Venlafaxine
In medicine and neuropharmacology, venlafaxine is a second generation antidepressant that has unusual chemistry: it inhibits the reuptake of several neurotransmitters depending on dose. In other words, it is an atypical second-generation drug that is neither a pure selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), a pure selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), or an equal inhibitor of both. To a lesser extent, it inhibits dopamine reuptake. [1]
In a meta-analysis of eight trials of venflaxine versus the pure SSRIs fluoxetine, fluvoxamine and paroxetine, it had a superior rate of remission of depression. This improvement was evident versus placebo in week 2 of treatment, while the other drugs were superior to placebo only after 4 weeks.[2] When extended-release venlafaxine was compared to extended-release bupropion, efficacy was comparable but bupropion had a better side effect profile.[3]
History
Effexor brand of venlafaxine was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States with a New Drug Application (NDA) in 1993.[4] A generic version was approved with a NDA in 2008.[5]
Generic versions of the time-release form are also available.
Pharmacology
Administration
Distribution
Metabolism
At the basic dosage level, it increases serotonin levels in synaptic gaps, by inhibiting presynaptic reuptake. With this
Excretion
Toxicity
External links
The most up-to-date information about Venlafaxine and other drugs can be found at the following sites.
- Venlafaxine - FDA approved drug information (drug label) from DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine).
- Venlafaxine - Drug information for consumers from MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine).
- Venlafaxine - Detailed information from DrugBank.
References
- ↑ Partridge SJ; MacIver DH; Solanki T (2000), "(Abstract) A depressed myocardium.", J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 38 (4): 453-5
- ↑ Thase ME; Entsuah R; Rudolph RL (2001), "Remission rates during treatment with venlafaxine or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors", Br. J. Psychiatry
- ↑ Thase ME; Clayton AH; Haight BR; Thompson AH; Modell JG; Johnston JA (2006), J Clin Psychopharmacol 26 (5): 482-8
- ↑ Anonymous. Drugs@FDA for FDA Application No. 020151. U S Food and Drug Administration
- ↑ Anonymous. Drugs@FDA for FDA Application No. 022104. U S Food and Drug Administration