desvenlafaxine

Desvenlafaxine is a synthetic antidepressant classified as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). It is the major active metabolite of venlafaxine and is used primarily for the treatment of major depressive disorder in adults. Desvenlafaxine works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine in the central nervous system, thereby increasing their levels and helping to maintain mental balance. It has significantly higher potency for inhibiting serotonin uptake compared to norepinephrine uptake. Desvenlafaxine lacks significant activity at muscarinic-cholinergic, H1-histaminergic, or α1-adrenergic receptors and does not inhibit monoamine oxidase. The drug was developed by Wyeth (now part of Pfizer) and was approved for use in the United States in 2008.

Brand names

PristiqKhedezla

Other names

O-desmethylvenlafaxine