Effexor is a prescription antidepressant that’s approved by the FDA to treat depression, anxiety, social anxiety, and panic disorder. The antidepressant belongs to a class of medications known as serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). What Is Effexor? Venlafaxine (brand name Effexor) is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) prescribed for depression, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and other psychiatric conditions. Venlafaxine, sold under the brand name Effexor among others, is an antidepressant medication of the serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) class. [5][9] It is used to treat major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. [9] Venlafaxine is used to treat depression. It is also used to treat general anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. Venlafaxine belongs to a group of medicines known as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI). Effexor XR (venlafaxine) is used to treat major depressive disorder, anxiety, and panic disorder. Includes Effexor XR side effects, interactions and indications. Chronic venlafaxine treatment can facilitate the occurrence of hypertensive crises in normotensive patients. Mirtazapine should be considered the antidepressant of choice. Infants receive venlafaxine. Side effects in breastfed infants have rarely been reported. Find patient medical information for Venlafaxine (Effexor) on WebMD including its uses, side effects and safety, interactions, pictures, warnings, and user ratings Venlafaxine (Effexor) is a potent SNRI for major depression, GAD, and panic disorder. Learn about its blood pressure effects, discontinuation syndrome, and global pricing. Venlafaxine and its active metabolite, O-desmethylvenlafaxine (ODV), are potent inhibitors of neuronal serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake and weak inhibitors of dopamine reuptake. Venlafaxine and ODV have no significant activity for muscarinic cholinergic, H 1 -histaminergic, or alpha 2 -adrenergic receptors. Venlafaxine is used in adults to treat major depressive disorder.