The short- and long-term effect of duloxetine on painful physical symptoms in patients with generalized anxiety disorder: results from three clinical trials.
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is associated with painful physical symptoms (PPS). These post hoc analyses of previous trial data assessed PPS and their response to duloxetine treatment in GAD patients. Studies 1 and 2 (n=840) were 9- to 10-week efficacy trials; study 3 (n=887) was a relapse prevention trial comprising a 26-week open-label treatment phase and a 26-week double-blind, placebo-controlled treatment continuation phase. Mean baseline visual analog scale scores (VAS, 0-100; n=1727) ranged from 26 to 37 for overall pain, headache, back pain, shoulder pain, interference with daily activities, and time in pain while awake. In studies 1 and 2, improvement on all VAS scores was greater in duloxetine-treated than in placebo-treated patients (p<or=0.01). In study 3, pain symptoms worsened in responders switched to placebo compared with those maintained on duloxetine (p<or=0.02). In conclusion, duloxetine was efficacious in the short- and long-term treatment of PPS, which are common in GAD patients.
Beesdo
Katja
K
Technische Universitaet Dresden, Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Dresden, Germany. Katja.Beesdo@tu-dresden.de
Hartford
James
J
Russell
James
J
Spann
Melissa
M
Ball
Susan
S
Wittchen
Hans-Ulrich
HU
D000328:Adult; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D000068736:Duloxetine Hydrochloride; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000187:drug effects; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D013876:Thiophenes / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D013876:Thiophenes; D000068736:Duloxetine Hydrochloride