This pooled analysis compared the efficacy of venlafaxine extended-release (XR) versus placebo in the treatment of social anxiety disorder (SAD).

Data were pooled from 5 randomized studies of patients with Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) SAD (N=1459) who were treated with venlafaxine XR 75 mg/d to 225 mg/d or placebo for 12 weeks (4 studies) or 28 weeks (1 study). Response and remission rates were calculated for the overall sample, as well as stratified by gender and level of physical symptom severity at baseline. Response was defined as a score of 1 or 2 on the Clinical Global Impressions–Improvement (CGI-I) scale. Remission was defined as a total score of <30 on the Leibowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS).

At baseline the mean LSAS score was 88.1 and 86.6 for the venlafaxine and placebo arms, respectively. Overall response rates at week 12 were 55% for venlafaxine XR and 33% for placebo (P<0.0001); remission rates were 25% and 12%, respectively (P<0.0001). Among patients with less severe physical symptoms, response rates were 52% and 32% for venlafaxine XR and placebo, respectively (P<0.0001); remission rates were 27% and 14%, respectively (P<0.0001). Response rates among patients with more severe physical symptoms were 56% for venlafaxine XR and 33% for placebo (P<0.0001); remission rates were 24% and 11%, respectively (P<0.0001).

Venlafaxine XR is effective in the treatment of SAD, regardless of gender or severity of physical symptoms.