It is metabolized in the body into desvenlafaxine which has been relatively recently developed in itself for the treatment of depression.[3] Venlafaxine has an elimination half-life (t1/2) of just 5 hours, and its active metabolite, desvenlafaxine, has a half-life of 11 hours.[3] Consequently it would normally require to be dosed two or three times daily but most formulations marketed in the developed world release the drug more slowly (these formulations are called controlled release [CR], extended release [XR], modified release or sustained release [SR]), hence allowing once-daily dosing.[2] Due to its short half-life withdrawal effects are seen significantly sooner than with the SSRIs (as these agents have a half-life of >17 hours).[3]
↑de Silva, VA; Hanwella, R (January 2012). "Efficacy and tolerability of venlafaxine versus specific serotonin reuptake inhibitors in treatment of major depressive disorder: a meta-analysis of published studies.". International Clinical Psychopharmacology27 (1): 8–16. PMID21971532. doi:10.1097/YIC.0b013e32834ce13f.
↑ 2.02.12.2Brayfield, A, ed. (13 December 2013). "Venlafaxine Hydrochloride". Martindale: The Complete Drug Reference. London, UK: Pharmaceutical Press. Retrieved 11 October 2014.
↑ 3.03.13.2Brunton, LL; Chabner, BA; Knollmann, BC, ed. (2010). Goodman & Gilman's Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. (12th ed.). New York, USA: McGraw-Hill Professional. ISBN9780071624428.