Once-daily venlafaxine extended release (XR) and venlafaxine immediate release (IR) in outpatients with major depression.

This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled comparison of the efficacy and safety of once-daily venlafaxine extended release (XR) and venlafaxine immediate release (IR). Outpatients with major depression were randomly assigned to venlafaxine XR, 75 mg once daily, venlafaxine IR, 37.5 mg twice daily, or placebo for a maximum of 12 wks. The primary efficacy variables were the 21-item Hamilton Depression (HAM-D) Rating Scale total score and depressed mood item, the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) total scores, and the Clinical Global Impressions (CGI) severity scale. 278 patients were evaluated for efficacy. Venlafaxine XR was significantly superior to placebo beginning at week 2 for the HAM-D, week 3 for the MADRS, and week 4 for the CGI severity. Similarly, venlafaxine IR was significantly superior to placebo beginning at week 2 on the HAM-D total and depressed mood item, week 3 on the MADRS total, and week 6 on the CGI severity scales. Venlafaxine XR exhibited superiority over venlafaxine IR at week 12 for all efficacy variables. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved)