Psychopharmacological properties and therapeutic profile of the antidepressant venlafaxine.

Abstract in brief

• Venlafaxine is an antidepressant that targets both serotonin (SERT) and norepinephrine (NET) reuptake, aiming to improve treatment efficacy for major depression, which often responds slowly or unsatisfactorily to traditional SSRIs.
• Preclinical studies show that venlafaxine’s effects depend on the dose: low doses mainly boost serotonin levels, while higher doses increase both serotonin and norepinephrine, leading to changes in brain plasticity, especially in the hippocampus, which is important for mood regulation.
• While venlafaxine is considered highly effective and comparable to other antidepressants in alleviating depressive symptoms, it may have lower tolerance, meaning patients might experience more side effects or difficulties in long-term use.