Which medication can be used to treat both anxiety and depression?

Venlafaxine is an antidepressant that belongs to the class of serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It is commonly prescribed for the treatment of major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and social anxiety disorder. Its dual action on both serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake makes it effective for managing symptoms of both anxiety and depression.

On the other hand, clozapine is an antipsychotic mainly used to treat schizophrenia and is not indicated for anxiety or depression. Topiramate is primarily an anticonvulsant used for epilepsy and migraine prevention, and while it can have off-label uses, it does not directly target anxiety and depression. Phenytoin, another anticonvulsant, is used to manage seizures and has no indications for treating anxiety or depression. Therefore, venlafaxine stands out as the medication specifically effective for both conditions.