The guidance, originally published in December 2004, has been updated following safety advice issued by the MHRA on the prescription of venlafaxine.

The main changes to the anxiety guideline are on the use of pharmacological therapy and the considerations that need to be made before prescribing venlafaxine if appropriate. The main changes to the depression guideline are on the use of antidepressants especially in patients with cardiovascular disease and the special considerations that need to be taken into account when switching treatment to venlafaxine.

Mercia Page, NICE clinical practice centre director, said: 'Both anxiety and depression are common conditions which can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life. It is important that we amend our guidance to ensure that each guideline remains relevant and useful to healthcare professionals, patients and carers.'

The guidance in available on the NICE website.

MIMS links
Anxiety
Depression, other affective disorders