Venlafaxine

Serum, 1ml

Venlafaxin is an anti-depressive of the ‘SSNRI‘ Group of selective serotonin-noradrenalin re-uptake inhibitors. This medication is administered for cases of major depression, anxiety, and panic disorders. Structurally speaking, this active ingredient is closely related to the opioid analgesic ‘Tramadol‘, and thus also inhibits the re-uptake of noradrenilin and serotonin in the presynaptic neuron. In addition, venlafaxin also slightly inhibits the re-uptake of dopamin. This means, that these neuro-transmitters become present in high concentrations in the synapses and the medication thus acts anti-depressively, mood-enhancing and stimulating. Frequent side effects are nausea, xerostomia, sweating and headache.

Type of drug: Antidepressant
Metabolism: CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP2C9, CYP3A4, P-gp(ABCB1)
Half life t½: 14-18h, O-desmethylvenlafaxine: 10-17h
Steady State: 3-4 days
TDM: recommended
Additional informations: O-desmethylvenlafaxine is the main active component; concentrations above 222ug/l induce a response N-desmethylvenlafaxine does not have a pharmacological function. Under 100ug/l venlafaxine acts as an SSRI, t½ for extended release formulation.