Clinical relevance of venlafaxine ER for generalized anxiety disorder

A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study by Otsubo et al. demonstrated a statistically significant effect of venlafaxine in patients with generalized anxiety disorder. However, the magnitude of improvement may have little clinical value. Methodological factors-including the exclusion of placebo responders, the inclusion of participants with comorbid depressive disorders, and a higher rate of discontinuation due to adverse events-further diminish the clinical significance of the findings. Overall, although venlafaxine achieved statistical efficacy, it may lack a clinically meaningful risk-benefit balance.