Sustained release formulations containing venlafaxine

摘要

Described is a 24 hour extended release dosage formulation and unit dosage form thereof of venlafaxine hydrochloride, an antidepressant. The formulation provides better control of blood plasma levels than conventional tablet formulations which must be administered two or more times a day and further provides a lower incidence of nausea and vomiting than the conventional tablets. In its primary aspect, an improved core of the extended release spheroids is provided. This core is comprised of venlafaxine hydrochloride and microcrystalline cellulose, that is, without the addition of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose.