Therapeutic options for treating major depression, and the role of venlafaxine.
Major depression is a debilitating disorder that is often undertreated. Psychotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy, and pharmacotherapy are options for management. Tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are the cornerstones of drug therapy. Venlafaxine, a phenylethylamine antidepressant that primarily inhibits reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin, is an alternative to those agents. It has been studied in short-term and continuation studies and appears to have efficacy similar to that of imipramine, trazodone, and fluoxetine. Moreover, venlafaxine is effective in approximately one-third of patients with treatment-resistant depression. Venlafaxine is metabolized by the P-450 enzyme system to an active metabolite O-desmethyl-venlafaxine, which is excreted renally. Nausea, somnolence, and dizziness are dose-related adverse effects that often occur with initiation of therapy. Increases in blood pressure, particularly with high dosages, also may occur. Drug-drug interactions appear to be minimal.
Scott
M A
MA
Department of Pharmacy Practice, Campbell University School of Pharmacy, Buies Creek, North Carolina 27506, USA.
Shelton
P S
PS
Gattis
W
W
D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003511:Cyclohexanols / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D000069470:Venlafaxine Hydrochloride
D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; D003511:Cyclohexanols; D000069470:Venlafaxine Hydrochloride