Venlafaxine is an antidepressant of the serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) class.This means it increases the concentrations of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine in the body and the brain.

A comparative meta-analysis of 12 major antidepressants found that venlafaxine, mirtazapine, escitalopram, and sertraline were significantly more efficacious than duloxetine, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, and reboxetine.A combination of venlafaxine and mirtazapine achieved remission rates (defined as a HAM-D score of 7 or less) of 58% in one controlled trial.In combination with an antipsychotic medicine aripiprazole, better results in treatment resistant depression in older adults have been demonstrated.

Venlafaxine is a derivative of phenylethylamine and is an atypical antidepressant for the second ring class. This product and its active metabolite O- to methyl grammarin (ODV) can effectively reduce the reuptake of 5-ht and NA, and have a certain effect on the reuptake of DA, which has anti-depressant effect. The sedative effect is weaker. Oral absorption is good, and consumption does not affect the absorption of drugs. It is widely metabolized in the liver, and the main metabolites are ODV, which are excreted mainly through the kidney and can be excreted from the milk.
Venlafaxine belongs to the class of antidepressants called serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). SNRIs work by increasing the brain's levels of serotonin and norepinephrine, neurotransmitters that act together to brighten mood and relieve pain.