Venlafaxine extended-release capsules in panic disorder: flexible-dose, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Background: Venlafaxine extended-release (ER) has proven efficacy in the treatment of anxiety symptoms in major depression, generalised anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder.

Aims: To evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of venlafaxine ER in treating panic disorder.

Method: Adult out-patients (n=361) with panic disorder were randomly assigned to receive venlafaxine ER (75-225 mg/day) or placebo for up to 10 weeks in a double-blind study.

Results: Venlafaxine ER was not associated with a greater proportion of patients free from full-symptom panic attacks at the final on-therapy evaluation, but was associated with lower mean panic attack frequency and a higher proportion free from limited-symptom panic attacks, higher response and remission rates, and improvements in anticipatory anxiety, fear and avoidance. Adverse events were comparable with those of the drug in depression and anxiety disorders.

Conclusions: Venlafaxine ER seems to be effective and well tolerated in the short-term treatment of panic disorder.