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 less than or equal to 0.05) more effective than placebo by week 4 in relieving anxiety symptoms among patients with moderate or greater anxiety (anxiety-psychic item score greater than or equal to 2) at baseline. Among patients with severe (anxiety-psychic item score greater than or equal to 3) anxiety, venlafaxine XR was significantly (p less than or equal to 0.05) more effective than placebo beginning at week 6. In study 2, among patients with moderate or greater anxiety (score greater than or equal to 2) at baseline, a significant reduction (p less than or equal to 0.05 - less than or equal to 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 greater than or equal to 3) at baseline, venlafaxine XR produced a significant reduction (p less than or equal to 0.05 - less than or equal to 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. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.