Clinical relevance of venlafaxine ER for generalized anxiety disorder

A randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled study by Otsubo et al. demonstrated a statistically significant effect of venlafaxine in patients with generalized anxiety disorder. However, the magnitude of improvement may have little clinical value. Methodological factors—including the exclusion of placebo responders, the inclusion of participants with comorbid depressive disorders, and a higher rate of discontinuation due to adverse events—further diminish the clinical significance of the findings. Overall, although venlafaxine achieved statistical efficacy, it may lack a clinically meaningful risk–benefit balance.