Venlafaxine loaded chitosan NPs for brain targeting: Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic evaluation

► The chitosan nanoparticles significantly increased the permeation of drug through nasal mucosa. ► The chitosan nanoparticles improved the parameters of pharmacodynamic studies in depressed rats. ► Nose to brain delivery of chitosan nanoparticles was shown by confocal laser scanning microscopy. ► The higher drug targeting efficiency and nose to brain direct transport percentage of chitosan nanoparticles suggest better brain targeting efficiency. ► The chitosan nanoparticles could be a promising approach for nose to brain delivery of venlafaxine.