Core Profile and Mechanism Venlafaxine is an oral Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor (SNRI) indicated for adult major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, and panic disorder. It functions by inhibiting the central reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, possessing a 30-fold higher affinity for serotonin compared to norepinephrine. The drug is primarily metabolized in the liver via the CYP2D6 enzyme into its major active metabolite, O-desmethylvenlafaxine (ODV). Medications that inhibit CYP2D6 can dangerously elevate venlafaxine plasma concentrations, particularly in CYP2D6 poor metabolizers.

Administration and Dosing Standard adult dosing typically begins at 37.5 mg or 75 mg daily. Maximum recommended dosages are generally 225 mg/day for outpatients, though severely  ...