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Venlafaxine

SNRI • Brands: Effexor XR

Last reviewed: 2025-09-26

General information

Indicated for: Major depressive disorder; generalized anxiety disorder; social anxiety disorder; panic disorder.

Dosing & forms

  • Forms/strengths: —
  • Frequency: —
  • Food: —
  • Typical range: 75–225 mg/day (XR)

Mechanism (brief)

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor; dose-dependent norepinephrine engagement.

Metabolism & Half‑life

  • Metabolism: CYP2D6 to active O-desmethylvenlafaxine, minor CYP3A4.
  • Half‑life: ~5 h (parent); ~11 h active metabolite (XR smooths peaks).

Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM)

Recommended: No

View labelExact

Monitoring highlights

  • Blood pressure and heart rate (dose-related increases) — Baseline, after titration, periodically
  • Assess for withdrawal symptoms with dose changes — During taper

Sources