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.