Venlafaxine in the treatment of anxiety disorders.
Venlafaxine extended-release (Effexor XR, Wyeth-Ayerst Co.) is a novel, dual acting serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor antidepressant, which inhibits the synaptic reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine. Controlled trials have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of venlafaxine in the treatment of anxiety disorders including social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Generally well-tolerated with side effects that usually abate with continued treatment, venlafaxine is an important alternative to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for patients with anxiety disorders.
Katzman
Martin
M
University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. mkatzman@startclinic.ca
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology*; D003511:Cyclohexanols / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000069470:Venlafaxine Hydrochloride
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D003511:Cyclohexanols; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; D000069470:Venlafaxine Hydrochloride