VENLAFAXINE

What is venlafaxine (Effexor)?

Most used for anxiety and depression, venlafaxine belongs to a class of medication called serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Serotonin is a molecule in the body that aids in mood, sexual desire, sleep, digestion, wound healing, bone health, and blood clotting [1]. It is often referred to in psychology as the “happy” chemical. Norepinephrine is thought to play a role in the body’s stress response and helps to regulate sleep, alertness, and blood pressure [2]. In conditions like depression and anxiety, the brain is dealing with an imbalance of chemicals such as serotonin and norepinephrine. SNRIs, like venlafaxine, keep serotonin and norepinephrine in a space where they can readily be used for bodily processes. 

How can venlafaxine help with long-COVID?

In those diagnosed with long-COVID, many suffer from “brain fog”; decreased cognitive acuity, memory deficits, poor focus, reduced ability to multitask, and reduced concentration [2]. The proposed reason is that during a COVID-19 infection, the body’s immune response becomes activated, causing heavy amounts of inflammation.  This inflammation affects the central nervous system (CNS), brain, and spinal cord. To combat this problem, researchers have turned to already existing medication therapies in the hopes they may be able to help decrease “brain fog” symptoms. Although studies have been completed in humans regarding venlafaxine’s effect in long-COVID, lab data has shown promise.

Serotonin and norepinephrine have been shown to have an effect against viral inflammation by blocking certain viruses (like HIV-1) into the cells. In addition, they can decrease cytokine production, promoting the immune response [3]. Since serotonin and norepinephrine possess anti-inflammatory properties and may inhibit viral activity, venlafaxine could be an option for treating long-COVID. Venlafaxine keeps these chemicals around longer in the body to perform their functions; therefore, if they are active longer, the immune response and symptoms of depression may decrease.

Further research needs to be conducted in clinical trials to assess the effectiveness of venlafaxine for treating long-COVID; however, for symptom management of depression, venlafaxine may be an option for patients.

References

¹https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22572-serotonin

²https://americanaddictioncenters.org/antidepressants-guide/ndris

³https://www.medtextpublications.com/open-access/long-covid-is-there-a-role-for-antidepressants-1249.pdf