Depression in primary care: effectiveness of venlafaxine extended-release in elderly patients; Observational study.

Depression in the elderly is frequent but is often not recognized or treated as such. Few studies have assessed the effectiveness and tolerability of venlafaxine extended-release in patients over 60 years in primary care. This study aims to demonstrate the effectiveness and safety of venlafaxine extended-release in depressive disorders in this kind of population. Observational, multicenter and prospective study in an outpatient population over 60 years with depressive symptoms that needs pharmacological treatment and with a minimum score of 14 on the 17-items Hamilton rating scale for depression (HAM-D17). Effectiveness was assessed by HAM-D17. Physician's assessment of the patient's global status was also used and all the possible adverse effects were recorded. Venlafaxine extended-release was administered for 6 months at 75 mg per day dose, with the possibility of going up to 150 mg per day according to clinical criterion. Data of 1214 patients were obtained, with remission rates (HAM-D17 </= 7) in 70.2% of the patients and response rates (50% decrease in HAM-D17) of 83.2%. Global assessment of the patient's status significantly improved in each visit. After 6 months of treatment, 87.6% of the patients continued taking 75 mg per day of venlafaxine extended release. A total of 4.6% of the patients reported adverse events during the study. Venlafaxine extended-release is effective and safe for the treatment of depression in elderly patients managed by primary care physicians.