venlafaxine

Venlafaxine is a synthetic small molecule antidepressant classified as a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). It is primarily used to treat major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder in adults. Venlafaxine works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin at lower doses and both serotonin and norepinephrine at higher doses, increasing their levels in the brain to help maintain mental balance. It also has weak inhibitory effects on dopamine reuptake at high doses. The drug was first approved for use in 1993 (immediate-release) with an extended-release formulation introduced later[1][2][5][6][8].

Brand names

EffexorEffexor XR

Other names

venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules