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

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.