TheraRadar
Data updated: May 26, 2026

VENLAFAXINE HYDROCHLORIDE

CNS Approved 2006-08-03

Venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules are a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) indicated for use in adult patients. The medication is approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Additionally, it is utilized in the management of social anxiety disorder and panic disorder in the adult population.

Source: FDA Label • ANCHEN PHARMS

How VENLAFAXINE HYDROCHLORIDE Works

While the exact mechanism of action is unclear, venlafaxine is thought to work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine in the central nervous system. By blocking the reabsorption of these neurotransmitters, the drug potentiates their activity. This increase in serotonin and norepinephrine levels is believed to produce the therapeutic effects necessary for treating depression and anxiety disorders.

39
Indications
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Phase 3 Trials
19
Years on Market

VENLAFAXINE HYDROCHLORIDE Approval History

2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
Original
New Indication
New Form
Label Update
1090 FDA actions from 2006 to 2026
Jan 2026 SUPPL
Label · Labeling
Sep 2025 SUPPL
Label · Labeling
Sep 2025 SUPPL
Label · Labeling

What VENLAFAXINE HYDROCHLORIDE Treats

4 indications

VENLAFAXINE HYDROCHLORIDE is approved for 4 conditions since its original approval in 2006. These indications span multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology, and more.

  • Major Depressive Disorder
  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder
  • Social Anxiety Disorder
  • Panic Disorder
Source: FDA Label

VENLAFAXINE HYDROCHLORIDE Boxed Warning

SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in pediatric and young adult patients in short-term studies. Closely monitor all antidepressant-treated patients for clinical worsening, and emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1 )] . Venlafaxine hydrochloride extended-release capsules are not approved for use in pediatric patients [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4) ] . WARNING: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND ...

VENLAFAXINE HYDROCHLORIDE Competitive Set

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Drugs Similar to VENLAFAXINE HYDROCHLORIDE

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FDA-approved drugs for similar conditions. Compare mechanisms and indications to understand treatment alternatives.

EFFEXOR XR
VENLAFAXINE HYDROCHLORIDE
4 shared
UPJOHN
Shared indications:
Major Depressive DisorderGeneralized Anxiety DisorderSocial Anxiety Disorder +1 more
PAROXETINE
PAROXETINE HYDROCHLORIDE
4 shared
PRINSTON INC
Shared indications:
Major Depressive DisorderPanic DisorderSocial Anxiety Disorder +1 more
PAXIL CR
PAROXETINE HYDROCHLORIDE
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Apotex
Shared indications:
Major Depressive DisorderPanic DisorderSocial Anxiety Disorder
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Active Pipeline

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Key Completed Trials

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Trial Timeline

Full development history with FDA approval milestones

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Understanding FDA Approval Types
Count Type What it means
- ORIG Original approval - drug first enters market
- SUPPL - Efficacy New indication (new disease/condition approved)
- SUPPL - Labeling Label text changes (warnings, dosing updates)
- SUPPL - Manufacturing Production changes (new facility)
- SUPPL - Chemistry Formulation changes (new dosage strength)

Green lines in the timeline show ORIG and Efficacy approvals - the clinically meaningful milestones.

VENLAFAXINE HYDROCHLORIDE FDA Label Details

Indications & Usage

FDA Label (PDF)

VENLAFAXINE HYDROCHLORIDE is indicated for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder; Generalized Anxiety Disorder; Social Anxiety Disorder; Panic Disorder.

⚠️ BOXED WARNING

WARNING: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in pediatric and young adult patients in short-term studies. Closely monitor all antidepressant-treated patients for clinical worsening, and emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors [see...

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EFFEXOR XR

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Data Sources

Data sourced from official FDA and NIH databases. Click links to verify on original sources.