Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 2, 2026
12:21
Thermostabilization, Expression, Purification, and Crystallization of the Human Serotonin Transporter Bound to S-citalopram
Published on: November 27, 2016
Venlafaxine: a heterocyclic antidepressant
1College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242-0123.
American Journal of Hospital Pharmacy
|December 15, 1994
Summary
Venlafaxine hydrochloride is a novel antidepressant effective for major depression. It works by inhibiting serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake, showing good tolerability and potentially faster onset than other antidepressants.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Clinical Efficacy
- Drug Development
Background:
- Venlafaxine hydrochloride is a novel antidepressant agent.
- It exhibits a unique mechanism of action, inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine.
- Animal models indicate minimal interaction with muscarinic, histaminic, or adrenergic receptors, and no monoamine oxidase inhibition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and clinical efficacy of venlafaxine hydrochloride.
- To evaluate its safety and tolerability profile.
- To compare its therapeutic potential with existing antidepressant medications.
Main Methods:
- Pharmacokinetic studies assessing absorption, metabolism, and elimination.
- Double-blind, placebo-controlled trials for maintenance therapy in major depression.
- Adverse drug reaction (ADR) monitoring and reporting.
Main Results:
- Venlafaxine is rapidly absorbed, metabolized to O-desmethylvenlafaxine (ODV), with peak concentrations at 1-2 hours (venlafaxine) and 4-5 hours (ODV).
- Effective antidepressant activity was demonstrated in severely ill patients with major depression, with potential onset within two weeks.
- Common ADRs include nausea, somnolence, and dizziness, typically occurring early and decreasing over time; overall tolerability is good.
Conclusions:
- Venlafaxine hydrochloride is an effective antidepressant for major depression.
- It offers a favorable side effect profile with potentially fewer anticholinergic, antihistaminic, and antiadrenergic effects.
- The drug demonstrates comparable efficacy to existing antidepressants, possibly with a quicker therapeutic onset.
More Related Videos
10:17High-throughput and Comprehensive Drug Surveillance Using Multisegment Injection-Capillary Electrophoresis-Mass Spectrometry
Published on: April 23, 2019
08:15Network Pharmacology and Validation of the Antidepressant Mechanisms of Qiangzhifang in a Chronic Restraint Stress-induced Depression Rat Model
Published on: June 6, 2025
Related Concept Videos
01:21G-protein Coupled Receptors
G-protein coupled receptors are ligand binding receptors that indirectly affect changes in the cell. The actual receptor is a single polypeptide that transverses the cell membrane seven times creating intracellular and extracellular loops. The extracellular loops create a ligand specific pocket which binds to neurotransmitters or hormones. The intracellular loops holds onto the G-protein.
01:21Drugs Affecting Neurotransmitter Release or Uptake
Certain drugs can affect how neurotransmitters called catecholamines, are released or taken back up in the adrenergic neuron. They can have different effects on the body's sympathetic transmission. Reserpine, a natural compound found in the Rauwolfia shrub, blocks a transporter called vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT), which leads to a buildup of catecholamines in the cell and reduces sympathetic transmission. Another drug called guanethidine works in multiple ways, including blocking...
01:25Antidepressant Drugs: Overview
Antidepressant drugs are a class of medications primarily used for treating various mood disorders, including major depression, anxiety disorders, and other related conditions. These medicines work by modulating the neurotransmitter balance within the brain, alleviating depressive symptoms. Antidepressants can be broadly categorized into several groups according to their mechanism of action and chemical structure: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), Serotonin-Norepinephrine...
01:28Antidepressant Drugs: Tricyclics, SSRIs, and SNRIs
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs), including Desipramine (Norpramin), Imipramine (Tofranil), Clomipramine (Anafranil), and Amitriptyline (Elavil), inhibit serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake and also block other receptors. They are used for depression, pain conditions, and insomnia. Common adverse effects include anticholinergic effects, sedation, orthostatic hypotension, and weight gain. They have a narrow therapeutic window and so require plasma-level monitoring. Abrupt discontinuation can...
01:23Antidepressant Drugs: MAOIs and Other Agents
Atypical antidepressants, including bupropion (Wellbutrin), mirtazapine (Remeron), nefazodone (Serzone), trazodone (Desyrel), and vilazodone (Viibryd), offer unique mechanisms of action. Bupropion weakly inhibits dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake, aiding depression treatment and smoking cessation, with a low risk of sexual dysfunction. Mirtazapine enhances serotonin and norepinephrine neurotransmission, leading to sedation, increased appetite, and weight gain. As a result, it helps treat...
01:23Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Serotonin Receptor Agonists
Serotonin, a crucial neurotransmitter synthesized by enterochromaffin cells, plays a cardinal role in regulating gastrointestinal (GI) motility. With over 90% of the body's total serotonin in the GI tract, its influence on digestive processes is profound. Serotonin is swiftly released upon various stimuli, such as food boluses or certain drugs, triggering intrinsic sensory neurons in the myenteric plexus and extrinsic vagal and spinal sensory neurons. This leads to the activation of the...