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venlafaxine (Effexor)

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) · FDA-approved active Small molecule

venlafaxine (Effexor) is a Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) Small molecule drug developed by National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). It is currently FDA-approved for Major depressive disorder, Generalized anxiety disorder, Social anxiety disorder.

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 namevenlafaxine (Effexor)
SponsorNational Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Drug classSerotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI)
TargetSerotonin transporter (SERT), norepinephrine transporter (NET), dopamine transporter (DAT, weak)
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaPsychiatry / Mental Health
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Venlafaxine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) that blocks the reuptake transporters for both serotonin and norepinephrine, leading to increased concentrations of these neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft. At higher doses, it also has weak dopamine reuptake inhibition. This mechanism is thought to restore balance in neurotransmitter signaling and alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

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SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

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Frequently asked questions about venlafaxine (Effexor)

What is venlafaxine (Effexor)?

venlafaxine (Effexor) is a Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) drug developed by National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), indicated for Major depressive disorder, Generalized anxiety disorder, Social anxiety disorder.

How does venlafaxine (Effexor) work?

Venlafaxine inhibits the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine in the central nervous system, increasing their availability at synaptic sites.

What is venlafaxine (Effexor) used for?

venlafaxine (Effexor) is indicated for Major depressive disorder, Generalized anxiety disorder, Social anxiety disorder, Panic disorder, Vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause.

Who makes venlafaxine (Effexor)?

venlafaxine (Effexor) is developed and marketed by National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) (see full National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) pipeline at /company/national-institute-of-mental-health-nimh).

What drug class is venlafaxine (Effexor) in?

venlafaxine (Effexor) belongs to the Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) class. See all Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) drugs at /class/serotonin-norepinephrine-reuptake-inhibitor-snri.

What development phase is venlafaxine (Effexor) in?

venlafaxine (Effexor) is FDA-approved (marketed).

What are the side effects of venlafaxine (Effexor)?

Common side effects of venlafaxine (Effexor) include Nausea, Headache, Dizziness, Insomnia, Somnolence, Sweating.

What does venlafaxine (Effexor) target?

venlafaxine (Effexor) targets Serotonin transporter (SERT), norepinephrine transporter (NET), dopamine transporter (DAT, weak) and is a Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI).

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