Venlafaxine is primarily used to treat several mental health conditions and certain physical disorders.
FDA-approved uses include:
- Major depressive disorder (MDD)
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Social anxiety disorder (SAD)
- Panic disorder
These uses are widely supported across clinical guidelines and drug references.[1][2][3][4][5][6]
Off-label (non-FDA approved) uses include:
- Attention-deficit disorder (ADD/ADHD)
- Fibromyalgia
- Diabetic neuropathy and other complex pain syndromes
- Hot flashes related to menopause or breast cancer treatment
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
- Migraine prevention
- Cataplexy
The appropriateness of these off-label uses may vary and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.[1][2][3][6]
Venlafaxine belongs to a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It works by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine—neurotransmitters that help regulate mood—in the brain.[1][2][3][4][5][7]
References
- [1] Venlafaxine – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf
- [2] Venlafaxine: Uses, Interactions, Mechanism of Action – DrugBank
- [3] Venlafaxine: MedlinePlus Drug Information
- [4] Venlafaxine (Effexor): Uses, Side Effects, Interactions – WebMD
- [5] Venlafaxine Uses, Dosage & Side Effects – Drugs.com
- [6] Venlafaxine.pdf – National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
- [7] About venlafaxine – NHS
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