Used as an antidepressant for the treatment of major depressive disorder. It functions by increasing the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which helps improve mood and relieve symptoms of depression. It is also used to manage menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes in some cases. The extended-release formulation allows for once-daily dosing, improving patient compliance. Commonly prescribed when other antidepressants are not effective or cause intolerable side effects.