OBJECTIVE: To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of venlafaxine in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder（ GAD）. METHODS: Database of PubMed

EMBase

the Cochrane Library

CBM

Wanfang

CNKI and VIP were retrieved for randomized controlled trials（ the intervening measure of research group was venlafaxine or venlafaxine sustained-release for single-drug therapy

the intervening measure of control group was other drugs or placebo for treatment） on venlafaxine in the treatment of GAD

the searching time limited from base-building to Oct. 2019

and the references of involved studies were retrospected. After two researchers conducted literature screening

data extraction

quality evaluation and cross-check according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria

RevMan 5. 20 was adopted to carry out Meta-analysis on various indicators. RESULTS: Totally 16 studies were involved

including 3 662 patients with GAD. Results of Meta-analysis indicated in terms of effective rate

venlafaxine in the treatment of GAD was significantly higher than that of the placebo

with statistically significant difference（ RR =1. 26

95% CI = 1. 07-1. 49

P = 0. 006）; venlafaxine had same effective rate as positive drugs

and the difference had no statistical significance（ RR = 0. 97

95% CI = 0. 90-1. 05

P = 0. 5）. In terms of reducing HAMA score

venlafaxine had significantly better effect than placebo

with statistically significant difference（ MD =-1. 44

95% CI =-2. 52--0. 36

P = 0. 009）; venlafaxine had same effect as positive drugs

and the difference had no statistical significance（ MD= 0. 06

95% CI =-0. 46-0. 58

P = 0. 81）. In terms of common adverse drug reactions

except for same incidence of headache

the incidences of insomnia

thirsty

constipation

nausea and dizziness caused by venlafaxine were significantly higher than those of placebo

with statistically significant differences（ P < 0. 05）; the incidence of nausea caused by venlafaxine was significantly higher than that of positive drugs

and the incidence of dizziness was significantly lower than that of positive drugs

with statistically significant differences（ P < 0. 05）

the incidences of insomnia

thirsty

constipation

vomiting and headache caused by venlafaxine were equivalent to those of positive drugs

the differences had no statistical significance（ P > 0. 05）. CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy of venlafaxine in the treatment of GAD is remarkable

with high safety. Limited by the number and quality of involved studies

the above conclusions still need to be verified by more high-quality studies.