Venlafaxine XR in the treatment of anxiety.
OBJECTIVE
To present the results of numerous studies that assessed the efficacy, safety and tolerability of venlafaxine extended release (XR) in treating anxiety disorders, particularly generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).


METHODS
Efficacy was assessed with the Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety, Clinical Global Impressions scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale and other instruments. Standard safety and tolerability assessments were used.


RESULTS
In four placebo-controlled trials, venlafaxine XR was effective and well tolerated in patients with GAD. Several additional smaller studies found venlafaxine XR effective in treating anxiety associated with social phobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder and panic disorder.


CONCLUSIONS
Venlafaxine XR has both short- and long-term efficacy and tolerability in treating symptoms of long-term anxiety and comorbid anxiety and depression, and in achieving remission in GAD patients. These characteristics, combined with early onset of anxiolytic action and dose response effect, make it a logical choice for treating anxiety occurring alone or comorbidly with depression.
Hackett
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Central Nervous System, Clinical Research and Development, Wyeth-Ayerst Research, Paris, France.
D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015897:Comorbidity; D003511:Cyclohexanols / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000069470:Venlafaxine Hydrochloride
D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; D003511:Cyclohexanols; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D000069470:Venlafaxine Hydrochloride