Venlafaxine XR in the treatment of anxiety

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).

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.

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.

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.