What is the brand name for Venlafaxine?
The brand name for Venlafaxine is Effexor.
PTCE Top 200 · #51
Venlafaxine
Effexor
Venlafaxine is the generic name for the brand-name drug Effexor. It is a snri antidepressant used to treat depression, anxiety. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Venlafaxine ranks #51 and is one of the most frequently tested cns/psych medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.
| Generic name | Venlafaxine |
|---|---|
| Brand name(s) | Effexor |
| Drug class | SNRI antidepressant |
| Class group | CNS/Psych |
| Common use | depression, anxiety |
| DEA schedule | Unscheduled |
| Availability | Prescription only (Rx) |
What is Venlafaxine used for?
• Major depressive disorder (MDD). • Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, panic disorder (depending on formulation/approval).
What drug class is Venlafaxine?
Venlafaxine is a SNRI antidepressant in the CNS/Psych group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.
Common side effects of Venlafaxine
- arrow_rightNausea
- arrow_rightDry mouth
- arrow_rightSweating
- arrow_rightInsomnia
- arrow_rightDizziness
Major interactions
- arrow_rightMAO inhibitors (contraindicated) → serotonin syndrome
- arrow_rightOther serotonergic drugs (triptans, linezolid, tramadol, St. John’s wort) → serotonin syndrome
- arrow_rightDrugs increasing bleeding risk (NSAIDs, anticoagulants) with SNRIs/SSRIs
- arrow_rightCYP2D6 inhibitors may ↑ venlafaxine exposure (some formulations)
Is Venlafaxine a controlled substance?
No. Venlafaxine is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
warning Boxed warning
Antidepressants increase risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults; monitor closely.
How to remember Venlafaxine (PTCE mnemonic)
EFFEX-or has the 'EFFECT' on mood + pain — venlafa-XINE is an SNRI. Dose-dependent ↑BP; brutal withdrawal (taper slowly); suicidality (boxed).
lightbulb
PTCE exam tip
Venlafaxine is an SNRI — notorious for discontinuation symptoms if stopped abruptly, so tapering counseling is tested.
Venlafaxine FAQ
What is Venlafaxine used for?
Venlafaxine is used to treat depression, anxiety. • Major depressive disorder (MDD). • Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, panic disorder (depending on formulation/approval).
What drug class is Venlafaxine?
Venlafaxine is a SNRI antidepressant (CNS/Psych group).
Is Venlafaxine a controlled substance?
No. Venlafaxine is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).
Related drugs in the CNS/Psych group
Drill Venlafaxine the way the PTCE asks it
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Last reviewed June 25, 2026. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).