VENLAFAXINE IN SOCIAL PHOBIA

: Social phobia is a prevalent anxiety disorder with potentially significant dysfunction and a high rate of comorbid depression. Treatment with an antidepressant is often indicated. Venlafaxine's dual activity at both serotonin and norepinephrine transporters suggests that it might be efficacious in treating social phobia, particularly in patients who do not respond to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This report describes an open-label trial of venlafaxine in 9 patients with social phobia. Eight patients had previously been treated with an SSRI and had either been unable to tolerate the medication or failed to respond to it. Eight patients had a marked improvement on venlafaxine. The results from this chart review suggest that venlafaxine may be a valuable treatment for social phobia. Clearly, larger double-blind placebo-controlled studies are needed. Patients with social phobia may do better with a starting dose smaller than the one in the package insert.