Drug reference
venlafaxine
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Drug class
Central Nervous System (SNRIs)
Mechanism of action
"Bicyclic" antidepressant; drug is structurally unrelated to SSRIs, MAOIs, and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), but it and its metabolite are potent inhibitors of serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake and weak inhibitors of dopamine reuptake; it does not have MAOI activity or activity for H1 histaminergic, muscarinic cholinergic
Common side effects
- Asthenia
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
- Somnolence
- Headache
- Nausea
- Ejaculation disorder
Known interactions (2)
- isocarboxazid + venlafaxine Contraindicated
- etoricoxib + venlafaxine Moderate
Related conditions
Frequently asked questions
What drug class is venlafaxine?
venlafaxine belongs to: Central Nervous System.
How does venlafaxine work?
"Bicyclic" antidepressant; drug is structurally unrelated to SSRIs, MAOIs, and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), but it and its metabolite are potent inhibitors of serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake and weak inhibitors of dopamine reuptake; it does not have MAOI activity or activity for H1 histaminergic, muscarinic cholinergic
What are the common side effects of venlafaxine?
Asthenia, Insomnia, Dizziness, Somnolence, Headache, Nausea, Ejaculation disorder
Which drugs interact with venlafaxine?
isocarboxazid, etoricoxib
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.