Depression (major depressive disorder) affects more than 16 million adult Americans. Desvenlafaxine and Venlafaxine are two popular drugs prescribed to treat depression, a prevalent mental health disorder. The two medications are similar; Desvenlafaxine is the active metabolite of Venlafaxine. Although they are similar in some ways, they have some differences.
Venlafaxine and desvenlafaxine are serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. These are FDA-approved drugs to treat Major Depressive Disorder. They improve depression symptoms by controlling the reuptake of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine in the CNS (central nervous system). These medications help people to tackle their depression and overcome anxiety.
But the question arises- which of them is better Desvenlafaxine or Venlafaxine? To know more, read further.Â
Venlafaxine is an antidepressant drug and is a part of the drug class named Selective Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SSNRI). Venlafaxine hydrochloride is the active ingredient present in Venlafaxine.Â
Along with being used as a medication for depression, Venlafaxine also treats mental health problems such as anxiety and panic disorder. You can get the medicine under its brand name Effexor.
Venlafaxine is a part of the SSNRI drug class in which the drugs affect the chemicals present in the brain to eradicate mental problems. Venlafaxine is a phenylethylamine derivative. It blocks the presynaptic reuptake of serotonin to promote neurotransmission in the brain.Â
Venlafaxine blocks the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine in synaptosomes. It is a weak inhibitor of dopamine reuptake. Venlafaxine helps promote the rise of chemical substances such as Norepinephrine and Serotonin by blocking their reuptake, which decreases depression symptoms. It improves the mood and restricts the mind from getting into negative thoughts.
The active metabolite of venlafaxine is desvenlafaxine, a novel SNRI (Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors) that has received US Food and Drug Administration approval for Major Depressive Disorder. It can be used with other drugs as a combination therapy. Desvenlafaxine is available only in the form of an extended-release tablet.Â
Desvenlafaxine is an active metabolite of Venelafaxine. Desvenlafaxine restricts the uptake of chemicals like Serotonin and Norepinephrine, increasing their brain level. These chemicals help to maintain proper mental stability.
Thus, because of Desvenlafaxine, as the level of chemicals increases, it helps to improve the mood and decreases the symptoms of depression. Similar to other SNRIs, there is only a negligible impact on dopamine and its reuptake.
Typically, pharmaceutical dosage forms are administered to patients to ensure they receive an effective drug dose. The formulation includes the pharmacological substance and excipients in the amounts and physical forms necessary for the patient's medication to be administered accurately and effectively.
Venlafaxine is an oral medication, and it is available in the form of tablets, capsules, and extended-release capsules. Take the drug with food daily. Do not crush or chew the tablets or capsules.
For The Treatment Of General Anxiety DisorderDesvenlafaxine is an oral medication available as a tablet for consumption. Take the dose with or without food. Follow a proper routine for the dosage. It comes in 25-mg, 50-mg, and 100-mg as an extended-release formulation.
The tablets should not be chewed or crushed and must be swallowed as a whole to eliminate the risk of possible side effects.
Desvenlafaxine and Venlafaxine share some similar features. Although these two medications are different from one another, they each address a specific issue and deliver positive outcomes.
The side effects are the only thing that varies.
Compared to Desvenlafaxine, nausea is more severe in those using Venlafaxine. There are no discernible differences in their efficacy.
The selection of Desvenlafaxine or Venlafaxine entirely depends upon the doctor.Â
Study 1
A systematic literature search was conducted to identify all placebo-controlled studies in the treatment of depression using desvenlafaxine and venlafaxine. According to the findings of this indirect meta-analysis, desvenlafaxine is not less effective than venlafaxine for treating depression in the short term at doses that are approved. Â
Venlafaxine and desvenlafaxine exhibit strong pharmacodynamic suppression of serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake in preclinical models. The findings also imply that desvenlafaxine has a tolerability advantage over venlafaxine regarding less nausea.Â
Study 2
Two studies compared desvenlafaxine 50 mg and 100 mg daily with a placebo, with the 50 mg dose having a significantly higher remission rate. Only desvenlafaxine 400 mg daily showed a significantly higher remission rate in research comparing desvenlafaxine 100 mg, 200 mg, and 400 mg daily to placebo.
Venlafaxine and desvenlafaxine are serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. These are FDA-approved drugs to treat Major Depressive Disorder. They improve depression symptoms by controlling the reuptake of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine in the CNS (central nervous system). These medications help people to tackle their depression and overcome anxiety.
These are the undesired effects of administering the drug. It often ranges from mild to moderate or severe. Inform your doctor if any of the following appears.
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Common side effects |
Serious side effects |
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Nausea |
Allergic reactions such as skin rash |
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Vomiting |
Hallucination |
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Sleep problems |
Shivering |
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Dry mouth |
Muscle stiffness |
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Blurred vision |
Imbalance in coordination |
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Sexual problems |
Fast heart rate |
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Dizziness |
Agitation |
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Constipation |
Weight gain |
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Common side effects |
Serious side effects |
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Nausea, vomiting |
Suicidal thoughts |
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Loss of appetite |
Skin allergies or rashes |
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Dizziness |
Blurred vision |
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Loss of sexual interest |
Breathing problems |
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Sleep problems |
Seizure |
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Dry mouth |
Rapid heart rate |
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Constipation |
Hallucination |
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Blurred vision |
Serotonin syndrome |
When using prescription medicine, it is crucial to take the advised safety precautions to prevent abuse. When taken according to regimens, accurate doses, and reduced risks, medications can be beneficial for patients. Therefore, follow precautions for the safe use of the drugs.
Drug interactions can either increase a medication's effects, potentially leading to a reaction resembling an overdose, or decrease the effect, rendering it ineffective.
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a widespread, incapacitating illness that causes a significant economic burden. The pharmaceutical drugs venlafaxine and desvenlafaxine are used to treat depression.
Considering that both drugs have similar functions and applications in treatment, some studies refer to venlafaxine as the "parent drug" of desvenlafaxine. In the body, venlafaxine is converted to desvenlafaxine.
Preclinical models show strong inhibition of serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake by venlafaxine and desvenlafaxine. Furthermore, desvenlafaxine has a better tolerability profile of nausea compared to venlafaxine. In case of any adverse event, call your doctor.
