Venlafaxine Pathway

Venlafaxine is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) marketed for the treatment of depression disorders. The molecular targets of venlafaxine are the serotonin and norepinephrine transporters, resulting in inhibition of serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake from the synaptic cleft.

A new pathway is posted on PharmGKB summarizing the metabolism of venlafaxine.

Demethylation to O-desmethylvenlafaxine, a pharmacological active metabolite, is the primary route of the first pass metabolism of venlafaxine. Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) is the major enzyme involved in the O-desmethylvenlafaxine formation.

The pharmacokinetics of venlafaxine is affected by the CYP2D6 metabolizer phenotype. Read the entire pathway description for more information about the influence of genetic variations on venlafaxine metabolism and treatment outcome.

View all pathways at PharmGKB.