Abstract
In this review paper, pharmacological and c1inical properties of venlafaxine, the first selective serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor were presented. High c1inical efficacy of venlafaxine in the treatment of depression was proved in numerous studies using placebo and reference drugs. Venlafaxine is effective in broad spectrum of depressions inc1uding severe and drug resistant depression as well as in prophylaxis of depressive recurrences. Rapid increasing of venlafaxine dose accelerates the onset of c1inical response. Venlafaxine is well tolerated by depressive patients. The drug exerts limited effect on the enzymes of cytochrome P-450. The risk of interaction of venlafaxine with other drugs concerns mainly monoamine oxidase inhibitors.