Molecular Formula: C16H25NO2
Molecular weight: 263.37 g/mol
CAS No: N06AX23
ATC Code: N03AX10
Drug Class: Anti-Depressant
General Properties:
O-desmethylvenlafaxine is a tertiary amino compound that is N,N-dimethylethanamine substituted at position 1 by a 1-hydroxycyclohexyl and 4-hydroxyphenyl group. It is a metabolite of the drug venlafaxine. It has a role as a marine xenobiotic metabolite, a drug metabolite and an antidepressant. It is a member of cyclohexanols, a member of phenols and a tertiary amino compound.
Desvenlafaxine (O-desmethylvenlafaxine) is the 0-demetyhlated active metabolite of [venlafaxine]. Like its parent drug, desvenlafaxine is also an antidepressant belonging to the class of serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) class. It was approved by the FDA in 2008 for the treatment of adults with major depressive disorder (MDD). MDD is a highly prevalent psychiatric disorder, with a lifetime prevalence estimate of 16% in the US alone and 12.8% in Europe. Although the exact mechanism of pathophysiology is still unknown, imbalances or deficiencies of monoamines have been heavily implicated, thus the rationale behind the use of SNRI to treat MDD. Desvenlafaxine has a very similar pharmacological, efficacy, and safety profile as [venlafaxine]. The major difference is the potential for drug interaction since venlafaxine is mainly metabolized by CYP2D6 while desvenlafaxine is conjugated by UGT; therefore, desvenlafaxine is less likely to cause drug-drug interaction when taken with medications affecting the CYP2D6 pathway.
Desvenlafaxine is a Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitor. The mechanism of action of desvenlafaxine is as a Norepinephrine Uptake Inhibitor, and Serotonin Uptake Inhibitor, and Cytochrome P450 2D6 Inhibitor.
Indication:
Desvenlafaxine is an antidepressant that is an FDA-approved drug to treat major depressive disorder in adults. For healthy women who have contraindications to estrogen, desvenlafaxine can be used off-label to treat hot flashes during menopause.
