Urinary Retention

Urinary Retention is a condition where a patient cannot empty the bladder completely. A person suffering from urinary retention will have a strong urge to urinate but will not be able to do so totally. Acute urinary retention is characterized by sharp pain and often needs surgery. Men are more likely to suffer urinary retention.

Urinary retention might occur due to urethral obstruction or weakness in the bladder well. Urine analysis can aid in detecting the cause for urinary retention. PSA levels can help in diagnosing enlarged prostate. Renal failure or prostatitis or UTI can also manifest with urinary retention. Bladder stones are another cause for incomplete passage of urine. Patients suffering from urinary retention tend to experience abdominal swelling and difficulty in starting urination. There might be dribbling of urine at other times. A urethral catheter is used to allow free passage of urine. Medications to encourage urination are given to patients suffering from urinary retention.

Venlafaxine

Indication

A new class of antidepressant medications, unrelated to the tricyclic antidepressants, used in the treatment of depression.

Side effects

Anxiety, somnolence, dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, abnormal ejaculation (male), impotence, headache, tremor, blurred vision, asthenia, sweating, nervousness, hypertension, and insomnia have been the most commonly reported. Changes in weight, appetite and allergic reactions have also been reported more infrequently. Other less common effects include infection, chills, chest pain, tachycardia, rash, constipation, abnormal dreams, paraesthesias, depression, urinary retention, twitching, change in taste, and tinnitus.

Interactions and precautions
1. Use with caution and at a reduced dosage in those with, liver impairment.
2. Consider overall risk-benefit in those with hypertension.
3. Do not use with alcohol.
4. Do not use with Mao inhibitors--fatal interaction can result.
5. Potential for interaction with over-the-counter cold remedies, consult you physician before use.
6. Use with cimetidine could potentiate the effects of venlafaxine. A dosage reduction (venlafaxine) may be necessary in some individuals.

Usual dose

Adults: oral, 75 mg per day in two to three dicided doses, taken with food.