Venlafaxine extended-release capsules in panic disorder: flexible-dose, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
BACKGROUND
Venlafaxine extended-release (ER) has proven efficacy in the treatment of anxiety symptoms in major depression, generalised anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of venlafaxine ER in treating panic disorder.


METHODS
Adult out-patients (n=361) with panic disorder were randomly assigned to receive venlafaxine ER (75-225 mg/day) or placebo for up to 10 weeks in a double-blind study.


RESULTS
Venlafaxine ER was not associated with a greater proportion of patients free from full-symptom panic attacks at the final on-therapy evaluation, but was associated with lower mean panic attack frequency and a higher proportion free from limited-symptom panic attacks, higher response and remission rates, and improvements in anticipatory anxiety, fear and avoidance. Adverse events were comparable with those of the drug in depression and anxiety disorders.


CONCLUSIONS
Venlafaxine ER seems to be effective and well tolerated in the short-term treatment of panic disorder.
Bradwejn
Jacques
J
University of Ottawa Institute of Mental Health Research, Royal Ottawa Hospital, 1145 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1Z 7K4. jbradwej@rohcg.on.ca
Ahokas
Antti
A
Stein
Dan J
DJ
Salinas
Eliseo
E
Emilien
Gerard
G
Whitaker
Timothy
T
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001007:Anxiety / Q000188:drug therapy; D002214:Capsules; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D003511:Cyclohexanols / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000379:methods; D005239:Fear / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016584:Panic Disorder / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D010349:Patient Compliance; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000069470:Venlafaxine Hydrochloride
D002214:Capsules; D002784:Cholesterol; D003511:Cyclohexanols; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; D000069470:Venlafaxine Hydrochloride