What is venlafaxine commonly prescribed for?

Venlafaxine is a type of antidepressant medication in the class of drugs known as selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It is commonly prescribed to treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.

What is Venlafaxine?

Venlafaxine is a type of antidepressant medication in the class of drugs known as selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It is used to treat depression and other mental health conditions such as anxiety, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. Venlafaxine works by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps to improve mood, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep.

How Does Venlafaxine Work?

Venlafaxine works by blocking the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. This increases the levels of these neurotransmitters, which helps to improve mood, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep.

What is Venlafaxine Commonly Prescribed For?

Venlafaxine is commonly prescribed to treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. It is also sometimes used to treat chronic pain and other conditions.

Studies

A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry in 2017 found that venlafaxine was effective in treating major depressive disorder in adults. The study found that venlafaxine was more effective than a placebo in reducing symptoms of depression.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology in 2018 found that venlafaxine was effective in treating social anxiety disorder in adults. The study found that venlafaxine was more effective than a placebo in reducing symptoms of social anxiety disorder.

It is important to talk to your doctor before taking any medication. Your doctor can help you decide which medication is right for you based on your individual needs.


There are various forms of drugs available, such as tablets or liquids, and each may have a separate patient information leaflet (PIL) for different doses. It is important to refer to the PIL for the specific form and dose of the drug that you have been prescribed.

You can search for further information and PILs on websites such as:

  • The British National Formulary (BNF)
  • Electronic medicines compendium (emc)
  • The National Library of Medicine's DailyMed
  • The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 
  • Different drug forms like tablets or liquids have specific patient information leaflets (PIL) for various doses. Refer to the PIL for your prescribed drug form and dose.

    Search for PILs on websites like:

    France

    • ANSM (Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament et des produits de santé): ansm.sante.fr

    Spain

    • AEMPS (Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios): aemps.gob.es

    Germany

    • BfArM (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte): bfarm.de

    Italy

    For questions about your medication:

    • Consult your doctor, a healthcare professional, or a pharmacist

    France

    • Contact SOS Médecins: 3624
    • For mental health support, contact SOS Suicide: 01 45 39 40 00

    Belgium (French)

    Switzerland (French)

    • La Main Tendue: 143
    • Website: 143.ch

    Canada (French)

    • Centre de prévention du suicide du Québec: 1 866 APPELLE (1 866 277-3553)
    • Website: cpsquebec.ca

    Spain

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Teléfono de la Esperanza: 717 003 717

    Germany

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Telefonseelsorge: 0800 111 0 111 or 0800 111 0 222

    Italy

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Telefono Amico: 199 284 284

    Netherlands

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact 113 Zelfmoordpreventie: 0800 0113

    Portugal

    • Contact emergency number: 112
    • For mental health support, contact Sos Voz Amiga: 21 354 45 45, 91 280 26 69, or 96 352 46 60

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