The treatment of depression with different formulations of venlafaxine: a comparative analysis
by
Olver JS, Burrows GD, Norman TR.
Department of Psychiatry,
University of Melbourne,
Austin Hospital, Heidelberg,
Victoria, Australia.
Hum Psychopharmacol. 2004 Jan;19(1):9-16

ABSTRACT

Venlafaxine is the first of a group of antidepressants that show dual reuptake inhibition of serotonin and noradrenaline (SNRIs). Originally marketed in an immediate release (IR) formulation a microencapsulated, extended release (XR) formulation is now available. Significant differences exist between these two formulations with respect to pharmacokinetic parameters which have an impact on clinical use. The XR has lower maximum plasma concentrations (C(max)) and achieves these at a later time (higher T(max)). The longer apparent elimination half-life of the drug after single XR doses suggests that it is suitable for once daily dosing compared with the twice daily dosing regimen required by the IR formulation. With respect to antidepressant efficacy the XR formulation is equivalent to other marketed antidepressants and to the IR formulation. Consistent with its pharmacokinetic properties the use of the XR formulation is associated with less nausea and dizziness at the initiation of therapy. While in clinical usage XR might be expected to increase compliance with medication and to reduce discontinuation syndromes there are few comparative studies for which this has been evaluated. The XR formulation of venlafaxine is no worse than the IR form with respect to tolerability and offers some benefits to patients in terms of ease of use. On the other hand there does not appear to be any increase in the efficacy of the active agent.

Options
Venlafaxine v SSRIs
Venlafaxine compared
Venlafaxine v fluoxetine
High-dose venlafaxine XL
Venlafaxine pharmacology
Venlafaxine plus bupropion
Venlafaxine and depression
Venlafaxine and neuropeptides
Venlafaxine and major depression
Venlafaxine for depressive cocaine users
Venlafaxine (Effexor) v clomipramine for OCD
Venlafaxine for treatment-resistant depression
Venlafaxine, emotional processing and the brain
Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq): another "Me Too" drug?
Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq) to treat major depression
Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq): efficacy, safety, and tolerability
February 2008: FDA licenses antidepressant desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)

Refs
and further reading

HOME
HedWeb
Nootropics
cocaine.wiki
Future Opioids
BLTC Research
MDMA/Ecstasy
Superhapiness?
Utopian Surgery?
The Abolitionist Project
The Hedonistic Imperative
The Reproductive Revolution
Critique of Huxley's Brave New World

The Good Drug Guide
The Responsible Parent's Guide
To Healthy Mood Boosters For All The Family