Desvenlafaxine is a dual serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor in vitro and in vivo that demonstrates good brain-to-plasma ratios. Desvenlafaxine has demonstrated antidepressant effects in preclinical studies. Pfizer is developing an oral, extended-release formulation of desvenlafaxine for the treatment of major depressive disorder. Desvenlafaxine has been registered and is available on the market for the treatment of major depressive disorder in adults.

Venlafaxine is an arylalkanolamine serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, which is sold under several brand names; one of them is venlafaxine hydrochloride. Venlafaxine hydrochloride is a venlafaxine extended release tablets, which are indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). Efficacy of venlafaxine in MDD was shown in both short-term trials and a longer-term trial in MDD. A major depressive episode (DSM-IV) implies a prominent and relatively persistent depressed mood or the loss of interest or pleasure in nearly all activities, representing a change from previous functioning, and includes the presence of at least five of the following nine symptoms during the same two-week period. In addition, venlafaxine hydrochloride is indicated for the treatment of social anxiety (SAD), also known as social phobia. Social Anxiety Disorder (DSM-IV) is characterized by a marked and persistent fear of 1 or more social or performance situations in which others expose to unfamiliar people or to possible scrutiny the person. Exposure to the feared situation almost invariably provokes anxiety, which may approach the intensity of a panic attack. The feared situations are avoided or endured with intense anxiety or distress. The mechanism of the antidepressant action of venlafaxine in humans is believed to be associated with its potentiation of neurotransmitter activity in the CNS. Preclinical studies have shown that venlafaxine and its active metabolite, O-desmethylvenlafaxine (ODV), are potent inhibitors of neuronal serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake and weak inhibitors of dopamine reuptake.

Tyramine is a naturally occurring monoamine compound and trace amine derived from the amino acid tyrosine. Tyramine occurs widely in plants and animals, and is metabolized by the enzyme monoamine oxidase. Tyramine is an alpha-adrenergic agonist. Hypertension can occur, from ingestion of tyramine-rich foods in conjunction with monoamine oxidase inhibitors. The possibility that tyramine acts directly as a neurotransmitter was revealed by the discovery of a G protein-coupled receptor with high affinity for tyramine, called TAAR. It exhibits sympathomimetic effects by causing the release of endogenic norepinephrine. It has been used in mydriatic eyedrops. This has been said to reduce the intraocular pressure in rabbits and in some patients with open-angle glaucoma.

1-[2-Amino-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl]cyclohexanol (N,N-didesmethylvenlafaxine, also known as Venlafaxine EP Impurity C) is an intermediate in the synthesis of N,O-Didesmethylvenlafaxine and a metabolite of Venlafaxine, a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI).