Efficacy of once-daily venlafaxine extended release (XR) for symptoms of anxiety in depressed outpatients

The effects of once-daily venlafaxine extended release (XR) 75–225 mg/day on symptoms of anxiety in depressed outpatients were assessed in two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. In study 1, venlafaxine XR was significantly ( p≤0.05) more effective than placebo by week 4 in relieving anxiety symptoms among patients with moderate or greater anxiety (anxiety-psychic item score ≥2) at baseline. Among patients with severe (anxiety-psychic item score ≥3) anxiety, venlafaxine XR was significantly ( p≤0.05) more effective than placebo beginning at week 6. In study 2, among patients with moderate or greater anxiety (score ≥2) at baseline, a significant reduction ( p≤0.05–≤0.001) in HAM-D anxiety-psychic item scores was noted with venlafaxine XR compared with placebo from weeks 1 to 8. Among patients with severe anxiety (score ≥3) at baseline, venlafaxine XR produced a significant reduction ( p≤0.05–≤0.001) in the anxiety-psychic item score compared with placebo from weeks 1 to 8. Discontinuation for adverse events occurred in 11% of patients on venlafaxine XR, and the most common adverse events were nausea, dizziness, insomnia, somnolence and dry mouth. These results indicate that once-daily venlafaxine XR is effective for the treatment of anxiety symptoms associated with major depression in doses ranging from 75 to 225 mg/day.