TUESDAY, Feb. 11, 2003 (HealthDayNews) -- Pfizer's Zoloft -- among the most widely prescribed treatments for depression and anxiety in the United States -- has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for long-term treatment of social anxiety disorder, the company reports.
In clinical trials involving more than 600 people, Zoloft proved effective in treating the symptoms of social anxiety disorder, including intense fear and avoidance of social situations. People with the disorder may have few friendships, experience trouble dating, be less likely to marry, suffer from low self-esteem, and have feelings of inferiority.
Some 53 percent of clinical trial participants responded to treatment with the drug, versus 29 percent who responded to a non-medicinal placebo. Patients enrolled in the study had the disorder, also known as social phobia, for an average of about 20 years, the company says.
Zoloft, approved by the FDA for depression more than a decade ago, also is approved for conditions including posttraumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Typical side effects include trouble sleeping, dry mouth, sexual side effects, and fatigue.
Here is Pfizer's press release announcing the approval. To learn more about social anxiety disorder, visit the National Institute of Mental Health.
