Achieving remission from depression with venlafaxine and venlafaxine extended release: a literature review of comparative studies with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

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Abstract
Objective: To evaluate data supporting the ability of venlafaxine, an antidepressant with a dual mechanism of action, to produce remission from depression. Method: Review of multicentre, double‐blind, randomized studies comparing venlafaxine or venlafaxine extended release (XR) with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), using Hamilton Depression Rating Scale total scores in the range of ≤7 and <10 as the final outcome measure, to evaluate the ability of venlafaxine/venlafaxine XR to produce full remission from depression. Results: Venlafaxine/venlafaxine XR demonstrated higher rates of remission than did the SSRIs and placebo. Conclusion: With full remission rather than response as the measure of outcome, venlafaxine/venlafaxine XR demonstrated more robust antidepressant efficacy than the SSRIs and placebo. This finding suggests that venlafaxine/venlafaxine XR are appropriate standard‐of‐care therapies for the treatment of patients with major depressive disorder.