MedPath

Venlafaxine

Generic Name
Venlafaxine
Brand Names
Effexor
Drug Type
Small Molecule
Chemical Formula
C17H27NO2
CAS Number
93413-69-5
Unique Ingredient Identifier
GRZ5RCB1QG

Overview

Venlafaxine is an antidepressant and a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). Its active metabolite, desvenlafaxine, works by blocking the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, which are key neurotransmitters in mood regulation. Venlafaxine is officially approved to treat major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder in adults. The immediate formulation of the drug, marketed as Effexor, was first approved by the FDA in 1993 and the extended-release formulation, Effexor XR, was later introduced in 1997. Venlafaxine has been used as a first-line treatment for MDD, GAD, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder in Canada for many years. It was also considered a second-line treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Venlafaxine was also investigated in off-label uses for the prophylaxis of migraine headaches, for reduction of vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause, and for the management of neuropathic pain (although there is only minimal evidence of efficacy for this condition).

Background

Venlafaxine is an antidepressant and a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). Its active metabolite, desvenlafaxine, works by blocking the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, which are key neurotransmitters in mood regulation. Venlafaxine is officially approved to treat major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder in adults. The immediate formulation of the drug, marketed as Effexor, was first approved by the FDA in 1993 and the extended-release formulation, Effexor XR, was later introduced in 1997. Venlafaxine has been used as a first-line treatment for MDD, GAD, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder in Canada for many years. It was also considered a second-line treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Venlafaxine was also investigated in off-label uses for the prophylaxis of migraine headaches, for reduction of vasomotor symptoms associated with menopause, and for the management of neuropathic pain (although there is only minimal evidence of efficacy for this condition).

Indication

Venlafaxine is indicated for the management of major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), and panic disorder.

Associated Conditions

  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder
  • Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
  • Migraine
  • Neuropathic Pain
  • Panic Disorder
  • Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
  • Vasomotor Symptoms Associated With Menopause

FDA Approved Products

Venlafaxine hydrochloride
Manufacturer:Macleods Pharmaceuticals Limited
Route:ORAL
Strength:75 mg in 1 1
Approved: 2023/09/06
NDC:33342-195
Venlafaxine hydrochloride
Manufacturer:Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Limited
Route:ORAL
Strength:75 mg in 1 1
Approved: 2022/12/23
NDC:55111-548
Venlafaxine Hydrochloride
Manufacturer:RPK Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Route:ORAL
Strength:37.5 mg in 1 1
Approved: 2022/01/13
NDC:53002-2366
Venlafaxine Hydrochloride
Manufacturer:Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC
Route:ORAL
Strength:75 mg in 1 1
Approved: 2023/08/28
NDC:65162-307
VENLAFAXINE HYDROCHLORIDE
Manufacturer:BluePoint Laboratories
Route:ORAL
Strength:150 mg in 1 1
Approved: 2024/02/08
NDC:68001-498

Singapore Approved Products

DEPREVIX MODIFIED RELEASE HARD CAPSULE 150MG
Manufacturer:Pharmathen S.A., Pharmathen International S.A.
Form:CAPSULE, DELAYED RELEASE
Strength:150mg
Online:Yes
Approved: 2018/08/08
Approval:SIN15521P
VENLEX FORTE XR CAPSULES 150MG
Manufacturer:Pharmathen S.A., Pharmathen International S.A.
Form:CAPSULE, EXTENDED RELEASE
Strength:150 mg
Online:Yes
Approved: 2016/06/22
Approval:SIN15039P
VENLEX XR CAPSULES 75MG
Manufacturer:Pharmathen S.A., Pharmathen International S.A.
Form:CAPSULE, EXTENDED RELEASE
Strength:75 mg
Online:Yes
Approved: 2016/06/22
Approval:SIN15038P
EFEXOR XR CAPSULE 75 mg
Manufacturer:PFIZER IRELAND PHARMACEUTICALS, PFIZER BIOTECH CORPORATION (Primary and Secondary Packager), Pfizer Manufacturing Deutschland GmbH (“(Primary and Secondary Packager), Pfizer Pharmaceuticals Limited (Primary & secondary packager)
Form:CAPSULE
Strength:75 mg
Online:Yes
Approved: 2000/12/19
Approval:SIN11435P
ViePax XR 75mg Tablet
Manufacturer:Dexcel Ltd
Form:TABLET, EXTENDED RELEASE
Strength:75 mg
Online:Yes
Approved: 2008/06/19
Approval:SIN13478P

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