Introduction
Venlafaxine is classified as an antidepressant, which is one of the selective serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SSNRIs). The drug acts as a stimulant and an anxiety-reducing agent by increasing serotonin and noradrenalin levels in the central nervous system. For this reason, it is used to treat anxiety disorders and severe depression. In children and adolescents, there is a known significantly increased risk of side effects such as suicidal thoughts and hostility, which is why venlafaxine is not approved for use in children under the age of 18.
Indication
Venlafaxine has an antidepressant effect by increasing various transmitter concentrations in the brain. It is prescribed for the treatment of severe depression, although it should be noted that the desired effect is only achieved if taken continuously. As mentioned above, venlafaxine may also be used to treat anxiety disorders such as panic attacks.
Agoraphobia, also known as claustrophobia, which is a condition in which a person feels very uncomfortable in front of certain places and crowds, is one of these disorders. Another example are social phobias, where fear of contact with (especially) strangers exists. Venlafaxine can also improve symptoms in generalized anxiety disorders. Here, almost all areas of the patient’s life are affected, leaving him/her exposed to a constant stress situation. This results in symptoms such as mild irritability, difficulty concentrating, restlessness and rapid fatigue.
Effect and active ingredient
In both depression and anxiety disorders, the transmitters serontonin and noradrenalin play an important role in the central nervous system. The exact cause is not yet known, but in these disorders there is a deficiency of both substances. Vanlafaxine works by increasing the serotonin level between the nerve cells, more precisely at the synapses.
This is done by blocking the serotonin transporters to reabsorb the transmitter, which remains in the cleft space. When an excitation is passed between two nerve cells, the transmitter is released by the first nerve cell into the synaptic cleft to reach the second nerve cell, where it passes on the signal via receptors. Afterwards, serotonin would normally be reabsorbed into the first cell. If, as with venlafaxine, the quantity of transmitters is increased, the signal is amplified and extended.
