Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI)
Venlafaxine in Brazil: prescription, brands, pricing
This page summarises the situation of Venlafaxine in Brazil under ANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária): prescription status, available brands and generics, pharmacy dispensing, and online options in BRL. Venlafaxine belongs to the Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) class.
- Regulator
- ANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária)
- Currency
- BRL
About Venlafaxine
Venlafaxine is approved for major depressive disorder, generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder and panic disorder. Brazil uses tarja vermelha (red stripe — prescription only) and tarja preta (black stripe — controlled) labels for prescription medication. Many other medications are free-sale at pharmacies.
Mechanism and action
Venlafaxine inhibits the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine at the synapse, with a dose-dependent profile: at low doses (≤75mg) it acts mainly on serotonin like an SSRI, while at higher doses (150mg+) the norepinephrine effect be…
Brands and generics in Brazil
In Brazil, Venlafaxine is typically dispensed as one internationally recognised brand along with their corresponding authorised generics. Brazilian farmácias and drogarias range from major chains (Drogasil, Pacheco, RaiaDrogasil) to small independents. Pharmacist counsel is common but less central than in Europe. Brand-to-generic substitution is decided by the pharmacist under local ANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária) equivalence rules, and the price difference in BRL is usually substantial.
Online and tele-prescribing access
Online pharmacy is well-developed in Brazil through chain platforms; ANVISA-licensed channels handle Rx medication with verified prescriptions, while informal online sales of Rx are illegal but exist. For Venlafaxine specifically, the legal online options in Brazil depend on its Rx-or-OTC classification under ANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária).
Frequently asked questions
Is Venlafaxine available in Brazil? ▾
Yes — Venlafaxine and its brands are available in Brazil through pharmacies authorised by ANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária), in various strengths depending on the commercial product. Authorised generics offer a lower-cost alternative with the same active substance.
Do I need a prescription for Venlafaxine in Brazil? ▾
Brazil uses tarja vermelha (red stripe — prescription only) and tarja preta (black stripe — controlled) labels for prescription medication. Many other medications are free-sale at pharmacies. The exact status of Venlafaxine (Rx or OTC) is determined by ANVISA (Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária); most active ingredients in the Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) class require prescription, although there are exceptions by country and formulation.
How much does Venlafaxine cost in Brazil? ▾
The price in BRL depends on the manufacturer (brand vs authorised generic), the strength and the pack size. Generics are typically substantially cheaper than brands and serve as the economic reference for ongoing use.
Products with Venlafaxine in Brazil
Venlafaxine in other countries
The information on this website is provided for reference and educational purposes only. It does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.