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). Venlafaxine (marketed as Effexor) is included in the class of drugs called selective serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). This class of drugs is used to treat depression. 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 and its active metabolite, O-desmethylvenlafaxine (ODV), inhibit the reuptake of serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE) from the synaptic cleft by binding to their respective transporters (SERT and NET). Effexor belongs to in a class of medications called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Venlafaxine works by increasing the amounts of serotonin and norepinephrine, natural substances in the brain that help maintain mental balance. 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 is an antidepressant that belongs to a group of medicines called serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It works by increasing the amount of natural chemicals called. Venlafaxine belongs to a class of medications called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Venlafaxine works by increasing the amounts of serotonin and norepinephrine, natural substances in the brain that help maintain mental balance. Effexor (venlafaxine) is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), a class of antidepressant that potentiates neurotransmitter activity by inhibiting the presynaptic reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine. 1 Venlafaxine is in a class of medications called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It works by increasing the amounts of serotonin and norepinephrine, natural substances in the brain that help maintain mental balance.