Venlafaxine is primarily used as an antidepressant medication to treat several mental health conditions. Its main uses include:
- Major depressive disorder
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
It belongs to a class of medications called serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Venlafaxine works by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine, which are natural substances in the brain that help regulate mood. In addition to these primary uses, venlafaxine may also be used for other conditions such as:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Chronic neuropathic pain
- Hot flashes in menopausal women or men undergoing hormone therapy for prostate cancer
- Off-label uses include diabetic neuropathy, migraine prevention, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), cataplexy (associated with narcolepsy), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), fibromyalgia, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder
Venlafaxine can be taken orally in various dosage forms, including extended- release capsules. Overall, venlafaxine is prescribed to help improve mood, reduce anxiety, and manage panic symptoms by modulating neurotransmitters in the brain. If you have any particular condition or need more specific info about venlafaxine use for your case, consulting a healthcare provider is recommended.
