From the Guidelines
Effexor, also known as Venlafaxine, is a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SSNRI) used to treat various conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, and neuropathic pain.
Key Characteristics of Venlafaxine
- It works by inhibiting the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps to improve mood and reduce pain [ 1 ].
- Venlafaxine is available in short- and long-acting preparations, with the extended-release form allowing for single daily dosing [ 2 ].
- The medication has been shown to be effective in treating generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and neuropathic pain, including painful diabetic neuropathy [ 3, 4 ].
Dosage and Administration
- The typical dosage of venlafaxine for treating depression and anxiety disorders is 150-225 mg/day, with a gradual titration to the effective dose [ 3 ].
- For neuropathic pain, the dosage is typically started at a lower dose and gradually increased to an effective dose, often in the range of 150-225 mg/day [ 3 ].
Side Effects and Precautions
- Common side effects of venlafaxine include nausea, headache, and dizziness [ 1 ].
- The medication can also cause increases in blood pressure and heart rate, and should be used with caution in patients with cardiac disease [ 3 ].
- Venlafaxine should be tapered when discontinuing treatment to avoid withdrawal symptoms [ 3 ].
From the FDA Drug Label
Venlafaxine HCl is a prescription medicine used to treat depression. What is venlafaxine HCl? Venlafaxine HCl is a prescription medicine used to treat depression.
Effexor (Venlafaxine) is a prescription medicine used to treat depression 5.
From the Research
Definition and Mechanism of Action
- Venlafaxine, also known as Effexor, is an antidepressant that works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, two neurotransmitters in the brain 6, 7.
- It is classified as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) and is used to treat various conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, and panic disorder 7, 8.
Therapeutic Uses
- Venlafaxine is approved for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder 7.
- It is also used to treat depression, including major depressive disorder, and has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety 6, 9.
Pharmacokinetics and Formulations
- Venlafaxine is available in immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (XR) formulations, with the XR formulation allowing for once-daily dosing 8.
- The XR formulation has a lower maximum plasma concentration and a longer apparent elimination half-life compared to the IR formulation, which may reduce the risk of side effects such as nausea and dizziness 8.
Side Effects and Risks
- Common side effects of venlafaxine include nausea, dry mouth, dizziness, sweating, somnolence, constipation, nervousness, insomnia, asthenia, tremor, and decreased appetite 9.
- Venlafaxine may also increase the risk of serious adverse events, such as sexual dysfunction and anorexia, and may have uncertain effects on the risk of suicides or suicide attempts 9.