Systematic Review of Extended Release Venlafaxine in the Treatment of Depression in China.

OBJECTIVE: To understand the study status of Extended Release Venlafaxine (Venlafaxine ER) in the treatment of depression and its efficacy in China. METHODS: 8 papers on Venlafaxine ER treatment of depression were indexed and reviewed with evidence-based medicine method. RESULTS: 7 of 8 studies were RCT. The effect size of Venlafaxine ER in the treatment of depression at the end of week 2 was more significant than that of SSRIs (Z = -2.17, P < 0.05), and the effect size of anxiolytics at the end of week 1 was more significant than that of SSRIs (Z = -2.13, P < 0.05). The rates of significant improvement (76.9% vs. 60.7%, χ² = 9.93, P < 0.01) and remission (33.0% vs. 20.6%, χ² = 5.56, P < 0.01) of comorbid anxiety in Venlafaxine ER group were both significantly higher than those in SSRIs groups. No difference of side effects was found. CONCLUSION: Venlafaxine ER is an effective antidepressant that has special effects on depression comorbid with anxiety. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)