Venlafaxine
Effexor (venlafaxine) is a prescription antidepressant medication classified as a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). It is primarily used to treat major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder by restoring the balance of certain natural chemicals in the brain.
Effexor is an SNRI antidepressant used to treat depression, anxiety, and panic disorders by affecting brain chemicals involved in mood regulation.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 151692
- Generic
- Effexor
- Class
- brand-name
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Effexor is FDA-approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder with or without agoraphobia.
As an SNRI, Effexor works by inhibiting the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, increasing the availability of these neurotransmitters, which are believed to play key roles in regulating mood and anxiety.
Effexor may increase suicidal thoughts or behaviors, particularly in young adults under 25 during initial treatment. It should not be stopped abruptly, as withdrawal symptoms may occur. Patients should be monitored for worsening depression, unusual behavioral changes, and potential interactions with other medications, including MAO inhibitors.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy