also increases sodium and water in the colonic lumen to hydrate the feces to allow easier exit from the body via the rectum.

Dulcolax dosage in tablet form is usually 5mg to 15mg, taken at night or before bed to stimulate a bowel movement the next morning. The tablet takes about six to twelve hours to work and it is generally used to manage constipation or as a bowel preparation medication for colonoscopy. Usually more potent osmotic laxatives like magnesium citrate are preferred for bowel preparation for procedures and surgery.

Dulcolax dosage in suppository form is 10mg when required, and in children less than three years of age is a 5mg suppository. The suppository takes about sixty minute to have an effect in most people, so is considered a rapid acting laxative. The rectal route might seem undesirable at first thought but it is quicker and more effective in promoting bowel movement when required.

Constipation can be caused by many reasons such as lack of fiber and fluid in the diet, stress and medications such as opioid analgesics. For prolonged constipation you should consult your physician to avoid masking a more serious cause of constipation like colon cancer or partial bowel obstruction.

Dulcolax dosage, either orally or rectally, is also used in people who suffer from bulimia to lose weight, and should always be considered in these patients.  It is also often overused by patients with chronic constipation or by the elderly who has trouble going regularly. It is important to remember that constant use of Dulcolax may cause lazy bowel syndrome, where the bowel becomes reliant to the medication for a normal bowel movement. This in the most extreme cases can lead to toxic megacolon, requiring surgical removal of the colon and an ileostomy.