About Venlafaxine Venlafaxine extended-release is the first antidepressant approved by the FDA and 33 countries worldwide to treat depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Generalized anxiety disorder, the most common anxiety disorder, is a long-term condition marked by overwhelming, chronic, and excessive worry, anxiety, and tension that persist for at least six months. Venlafaxine is a structurally novel antidepressant chemically unrelated to any other available antidepressant. Venlafaxine exhibits dual reuptake inhibition, working simultaneously on both serotonin and norepinephrine, two of the neurotransmitters believed to be implicated in depression and anxiety. It is believed that serotonin enhances mood, thus affecting, for example, impulse, appetite and feelings of aggression.
Norepinephrine affects motivation.
The SSRIs selectively block the reuptake of serotonin. Venlafaxine was developed by Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories, a division of American Home Products Corporation. These medications are available only by prescription. Regular BP monitoring is recommended. Patients should not be abruptly discontinued from antidepressant medication, including venlafaxine extended-release.