Venlafaxine extended release (ER) in the treatment of generalised anxiety disorder: twenty-four-week placebo-controlled dose-ranging study

Br J Psychiatry. 2001 Jul:179:15-22. doi: 10.1192/bjp.179.1.15.

Abstract

Background: Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) has received less study than other anxiety disorders, particularly its long-term treatment.

Aims: To assess the efficacy and safety of venlafaxine extended release (ER) in patients with GAD.

Method: A total of 541 out-patients, 18-86 years old, were recruited to this 24-week, placebo-controlled, double-blind study of three fixed doses (37.5, 75 and 150 mg/day) of venlafaxine ER.

Results: All doses of venlafaxine ER showed efficacy superior to placebo, apparent from week 2, that was sustained throughout the 24-week study for the two higher doses. The discontinuation rate did not differ significantly among the treatment groups.

Conclusions: Venlafaxine ER is an effective and safe treatment for GAD for up to 6 months.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / administration & dosage*
  • Anxiety Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Chronic Disease
  • Cyclohexanols / administration & dosage*
  • Delayed-Action Preparations
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Venlafaxine Hydrochloride

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation
  • Cyclohexanols
  • Delayed-Action Preparations
  • Venlafaxine Hydrochloride