Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI)
Venlafaxine in Japan: prescription, brands, pricing
This page summarises the situation of Venlafaxine in Japan under PMDA (Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency): prescription status, available brands and generics, pharmacy dispensing, and online options in JPY. Venlafaxine belongs to the Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) class.
- Regulator
- PMDA (Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency)
- Currency
- JPY
About Venlafaxine
Venlafaxine is approved for major depressive disorder, generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder and panic disorder. Japan classifies medicines into prescription drugs (医療用医薬品) and OTC drugs (一般用医薬品), the latter further divided into pharmacist-only (第1類) and self-service classes. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) sets the regulatory framework; PMDA reviews safety and efficacy.
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 Japan
In Japan, Venlafaxine is typically dispensed as one internationally recognised brand along with their corresponding authorised generics. Japanese pharmacies (薬局) and drugstores (ドラッグストア) such as Matsumoto Kiyoshi and Welcia are widespread. Prescription dispensing pharmacies (調剤薬局) are usually located near hospitals and clinics; pharmacist counselling at dispensing is mandated by the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law. Brand-to-generic substitution is decided by the pharmacist under local PMDA (Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency) equivalence rules, and the price difference in JPY is usually substantial.
Online and tele-prescribing access
Japan permits online sale of most OTC medicines under the 2014 amendments to the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law, with class-based restrictions. Online prescription dispensing is allowed via licensed pharmacies after a face-to-face or telemedicine consultation; personal importation of prescription medication is restricted to limited quantities for personal use. For Venlafaxine specifically, the legal online options in Japan depend on its Rx-or-OTC classification under PMDA (Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency).
Frequently asked questions
Is Venlafaxine available in Japan? ▾
Yes — Venlafaxine and its brands are available in Japan through pharmacies authorised by PMDA (Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency), 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 Japan? ▾
Japan classifies medicines into prescription drugs (医療用医薬品) and OTC drugs (一般用医薬品), the latter further divided into pharmacist-only (第1類) and self-service classes. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) sets the regulatory framework; PMDA reviews safety and efficacy. The exact status of Venlafaxine (Rx or OTC) is determined by PMDA (Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency); 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 Japan? ▾
The price in JPY 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 Japan
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.