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Effexor® (Venlafaxine)
Venlafaxine inhibits the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine in the central nervous system, increasing their availability at synaptic sites.
Venlafaxine inhibits the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine in the central nervous system, increasing their availability at synaptic sites. Used for Major depressive disorder, Generalized anxiety disorder, Social anxiety disorder.
At a glance
| Generic name | Effexor® (Venlafaxine) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Wyeth is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Pfizer |
| Drug class | Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) |
| Target | Serotonin transporter (SERT); Norepinephrine transporter (NET) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Psychiatry / Neurology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Venlafaxine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that blocks the reuptake transporters for both serotonin and norepinephrine, thereby prolonging their action in the synapse. At lower doses it preferentially inhibits serotonin reuptake, while at higher doses it also significantly inhibits norepinephrine reuptake. This dual mechanism is thought to enhance mood regulation and reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms.
Approved indications
- Major depressive disorder
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Somnolence
- Sweating
- Sexual dysfunction
- Hypertension
- Weight gain
Key clinical trials
- Venlafaxine 25 mg Tablets Under Fasting Conditions (PHASE1)
- Venlafaxine 25 mg Tablets Under Non-Fasting Conditions (PHASE1)
- A Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy, Safety & Tolerability of Brexpiprazole in the Maintenance Treatment of Adults With Major Depressive Disorder (PHASE3)
- The Effect of Venlafaxine on Language Function in Patients With Subcortical Aphasia: A fMRI Study (NA)
- A Study to Assess The Effects Of Effexor XR On Cardiac Repolarization In Healthy Adult Subjects (PHASE1)
- Bioequivalence Study of Venlafaxine Hydrochloride Sustained-Release Capsules in Chinese Healthy Volunteers (NA)
- MetAbolism vaRiability of VEnLafaxine (NA)
- Supplemental Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) vs. Standard Medication Monotherapy for Treating Major Depression: An Exploratory Field Study (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Effexor® (Venlafaxine) CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Effexor® (Venlafaxine) updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Wyeth is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Pfizer portfolio CI