Review: venlafaxine is more effective than selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors for depression.

M a i n r e s u l t s 32 studies (5562 patients) were included. Sample sizes ranged from 28 to 382 patients (mean 179 patients). The length of follow-up ranged from 4 to 48 weeks (mean 10 wk). When studies were pooled, the mean severity of depressive symptoms was lower for venlafaxine than for other antidepressants (Table). When grouped by drug class, venlafaxine was more effective than selectiveserotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) but did not differ from tricyclic agents (TCAs) or other drugs (Table). A similar treatment effect was seen for response and remission rates (Table). Venlafaxine did not differ from other antidepressants for total dropout rates.