Venlafaxine extended-release in patients older than 80 years with depressive syndrome

Abstract

Venlafaxine ER was shown to be an effective and safe drug for the treatment of very elderly primary care patients with depressive syndrome and associated anxiety symptoms.

The Cardiovascular Effects of Newer Antidepressants in Older Adults and Those With or At High Risk for Cardiovascular Diseases

“…However, changes in ECG were not measured. On the other hand, other 6month open label trials of 75-225 mg/day ER in 59 older adults aged 60-92 years and 97 older adults aged 80-90 years old did not demonstrate a change in blood pressure or heart rate 31,32 . But again, ECGs were not evaluated in these studies.…”

Medically serious adverse effects of newer antidepressants

“…No significant changes in blood pressure or heart rate were observed in these patients after completion of 24 weeks of treatment [13]. In another small, open-label study of venlafaxine in 62 community-dwelling older adult patients with major depressive disorder (mean age, 75 years), a mean dose of 196 mg/d was used [14].…”

Pharmacological treatment of neuropathic pain in older persons

“…In a recent observational, naturalistic, multicenter, prospective, open-label study of 97 patients older than 80 years with depressive syndrome, extended-release venlafaxine was found to be safe and effective (Baca et al 2006). At baseline, 90.7% of the patients had additional medical conditions and 83.5% were receiving concomitant medications.…”

“…Treatment with venlafaxine over 24 weeks did not produce any clinically signifi cant changes in blood pressure, heart rate or other variables such as weight. Baca et al (2006) suggest that venlafaxine is particularly useful in the treatment of the elderly due to a low potential for drug-drug interaction. This study provides valuable information because the study sample more accurately refl ects the typical elderly population.…”